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 love the satisfying crunch of crispy potatoes combined with the savory goodness of bacon and melted cheddar, you’re going to adore this Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those snack-time game changers that’s perfect for sharing (or not, no judgment here!).

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 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

Honestly, these Irish Nachos quickly became one of my favorite go-to appetizers because they deliver big flavors without a complicated process. From the crispy baked potato slices to the bold, melty cheese and crispy bacon, it’s flavor packed from start to finish.

Crunchy but tender: Baked potato slices get perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
Loaded toppings: Sharp cheddar, bacon, jalapenos, tomatoes, and fresh herbs create a dynamic flavor profile.
Easy to make: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this dish doable on a weeknight or weekend gathering.
Great for sharing: A perfect crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or casual nights in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the ingredients first because each one plays a vital role in nailing these crispy Irish Nachos. When shopping, look for fresh, firm russet potatoes and ripe Roma tomatoes—these will give you the best texture and flavor in the final dish.

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 high starch content makes for crispy baked slices perfect for nachos.
Extra virgin olive oil: Coats the potato slices to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Kosher salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness that balances the saltiness.
Garlic powder: Brings a gentle savory depth without overpowering.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the seasoning mix.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts delightfully over the crispy potatoes for that gooey indulgence.
Thick-cut bacon: Crispy and smoky, it adds satisfying texture and flavor.
Jalapeno pepper: Adds a fresh kick of heat and color as a garnish.
Roma tomatoes: Provide juicy freshness to balance the richness.
Sour cream: Creamy and tangy, it cools down all the spice and brings everything together.
Shallot: Offers a mild onion flavor with a delicate crunch as garnish.
Green onions: Bright and fresh, perfect for finishing the dish.

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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

One of the best things about this Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to add a little extra heat, swap out ingredients, or make it suitable for different diets, these nachos welcome your creativity.

Spicy Twist: If you love a bit more kick, I've tried adding sliced pickled jalapenos on top for an extra tangy heat that pairs beautifully with the crispy potatoes and sharp cheddar cheese.
Vegetarian Version: Simply omit the bacon and add extra cheese or a smoky chipotle seasoning to your potato slices. I often top mine with sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for that smoky depth.
Healthier Swap: For a lighter take, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and a nice tang without weighing down the dish.
Air Fryer Option: Not a fan of using the oven? I’ve tested these in my air fryer—season and crisp the potatoes at 360°F for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. The result is just as crispy and saves some time!
Seasonal Flavor: In cooler months, topping your nachos with caramelized onions instead of raw shallots adds a sweet, comforting note.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese 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: Preheat and Prep Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to a sizzling 450°F. This high temperature is key for achieving those perfectly crispy potato slices. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so the potatoes don’t stick and bake evenly. I like using two sheets so the slices have enough space to crisp up rather than steam.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Seasoning

In a small bowl, whisk together two teaspoons of kosher salt, half a teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. This seasoning blend is simple but packs a punch, perfectly complementing the potatoes without overpowering them.

Step 3: Coat the Potato Slices

Next, toss your ⅛-inch thick russet potato rounds in a large bowl with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and the seasoning mix. Make sure every slice is evenly coated—this oil-and-spice combo will help the edges crisp up beautifully in the oven. I like to gently massage the slices with my hands to ensure perfect coverage without breaking them.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake for Crispiness

Spread the potato slices out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Give them space to breathe for maximum crispiness. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each slice carefully using tongs or a spatula. Return to the oven for another 7 to 9 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and crispy. You'll know they're ready when they look delightfully crunchy and smell irresistible.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon, Then Melt

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and gently transfer all the crispy potato slices onto one baking sheet. Now for the magic: evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 8 slices of cooked, crumbled thick-cut bacon over the top. Pop it back in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese glistens, melts thoroughly, and binds everything together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

The final step is all about layering fresh flavors and textures. Top your nachos with diced jalapeno, diced Roma tomatoes, a generous dollop of sour cream, finely diced shallots, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Serve these Irish Nachos right away to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, melty, creamy, and fresh in every bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures just right. These tips will help you get the crispiest potatoes and the most deliciously melty cheese topping every time.

Perfect Potato Slices: Make sure to slice your russet potatoes uniformly to about ⅛-inch thick so they bake evenly and turn wonderfully crispy without burning.
Flip with Care: >Flipping the potatoes halfway through baking ensures each slice gets golden and crispy on both sides—don’t skip this step, it makes all the difference.
Cheese Melting Magic: >Add the cheese and bacon only after the potatoes are crisp and bake together just until melted to keep that perfect gooey texture without sogginess.
Balancing Heat: >If you’re sensitive to spice, adjust the jalapeno garnish sparingly or remove seeds to maintain a nice balance of flavor without overwhelming heat.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese 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

To elevate your Irish Nachos, garnish them with fresh diced Roma tomatoes for a juicy pop, crunchy shallots and green onions for a mild sharpness, and a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the spice from the jalapenos. For a fun twist, try substituting sour cream with tangy Greek yogurt or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top for some extra depth.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a hearty appetizer or snack, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a light coleslaw can bring refreshing contrast. For a fuller meal, serve alongside grilled chicken skewers or a bowl of chili to complement the rich, cheesy flavors of the nachos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the garnishes like sour cream and jalapenos separate to maintain their freshness and the crisp texture of the potatoes.

Freezing

While these nachos taste best fresh, you can freeze the plain baked potato slices before adding toppings. Flash freeze the cooked potatoes on a baking sheet, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and use within 1 month. When ready, thaw and reheat before adding cheese and bacon.

Reheating

To keep the potatoes crispy when reheating, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add cheese and bacon near the end to melt, then reapply fresh garnishes just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of potato for Irish Nachos?

While russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture and crispiness, you can experiment with Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly buttery flavor. Just be sure to slice them thinly and bake until crisp.

How do I make these nachos less spicy?

Simply remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno before dicing, or reduce the amount used as garnish. You can also substitute with milder peppers like poblano if desired.

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes! Season the potato rounds and air fry them at 360°F for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes until crispy. Then top with cheese and bacon, and air fry again for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! The Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about dipping into a plate of warm, crispy Irish Nachos loaded with sharp cheddar and smoky bacon—you’ll find this recipe quickly becomes a crowd favorite. Whether it’s game day snack time or a cozy night nibble, these nachos bring the perfect blend of comfort and bold flavors. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I enjoyed sharing this Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe with you. Happy cooking and even happier eating!