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 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 love potato-based snacks that are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, then you’re going to adore this Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe. It’s like nachos met their Irish cousin and created a deliciously crispy, cheesy masterpiece to share with friends and family.

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 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

I’ve made this recipe so many times now, and it never fails to impress. Whether it’s game day, a party appetizer, or a cozy snack for yourself, these Irish nachos deliver big flavor and that perfect crunch that keeps you going back for more.

Crispy Perfection: Thinly sliced potatoes bake up golden and crunchy, no frying needed.
Loaded with Flavor: Sharp cheddar cheese and smoky bacon make every bite irresistible.
Fresh, Tangy Toppings: Jalapeno, tomatoes, sour cream, shallots, and green onions add brightness and texture.
Easy to Customize: You can dress these nachos up or down depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to ingredients for these Irish nachos, choosing the right potatoes and the freshest toppings makes all the difference. A good sharp cheddar and quality bacon are non-negotiable in my book.

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 starchy texture crisps beautifully when baked and holds up well under layers of toppings.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps the potatoes crisp evenly without frying.
Kosher salt: The perfect seasoning base, enhancing all other flavors.
Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth that complements the bacon perfectly.
Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
Black pepper: Gives a little spice and complexity to every bite.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and offers a tangy, bold finish to the potatoes.
Thick-cut bacon: Crispy, smoky, and ideal for adding a satisfying crunch and richness.
Jalapeno pepper: Adds a fresh kick of heat that balances the cheese and bacon.
Roma tomatoes: Offer juicy, sweet bursts that lighten up the dish.
Sour cream: Creamy and tangy, it cools things down and brings everything together.
Shallot: Mild and slightly sweet, for a subtle onion flavor without overpowering.
Green onions: Fresh and bright, they add a lovely crunch and color contrast.

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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 wonderfully adaptable it is. Whether you want to add a little extra heat, make it vegetarian, or add some fresh seasonal veggies, you can truly make it your own!

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the bacon for vegetarian bacon or sautéed mushrooms. I tried this once for a friend who doesn’t eat meat, and honestly, the umami from the mushrooms added a fantastic depth of flavor without losing the heartiness of the dish.
Spice It Up: Add more diced jalapenos or toss some smoked chili powder into the seasoning mix. For an extra kick, I love sprinkling a pinch of cayenne over the nachos just before serving—it wakes up the flavors wonderfully!
Seasonal Freshness: Experiment by topping with diced avocados or corn when in season. The creaminess of avocado paired with the crispy potatoes and sharp cheddar is nothing short of addictive.
Air Fryer Shortcut: If you’re short on time, air frying the potato slices works like a charm. Just follow the notes below, and you’ll have evenly crispy nachos in no time!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon 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 Prepare Your Space

First things first, crank up your oven to 450°F. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper—this little trick ensures the potato slices don't stick and helps them crisp up beautifully. Having two sheets ready lets you spread the slices out so they cook evenly without overcrowding.

Step 2: Season Perfectly

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons kosher salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. This seasoning mix gives the potatoes that delicate smoky warmth and just the right amount of savory punch to make every slice irresistible.

Step 3: Coat the Potatoes

Grab a large bowl and toss in your thinly sliced potatoes (make sure they're cut about ⅛-inch thick for maximum crispiness!). Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over. Stir gently but thoroughly, so every potato slice gets an even coat of oil and spices—it’s the secret to crisp, flavorful Irish nachos.

Step 4: Bake the Potato Slices

Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Pop them into the hot oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, flip each slice carefully—this step might take a few minutes but is key for uniform golden crispness. Return them to the oven and bake for another 9 minutes until they’re perfectly golden and crispy around the edges. You’ll know they’re ready when you hear that delightful crunch as you pick one up.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon

Pull the baking sheets out and combine all the crispy potatoes onto one sheet. Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 8 slices of cooked, crumbled thick-cut bacon over the top. Return the tray to the oven for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, gooey layer that pulls you in with every bite.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, remove your nachos from the oven and pile on your garnishes: diced jalapeno for a hint of heat, diced Roma tomatoes for freshness, a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, plus diced shallots and green onions for that perfect crisp bite and pop of color. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures thoughtfully. These tips will help you get that irresistible crisp with bold, balanced toppings every single time.

Even Potato Slices: I always make sure to slice my russet potatoes into even ⅛-inch rounds. This ensures every chip crisps up nicely without some being underdone or burnt.
Flip Carefully: Flipping the potato slices halfway through baking helps both sides get that gorgeous golden crunch. Using two baking sheets avoids overcrowding, making the flip easier and more effective.
Load the Cheese Just Right: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly and only add bacon after baking the potatoes crisp. Melting cheese on already crispy potatoes means no soggy bits!
Don’t Skip the Fresh Garnishes: Adding diced jalapeno, shallots, and tomatoes at the end brings a fresh, zesty pop that balances the richness from cheese and bacon beautifully.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon 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

Top your Irish Nachos with all the fresh fixes—diced jalapenos for heat, Roma tomatoes for sweetness, shallots for a subtle bite, and green onions for a crisp, fresh finish. Don’t forget a dollop of rich sour cream to cool it all down and add creamy decadence.

Side Dishes

Pair these nachos with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some tangy coleslaw for crunch and freshness. For a heartier meal, crispy chicken wings or a bowl of hearty soup complement the snack perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Irish Nachos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the chips from becoming soggy, keep toppings like sour cream and fresh garnishes separate until ready to serve again.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can freeze the potato slices before baking. Lay seasoned potato rounds single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time. For fully assembled nachos, freezing isn’t recommended as toppings lose texture and freshness.

Reheating

To reheat leftover nachos, spread them out on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. This helps revive crispiness without overcooking. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the potatoes soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Swap out the thick-cut bacon with vegetarian bacon or omit it entirely. The crispy, cheesy potatoes with fresh garnishes still make a fabulous vegetarian snack.

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content crisps up beautifully when baked, giving you that perfect crunchy texture.

Can I prepare this recipe using an air fryer?

Yes! You can air fry the seasoned potato slices at 360°F for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Then add cheese and bacon and air fry again for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.

How do I keep the potato chips crispy after baking?

Make sure to slice potatoes evenly, avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet, and bake at a high temperature. Flip halfway through and serve immediately for best crispiness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about biting into Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon—those golden, crunchy potato slices loaded with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and a pop of fresh toppings make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you're sharing with friends over a game night or craving a cozy snack, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of comfort and zest. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this delicious Irish-American treat a new favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!