Cheesy Baked Irish Nachos are a hearty and flavorful twist on classic nachos, made by swapping out tortilla chips for crispy roasted potato slices. Layered with melted cheese, bacon, and fresh toppings like sour cream and green onions, this pub-inspired dish is perfect for game day, parties, or cozy nights in. It’s comfort food with an Irish-American flair that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A comforting and creative take on traditional nachos
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients
- Crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Great for sharing and perfect as an appetizer or main dish
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place them in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bake potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Assemble nachos: Layer the baked potato slices in a shallow baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
- Bake again for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add toppings: Remove from the oven and top with sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Serve immediately, hot and melty.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Serves 4–6 as an appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Meaty Option: Add shredded corned beef or seasoned ground beef for extra protein
- Vegetarian: Omit bacon and add black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled peppers
- Spicy: Use pepper jack cheese, hot sauce, or pickled jalapeños for heat
- Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, gouda, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch, chipotle aioli, or beer cheese on the side
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed and crisped
- Note: Add fresh toppings like sour cream and green onions after reheating for best results
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?
Yes, sweet potatoes work well and add a subtle sweetness to balance the savory toppings.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can bake the potato slices ahead and reheat them just before assembling and serving.
What’s the best way to get crispy potatoes?
Use high heat, space the slices out evenly, and flip halfway through baking.
Are these nachos gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your toppings (especially seasonings and bacon) are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook the potato slices at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I keep the cheese from getting greasy?
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better texture and melting.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. Try colby jack, Monterey Jack, or a sharp Irish cheddar for extra flavor.
What can I do with leftovers?
Chop and reheat as a breakfast hash with eggs, or use them as a base for a loaded baked potato bowl.
Are Irish nachos actually Irish?
No, they’re an Irish-American pub creation inspired by traditional pub fare and potato-based dishes.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip the sour cream, or substitute with a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Irish Nachos are the ultimate indulgent appetizer or casual meal. With crispy roasted potatoes as the base and all your favorite nacho toppings piled high, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your comfort food rotation. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a cheesy snack, Irish nachos deliver bold flavor and satisfying crunch every time.
Print
Cheesy Baked Irish Nachos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy Baked Irish Nachos are a hearty twist on traditional nachos, made with crispy sliced potatoes instead of chips, loaded with melted cheese, bacon, and green onions for a comforting and shareable appetizer.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- In a large bowl, toss potato slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and arrange the potato slices slightly overlapping on an oven-safe platter or cast-iron skillet.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and bacon. Return to oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for evenly sliced potatoes.
- Substitute bacon with cooked sausage or a vegetarian option if preferred.
- Try adding jalapeños or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg