Name: Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese 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

Nothing beats a comforting snack like the Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe. Imagine thinly sliced russet potatoes baked until golden and crispy, then piled high with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and all the best toppings. Trust me, you'll want these on your appetizer rotation!

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 still remember the first time I made these Irish Nachos — the crispy edges on the potatoes combined with the gooey cheddar and bite of jalapenos was an instant favorite. It’s simple but packs a punch, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Crunchy and Flavorful: Thinly sliced potatoes bake up crispy with a seasoning blend that hits every savory note.
Loaded with Toppings: Sharp cheddar and crispy bacon add richness, while jalapenos and fresh veggies brighten every bite.
Easy to Make: No deep frying here — baking makes clean-up a breeze and still gives that irresistible crunch.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or a cozy night in, these nachos always deliver.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to ingredients for this Crispy Irish Nachos dish, quality makes all the difference. Grab firm russet potatoes for that perfect crisp, and don’t skimp on the sharp cheddar — it melts beautifully and adds a wonderful tang. A mix of fresh jalapeno, tomatoes, and shallots finishes everything off with a fresh kick.

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: Starchy and firm, these are ideal for getting crispy slices without sogginess.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up while contributing subtle fruity notes.
Kosher Salt: Enhances natural flavors and balances the seasoning to perfection.
Paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth and depth to the potato slices.
Garlic Powder: A savory layer that complements both the potatoes and cheese well.
Black Pepper: A touch of heat and earthiness to round out the seasoning.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, flavorful coverage on top.
Thick-Cut Bacon: Crispy and smoky, this topping adds irresistible texture and umami.
Jalapeno Pepper: Brings a fresh, spicy kick that brightens up the richness.
Roma Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they add color and a mild sweetness that balances well.
Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy, perfect for mellowing the spice and adding smoothness.
Shallot: Mildly pungent with a hint of sweetness, adds a fresh bite as garnish.
Green Onions: Brings crisp freshness and a pop of color to finish the dish.

📝

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

One of the best things about this Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to spice it up, make it lighter, or tailor it to your dietary needs, it's a super flexible snack or appetizer that welcomes creativity.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the bacon for vegetarian bacon or crispy seasoned mushrooms. I tried this once for a friend, and honestly, the richness of mushrooms paired with the sharp cheddar gave it a whole new, delicious twist!
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, I highly recommend keeping some of those jalapeno seeds or adding a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce right before serving. It really wakes up the flavors and adds a lively punch.
Seasonal Freshness: During summer, I toss on some fresh corn kernels or avocado slices along with the usual toppings for an extra burst of freshness and texture. It’s a fun way to celebrate seasonal produce.
Healthier Swap: For a lighter version, you can reduce the olive oil slightly and use turkey bacon. Plus, swapping half the cheese for a mix of sharp cheddar and reduced-fat mozzarella helps cut down the saturated fat but keeps that melty goodness.

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: Get Your Oven Ready and Line Your Baking Sheets

First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F. While it’s warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step makes a huge difference because it keeps all those thinly sliced potato rounds from sticking and helps with that coveted crispiness. Trust me, your cleanup game will also be a lot easier.

Step 2: Mix the Perfect Seasoning Blend

In a small bowl, whisk together kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. This simple yet flavorful seasoning mix is key to giving your russet potato slices that deliciously savory base. It's all about layering flavor even before you bake!

Step 3: Coat the Potato Slices Evenly

Place your thinly sliced potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick — uniform slices are crucial for even, crispy baking) into a large bowl. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly to make sure each slice is evenly coated in oil and spices. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and cooks up perfectly crisp.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake the Potatoes

Spread the seasoned potato slices in a single layer across the two prepared baking sheets. Avoid overlapping the slices to let the heat circulate and crisp up each one beautifully. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then flip each slice carefully and return to the oven for another 9 minutes. You’re aiming for golden-brown edges and a satisfyingly crispy texture.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bacon, Then Melt It All Together

Once your potatoes are perfectly crispy, pull both sheets out and combine all the potato slices onto one baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the crumbled cooked bacon. Pop it back into the oven for about 4 minutes — just long enough for the sharp cheddar to fully melt and get deliciously gooey.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve While Warm

Finish your nachos with fresh garnishes: diced jalapeno pepper (seeded if you prefer less heat), diced Roma tomatoes, dollops of sour cream, diced shallots, and chopped green onions. These add freshness, flavor contrast, and a beautiful burst of color. Serve immediately — these Irish Nachos taste best warm, when the cheese is melty, the potatoes crisp, and all those toppings mingle perfectly.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is all about getting the crispiness just right and balancing the savory toppings. These tips come from plenty of kitchen trials and delicious successes!

Even Slices Matter: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice your russet potatoes evenly at about ⅛-inch thickness ensures every bite crisps up perfectly — no floppy edges here!
Don't Crowd the Pan: Spreading the potato slices in a single layer without overlap helps them get that irresistible crunch. Overlapping leads to soggy potatoes, which is a no-go for this recipe.
Flip with Care: Flipping the potatoes halfway through baking encourages even browning. Use a thin spatula and be gentle to keep those crispy edges intact.
Bake, Then Combine: Baking the potatoes first before piling on cheese and bacon keeps them from getting soggy under the toppings — that last 4-minute bake melts the cheese just right without losing crispiness.

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

Garnishes bring your Irish Nachos to life! The combination of diced jalapeno, Roma tomatoes, chopped shallots, and green onions adds freshness and a little zing that balances the richness of the bacon and cheddar. Don’t forget the dollop of creamy sour cream on top—it’s the perfect cooling contrast. For a little extra flair, try adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for some brightness.

Side Dishes

Pair these nachos with light, crisp sides to round out your meal or snack. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a bowl of homemade coleslaw complements the rich, cheesy potatoes beautifully. For heartier occasions, serve alongside a bowl of chili or your favorite soup to make it a comforting feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the potatoes as crispy as possible, try placing a paper towel between layers to absorb any moisture.

Freezing

While not ideal for maximum crispiness, you can freeze cooked potato slices (without toppings) by spreading them on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Add fresh toppings after reheating for best flavor.

Reheating

To reheat and revive their crispiness, spread leftover nachos on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make the potatoes soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Russet potatoes work best because their high starch content creates a crispy texture when baked. You can try Yukon Gold potatoes, but the texture may be less crispy and a bit creamier.

What if I don’t eat pork—can I skip or substitute the bacon?

Absolutely! You can use turkey bacon, a vegetarian bacon alternative, or even crispy smoked tempeh for a similar savory crunch without pork.

How spicy are these nachos with jalapeno?

They have a moderate kick from the diced jalapenos, especially if you include some seeds. Feel free to remove all seeds for a milder flavor or add hot sauce for extra heat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can slice and season the potatoes ahead of time, but for best crispiness, bake and add toppings just before serving. If needed, bake potatoes in advance and reheat them in the oven as per the reheating instructions.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is one of those perfect crowd-pleasers that's as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you're gathering with friends, hosting game day, or just craving a savory snack, these nachos deliver crunchy, cheesy satisfaction in every bite. With fresh garnishes and irresistible bacon, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one serving. Enjoy making this recipe your own, and don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings — happy snacking!