Name: Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish-American
Ingredients: 2-3 large russet potatoes, washed, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds (about 2 pounds); 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (226 g); 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced; 2 Roma tomatoes, diced; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 medium shallot, diced; 2 green onions, diced

If you're craving a snack that's crispy, cheesy, and loaded with savory bacon bites, you’ve got to try my Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe. Trust me, these baked potato slices are a total game changer and perfect for sharing (or not!).

A black cast iron pan holds a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is golden-brown crispy potato rounds, the middle layer is melted orange cheddar cheese covering the potatoes unevenly, and the top layer is a mix of fresh diced red tomatoes, small bits of crispy bacon, thinly sliced green spring onions, and several green jalapeño rings scattered around. The whole dish is drizzled with thick white sour cream in diagonal lines across the top. The pan sits on a dark wooden table with small wooden bowls of diced tomatoes, green spring onions, and lettuce around it. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first made these Irish Nachos, I was amazed by how simple ingredients turned into such a crave-worthy snack. They’re perfect for game day, a party, or any time you want something a little special!

Crunchy and flavorful: Thinly sliced potatoes bake to golden perfection, giving you that irresistible crisp.
Loaded with toppings: Sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon add a rich, savory punch.
Fresh garnishes: Jalapenos, tomatoes, shallots, and green onions bring brightness and just the right amount of heat.
Simple to make: Ready in about 45 minutes with straightforward steps and common ingredients.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These Irish Nachos get their magic from fresh, quality ingredients. When buying potatoes, go for firm russets for the best crisp. Also, pick sharp cheddar and thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor. Here’s a quick rundown on each ingredient and why I love using them.

Flat lay of large russet potatoes sliced into thin rounds, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl with a mix of kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, a pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, several thick-cut cooked and crumbled bacon slices, one whole jalapeno pepper, two whole Roma tomatoes, a small white bowl of sour cream, one whole medium shallot, and two green onions with fresh green tops, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic dishes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet Potatoes: Their starchy texture crisps up perfectly when baked thinly sliced.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes crisp without overpowering flavor.
Kosher Salt: Key for seasoning and drawing out moisture for crispiness.
Paprika: Adds smoky depth and lovely color.
Garlic Powder: Brings an aromatic punch without fuss.
Black Pepper: Fresh ground for a little heat and complexity.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds tangy richness.
Thick-Cut Bacon: Crispy and savory – the perfect topping.
Jalapeno Pepper: Adds a fresh kick and slight heat.
Roma Tomatoes: Give juicy sweetness and color contrast.
Sour Cream: Cool and creamy for balance.
Shallot: Mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
Green Onions: Fresh crunch and a hint of sharpness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like it spicy, extra cheesy, or with a twist that suits your cravings, feel free to make it truly your own!

Meat-Free Version: I switched out the bacon for sautéed mushrooms and smoked paprika for a smoky depth without the meat. It was so satisfying and perfect for a meatless Monday!
Spicy Kick: Adding extra diced jalapenos and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce takes these nachos to the next level. I love a little heat, so this variation quickly became my go-to for game nights.
Fresh Herb Boost: Toss on some chopped cilantro or parsley along with the green onions for a fresh, bright finish that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon beautifully.
Seasonal Twist: Swap the Roma tomatoes for roasted red peppers in colder months for a smoky sweetness—perfect to cozy up with during fall and winter.
Air Fryer Method: For a quicker, fuss-free approach, air fry your potato slices at 360°F for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Add cheese and bacon, then air fry for another 1-2 minutes until melty. Parchment paper helps keep everything neat and crispy!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe

A white plate holds a single layer of golden brown crispy tortilla chips topped with a thick, melted layer of bright orange cheddar cheese. On top of the cheese are scattered small pieces of red tomatoes, light green chopped scallions, green jalapeño slices, and bits of cooked bacon. White drizzles of sour cream form thin lines across the dish. A woman's hand with white painted nails is lifting a chip, pulling a stretch of melted cheese. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred bowl of green scallions in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to a hot 450°F. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper—not only does this prevent sticking, but it helps the potatoes crisp up evenly. Slice your washed russet potatoes into thin ⅛-inch rounds. The thinner the slice, the crispier your nachos will be, so take your time to keep them uniform for the best results.

Step 2: Season Those Potatoes

In a small bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Then, toss the potato slices in a large bowl with the olive oil and seasoning mix. Make sure every slice is well coated—this is the flavor base that transforms simple potatoes into your favorite Irish nachos!

Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets—crowding them can cause sogginess, so don’t overlap them. Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each slice over using tongs or a spatula. Bake for another 9 minutes until they turn golden brown and irresistibly crispy. You’ll want to keep an eye on them; the aroma of roasting potatoes is a delicious cue that crispiness is near!

Step 4: Layer on Cheese and Bacon

Once your potatoes are perfectly crispy, gather all the slices onto one baking sheet. Sprinkle the sharp cheddar cheese generously over the top, followed by the crumbled, crispy bacon. Return to the oven for just 3 to 4 minutes—enough to let that cheese melt into gooey, savory goodness.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Take the nachos out of the oven and immediately top with diced jalapenos, fresh Roma tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, diced shallots, and diced green onions. These fresh ingredients add brightness and a little zing that perfectly complements the warm, cheesy potato base. Now, serve them hot and crispy—trust me, these won’t last long!

Top Tip

Getting those potato slices perfectly crispy and loaded with flavor can be a game-changer for your Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe. Here are some tips from my own kitchen adventures to help you nail it every time.

Slice Thickness Matters: I found that slicing the potatoes into ⅛-inch rounds is key—they crisp up beautifully without getting soggy.
Single Layer Baking: Laying the potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheet ensures even cooking and maximum crispness; stacking them just won’t do!
Flip Midway: Flipping the potatoes halfway through baking gives both sides that gorgeous golden crunch that makes these nachos irresistible.
Don’t Skimp on Toppings: Adding cheese and bacon at the right time—after the potatoes are crispy—prevents sogginess and lets everything melt and mingle perfectly.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe

A baking tray filled with many flat round slices of potato evenly spread out in rows. Each slice is pale yellow with a slightly shiny look, sprinkled with light brown spices and small bits of herbs giving a textured look. The tray surface is dark metal with some used marks and stains, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While the recipe already calls for diced jalapeno, Roma tomatoes, sour cream, shallots, and green onions, you can really personalize the experience with some fresh guacamole, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These additions bring brightness and extra layers of flavor to your Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe.

Side Dishes

Serve your nachos alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness or some crunchy coleslaw for extra texture. If you’re going all out, consider pairing with a chilled beer or a classic margarita to complement the sharp cheddar and smoky bacon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days—perfect for quick snacks or a tasty lunch the next day.

Freezing

While I don’t recommend freezing nachos fully loaded with toppings because the texture can suffer, you can freeze the baked potato slices before adding cheese and bacon. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month and can be reheated from frozen, then topped fresh.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy goodness, reheat leftover Irish Nachos in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes on a baking sheet. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the crunch! If reheating frozen slices, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Russet potatoes work best for Crispy Irish Nachos because of their starchy texture and ability to crisp up nicely. Waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes tend to be too moist and may not crisp as well.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for a hint of savory depth. The cheese and other toppings still make it deliciously satisfying.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can slice and season the potatoes a few hours ahead, keeping them in cold water to prevent browning. Bake and assemble just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to ensure the cheese melts evenly?

After sprinkling the cheddar and bacon over the crispy potatoes, place the tray back in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes at 450°F. Keeping the temperature high helps the cheese melt quickly and evenly without overcooking the potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is one of those dishes that always brings people together. It’s crunchy, cheesy, smoky, and packed with fresh garnishes to brighten every bite. Whether you’re making it for a casual snack or a festive appetizer, these nachos deliver comfort and joy in every crispy slice. Give these tips a try and make this delicious Irish-American treat a staple in your recipe collection—you won’t regret it!