Introduction
Pulled Pork Taco & Cups are the perfect addition to your Super Bowl party food lineup! These delicious handheld treats combine tender, smoky pulled pork with crispy taco cups for an irresistible game day snack that will have your guests coming back for seconds. What makes these Pulled Pork Taco & Cups so special is their versatility – they’re easy to prepare ahead of time, customizable with various toppings, and perfect for casual grazing during the big game. When planning your Super Bowl party food ideas, these savory bites should definitely be at the top of your list. They’re portable, mess-free, and packed with flavor – everything you want in game day finger food!
Nutritional Benefits
Before diving into how to make these delicious party snacks, let’s look at their nutritional profile. Pulled pork provides a good source of protein, while the vegetable toppings add essential vitamins and minerals.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
| Potassium | 285mg |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 2 lbs pork shoulder/butt | Main protein | Chicken thighs, beef chuck roast, jackfruit (vegetarian) |
| 2 tbsp brown sugar | Sweetness and caramelization | Honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar |
| 1 tbsp chili powder | Flavor and color | Taco seasoning, paprika blend |
| 1 tbsp smoked paprika | Smoky flavor | Regular paprika + 1 tsp liquid smoke |
| 1 tsp cumin | Earthy flavor | Ground coriander |
| 1 tsp garlic powder | Flavor enhancer | 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced |
| 1 cup chicken broth | Cooking liquid | Beef broth, vegetable broth, water |
| 1/2 cup barbecue sauce | Tanginess and moisture | Enchilada sauce, salsa, tomato sauce |
| 24 wonton wrappers | Taco cups | Corn tortillas, flour tortillas, baked tortilla chips |
| 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend) | Flavor and binding | Cheddar, monterey jack, pepper jack, dairy-free cheese |
| Toppings: diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream | Freshness and texture contrast | Pico de gallo, guacamole, Greek yogurt, pickled jalapeños |
Equipment Needed
– Slow cooker or Instant Pot
– Muffin tin
– Mixing bowls
– Measuring spoons and cups
– Meat claws or two forks for shredding
– Cutting board and knife
– Non-stick cooking spray
– Small cookie scoop or spoon
– Serving platter
Step-by-Step Instructions
For the Pulled Pork:
1. Season the meat: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
2. Prepare the pork: Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and rub the seasoning mixture all over the meat, making sure to cover all surfaces.
3. Cook the pork: Place the seasoned pork in a slow cooker. Pour chicken broth around (not over) the meat. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds.
4. Shred and mix: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred using meat claws or two forks. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid, then return 1/2 cup of the liquid to the shredded pork. Add barbecue sauce and mix well.
For the Taco Cups:
1. Prepare wonton cups: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Press one wonton wrapper into each cavity, creating a cup shape.
2. Pre-bake wrappers: Bake wonton wrappers for 5-7 minutes until they just begin to turn golden at the edges.
3. Fill the cups: Place a tablespoon of shredded cheese at the bottom of each cup, followed by about 2 tablespoons of Pulled Pork Taco & Cups mixture.
4. Bake again: Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are crisp.
5. Add toppings: Let cool for a few minutes, then top with diced tomatoes, avocado chunks, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
6. Serve: Arrange these Super Bowl party food ideas on a large serving platter for easy access during the game.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Soggy cups? Make sure to pre-bake the wonton wrappers before adding fillings. If preparing ahead, keep the fillings and cups separate until just before serving.
– Too dry pork? Add more cooking liquid or barbecue sauce to the shredded meat until you reach your desired consistency.
– Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the pulled pork mixture for guests who enjoy heat.
– Prep ahead: Cook the pulled pork 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavor actually improves with time!
– Crispy cup trick: Spray both the outside and inside of the wonton wrappers with cooking spray before baking for extra crispiness.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Make-ahead pork: The pulled pork can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
– Freezer-friendly: Freeze cooled pulled pork in portioned freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
– Wonton cups: Bake empty wonton cups up to 24 hours ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and ready for filling.
– Leftovers: Store assembled cups in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp up again.
– Repurpose extras: Leftover pulled pork is delicious in sandwiches, quesadillas, nachos, or on top of a baked potato.
Conclusion
These Pulled Pork Taco & Cups are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, but they truly shine as Super Bowl party food ideas. The combination of tender, flavorful pulled pork nestled in crispy wonton cups creates the perfect handheld bite that won’t distract your guests from the game. What makes these particularly great for game day is their versatility – you can prepare most components ahead of time and simply assemble before kickoff. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or feeding a crowd, these flavor-packed bites will satisfy hungry fans without requiring constant trips to the kitchen. Try these Pulled Pork Taco & Cups at your next football viewing party and watch them disappear faster than a touchdown play!
FAQ
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes! Substitute the pork with jackfruit for a plant-based alternative that mimics the texture of pulled pork. Season it the same way and cook until tender.
Q: How many does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes approximately 24 taco cups, which can serve 8-12 people as an appetizer.
Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of wonton wrappers?
A: Absolutely! Cut small corn tortillas into 3-inch rounds and press them into the muffin tin. You’ll need to pre-bake them slightly longer to achieve crispness.
Q: How do I keep the wonton cups from getting soggy?
A: Make sure to pre-bake the wonton cups before adding filling, and drain any excess liquid from the pulled pork mixture.
Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Cook the seasoned pork with the liquid on high pressure for 60 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes before shredding.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Pulled Pork Taco & Cups. Check out my Super Bowl Snacks for more game day inspiration that will make your party the most delicious one on the block!