Name: Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2-3 large russet potatoes, washed, sliced into ⅛-inch thick rounds (about 2 pounds); 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups (226 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded, diced for garnish; 2 Roma tomatoes, diced for garnish; ¼ cup sour cream, for garnish; 1 medium shallot, diced for garnish; 2 green onions, diced for garnish

If you're craving a snack that’s both comforting and full of bold flavors, this Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine crispy, golden potato slices layered with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon—pure magic on a plate!

A black skillet holds a layered dish starting with a base of golden, crispy potato slices arranged flat and overlapping. On top, bright orange melted cheddar cheese covers the potatoes unevenly, creating melted, smooth patches. Scattered finely diced red tomatoes and small green onion pieces add color contrast all over. Bright green round slices of jalapeño peppers with visible seeds are layered sporadically on top. White sour cream is drizzled in thick lines diagonally across the whole dish, adding a creamy texture. The skillet sits on a white marbled textured surface surrounded by small wooden bowls holding chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and crisply cooked potato slices. 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 Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these Irish Nachos—it was an instant hit with everyone. The combination of crispy potatoes and all those toppings feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull off.

Crunchy & Crispy: Baking the thin potato rounds creates a perfect crispy base without deep frying.
Loaded with Flavor: Sharp cheddar and bacon add richness that takes this snack to the next level.
Customizable Toppings: Fresh jalapenos, tomatoes, and green onions give it a fresh kick, and you can tweak them to your liking.
Perfect For Sharing: Makes about 4 servings, great for parties or a cozy night in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients really sets the foundation. For crispy Irish nachos, the secret is using russet potatoes because of their starchy texture, which crisps up beautifully in the oven. And pick a sharp cheddar for that punchy cheese flavor.

Flat lay of large russet potatoes sliced into thin rounds on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl containing mixed kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, a pile of bright shredded sharp cheddar cheese on a white ceramic dish, crispy thick-cut bacon slices arranged neatly on a white plate, a fresh green jalapeno pepper diced in a small white bowl, diced ripe Roma tomatoes in a small white bowl, a dollop of creamy sour cream in a small white bowl, a small mound of diced shallot on a white ceramic dish, and chopped green onions displayed in a small white bowl, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced symmetrical composition 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 high starch content ensures you get that crispy, golden crunch we’re after.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness while helping those potato slices crisp up nicely in the oven.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the savory flavors.
Paprika: Brings a warm, smoky undertone that complements the potatoes and bacon perfectly.
Garlic Powder: Adds that classic punch of garlic without overpowering the dish.
Black Pepper: A little bit of heat and earthiness in every bite.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and packs just the right amount of tang.
Thick-Cut Bacon: Crispy crumbled bacon gives loads of smoky, savory goodness.
Jalapeno Pepper: A fresh kick of heat that you can dial up or down.
Roma Tomatoes: Add juicy bursts of freshness to balance out all that richness.
Sour Cream: Creamy and cool to finish the dish with a smooth tang.
Shallot: Offers a mild onion flavor that’s a bit sweeter and more delicate.
Green Onions: Their crispness and mild bite round out the toppings beautifully.

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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 Bacon and Cheese Recipe is how versatile it can be. Feel free to tweak the toppings or seasoning to match your mood or dietary needs—you can make it as spicy, mild, or loaded as you like!

Vegetarian Variation: I swapped the bacon for vegetarian bacon once, and it was just as satisfying. The smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the sharp cheddar, keeping all the goodness without the meat.
Spice it Up: If you love heat, add extra jalapenos or even a drizzle of hot sauce before serving. On the flip side, omit the jalapenos for a milder bite that kids will love.
Seasonal Twist: In the fall, I like adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or swapping the Roma tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a deeper flavor profile.
Dairy Swap: For a lighter garnish, Greek yogurt works beautifully instead of sour cream—plus, it adds a nice tanginess without weighing things down.

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

A white plate full of nachos is shown with three main layers. The bottom layer is made of crispy, brown tortilla chips. On top of this is a thick, even layer of melted yellow cheddar cheese, mixed with small pieces of crispy bacon that add red and brown texture. The top layer includes scattered chopped green onions, slices of green jalapeños, small red tomato bits, and white drizzles of sour cream. A woman's hand is lifting a nacho, stretching the melted cheese. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a blurred bowl of chopped green onions in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven

First things first, I preheat my oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. I line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper—this keeps the potatoes from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting the oven nice and hot upfront ensures that the potato slices start crisping right away.

Step 2: Mix Your Savory Seasoning

Next, I whisk together kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple but flavorful blend will give our potatoes that signature savory kick, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Coat the Potato Slices Evenly

In a large bowl, I toss the thinly sliced russet potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick rounds) with extra virgin olive oil and the seasoning mix. The goal is to get every single slice lightly but thoroughly coated—that’s what helps them bake up extra crispy and bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

I arrange the potato slices in a single layer on the prepared sheets, making sure they aren’t overlapping (this is key for crispiness). I bake them at 450°F for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each slice and bake for an additional 9 minutes. When they look golden brown and smell amazing, you know they’re ready!

Step 5: Layer on Cheese and Bacon

Once the potatoes are perfectly crispy, I gather all the slices onto one baking sheet. Then, I scatter 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 8 slices’ worth of cooked, crumbled thick-cut bacon over the top. This is where the real magic begins—the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness while the bacon adds crunchy, smoky bursts of flavor.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese to Perfection

I pop the baking sheet back into the oven for 4 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt completely and bind everything together. Keep a close eye here—once the cheese bubbles and becomes silky, it’s ready to come out.

Step 7: Add Fresh Garnishes and Serve

To finish, I sprinkle diced jalapenos, diced Roma tomatoes, minced shallots, and green onions over the cheesy, bacon-loaded potatoes. I add dollops of sour cream for that cool, creamy contrast. The colors here are beautiful, and the fresh toppings bring brightness that balances the richness perfectly.

Top Tip

These tips are my go-to advice to make sure your Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe turns out perfectly every time — extra crispy, full of flavor, and beautifully presented.

Slice Evenly: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife to get ⅛-inch thick potato rounds ensures all slices cook evenly and get that perfect crisp.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Lay the potatoes in a single layer on your baking sheets. Crowding them leads to steaming instead of crisping.
Mix Seasonings Well: Toss those potato slices thoroughly in olive oil and the seasoning blend so every bite bursts with flavor.
Timing Matters: Bake the potatoes for 20 minutes before flipping, then an additional 9 minutes, so you avoid soggy or undercooked edges.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

A baking tray filled with one layer of thin round slices of potatoes spread evenly, some slices topped with a light sprinkle of reddish-brown spices and herbs, giving a mixed pattern of plain and seasoned slices. The potato slices have a pale yellow color with some slight raw shine, and the tray has a worn metallic look. The background is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To really bring your Irish Nachos to life, finish them off with fresh garnishes like diced jalapenos for a little kick, juicy Roma tomatoes for brightness, crisp shallots, and green onions for that subtle crunch and fresh onion flavor. A dollop of sour cream adds creamy tang that balances the salty bacon and sharp cheddar perfectly.

Side Dishes

These nachos are a fantastic appetizer or snack on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or even a fresh cucumber and dill yogurt dip. For heartier gatherings, serve alongside chili or your favorite grilled meats to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Irish Nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the potato slices crispy, avoid topping leftovers with sour cream or fresh garnishes before storing — add those fresh just before serving again.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to freeze just the baked potatoes without the cheese and toppings. Lay the crispy potato slices flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat leftover nachos on a baking sheet at 375°F in the oven for about 10-12 minutes to regain crispiness. You can then add freshly cooked bacon, shredded cheddar, and your favorite garnishes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a vegetarian bacon alternative. The sharp cheddar cheese and seasonings still deliver plenty of flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe using an air fryer?

Yes! Season your potato slices as directed, then air fry them at 360°F for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. After they’re crispy, add cheese and bacon on top, then air fry for another 1-2 minutes until melted. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How do I keep the potatoes crispy after baking?

Make sure to slice potatoes evenly and bake in a single layer without overcrowding. After baking, toss them gently but quickly to keep crisp and serve immediately. Avoid stacking wet or juicy toppings until serving.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While sharp cheddar is key for that classic flavor, you can experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or smoked gouda for a unique twist!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and fun about digging into a plate of Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe. The combination of crunchy baked potatoes, melty sharp cheddar, and savory bacon topped with fresh garnishes makes for a snack that’s both irresistible and satisfying. Whether you're serving this at a casual gathering or simply want to treat yourself to something special after a long day, these nachos deliver in every way. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!