What Toppings Go on Carnitas? (13 Tasty Toppings)

If you’re looking for some delicious toppings to add to your carnitas, then you’ve come to the right place.

Carnitas are a traditional Mexican dish made with slow-cooked pork, and they are absolutely delicious.

But what makes them even better is adding some amazing toppings.

I’m sharing 13 of my favorite carnitas toppings including fresh salsa, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and more.

So if you’re looking for some delicious ways to enjoy your carnitas, then be sure to check out this list!

See Also: What Salad Goes With Mexican Food?

What Toppings Go on Carnitas?

There are many different types of toppings that go well with carnitas. Some of the most popular toppings include sour cream, salsa, cheese, guacamole, and pico de gallo. For a more traditional carnitas dish, you can also add chopped onions, cilantro, and lime juice.

Still looking for topping ideas?

Then simply keep scrolling!

Here are 13 toppings that go on carnitas:

1. Diced Onion

Onions can be sweet or sour, soft or crisp, and they add a great deal of flavor to carnitas.

They can also be a bit messy, so if you’re serving your carnitas in tortillas, you may want to dice them small or even grate them.

Other toppings that go well with onions on carnitas include cilantro, salsa, and guacamole.

For an extra special treat, you could top your carnitas with a fried egg.

2. Chopped Fresh Cilantro

Fresh cilantro tastes pungent, lemony, and a little peppery, and it’s the perfect finishing touch for carnitas.

The herb’s bright flavor pairs well with the rich, fatty pork, and it also adds a nice pop of color.

For an extra special treat, you could top these carnitas with some crumbled queso fresco or Cotija cheese.

3. Shredded Cabbage

Cabbage is somewhat peppery in flavor, and when shredded, it has a nice, crisp texture.

When topping carnitas with shredded cabbage, you may also want to add some diced onion and cilantro for extra flavor.

A squeeze of lime juice will also brighten up the flavors.

Other herbs and spices that pair well with cabbage include fennel seed, dill, and caraway seed.

As for condiments, you could use a simple vinaigrette, hot sauce, or even sour cream.

4. Thinly Sliced Jalapeno

If you like a bit of heat with your carnitas, then thinly sliced jalapeno is the perfect topping for you.

This topping adds a bit of spice to your dish, while also providing a crunchy texture.

Other toppings that go well with jalapeno include cilantro, diced onion, and salsa.

You could also use guacamole, sour cream, or cheese to cool down the spice.

When it comes to herbs and spices, cumin, chili powder, and paprika all pair well with thinly sliced jalapeno.

5. Salsa

Salsa is a classic topping for carnitas.

It adds a bright, fresh flavor and a bit of acidity that pairs well with the rich, fatty pork.

You can use store-bought salsa, or you can make your own.

To make your own salsa, start by chopping up some fresh tomatoes.

You can also add in some onions, peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste.

If you want a bit more heat, you can also add in some diced jalapeños.

Other toppings you could use on your carnitas include sour cream, cheese, and avocado.

6. Guacamole

I’m sure you’ve tried guacamole in one way or another, whether it be as a party dip or atop your favorite tacos.

But have you ever tried it as a topping for carnitas?

If not, you’re missing out!

Guacamole adds a delicious creaminess to carnitas, as well as a nice contrast in terms of texture.

Plus, the herbs and spices in guacamole pair perfectly with the flavors of carnitas.

So next time you make carnitas, be sure to give guacamole a try.

You can also use other condiments with your carnitas, such as salsa, sour cream, or even cheese.

7. Shredded Cheese

Shredded cheese is a broad category, but for carnitas, you want something that will melt well and taste great.

A good quality mozzarella is always a good choice, but you could also use cheddar, provolone, or even goat cheese.

For a bit of extra flavor, you could also add some Parmesan cheese to the mix.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try a blue cheese.

Other toppings that go well with carnitas and cheese include onions, peppers, mushrooms, and olives.

8. Crumbled Cotija

Crumbled Cotija is an amazing option for carnitas.

The salty, crumbly cheese is the perfect topping for these flavorful pork tacos.

It adds a bit of creaminess and a whole lot of flavor.

Herbs that pair well with Cotija include cilantro, oregano, and chives.

For a bit of heat, you could also add some diced jalapeño peppers.

Condiments that go well with this specific topping include salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

9. Mexican Crema

How about a delicious Mexican crema to top your carnitas?

This topping is similar to sour cream, but it’s thinner in consistency and has a bit of a tangy flavor.

It’s the perfect finishing touch to your carnitas tacos.

Mexican crema is also a great topping for enchiladas, burritos, or even just a bowl of rice and beans.

To make your own Mexican crema, simply combine sour cream, heavy cream, lime juice, and salt in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

You can also add a bit of cumin or chili powder for extra flavor.

10. Sour Cream

It’s hard to go wrong with sour cream as a topping for carnitas.

The rich, creamy flavor pairs well with the savory pork, and the texture is simply heavenly.

If you want to add a bit of extra flavor to your dish, try adding some chopped cilantro, diced onion, or salsa.

For a bit of heat, you could also add some diced jalapeño peppers.

Other condiments that go well with carnitas include guacamole, cheese, and sour cream.

11. Pico De Gallo

Pico de gallo has always been a family favorite in my house.

My mom would make it at least once a week, and we would always fight over who got the last scoop.

Pico de gallo is a fresh and flavorful topping that is perfect for carnitas.

It is made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

You can also add in jalapeños for a bit of spice.

Other toppings that go well with carnitas are sour cream, cheese, and avocado.

12. Refried Beans

Refried beans are known for their creamy texture and savory flavor.

They make a great topping for carnitas, as they help to balance out the richness of the meat.

1. To make your own refried beans, start by cooking some pinto beans until they are soft.
2. Then, mash the beans and add them to a pan with some olive oil, garlic, onion, and spices.
3. Cook the mixture until it is thick and creamy.

You can then top your carnitas with the refried beans, cilantro, diced onion, salsa, guacamole, or any other toppings you love.

13. Lime Juice

If you like a little zing with your carnitas, lime juice is the perfect topping.

The acidity of the lime juice helps to balance out the richness of the carnitas, and it also adds a bit of brightness to the dish.

Other toppings that go well with lime juice on carnitas include cilantro, diced onion, salsa, and guacamole.