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

I have to tell you, this Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is my go-to snack when I want something crunchy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. These baked potato slices are irresistibly crispy and topped with all the good stuff—bacon, jalapenos, and melty cheddar—making them perfect for sharing or a cozy night in.

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

Whenever I make these Irish Nachos, the whole kitchen fills with the smell of crispy potatoes and smoky bacon—a real crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s such an easy recipe to customize or whip up quickly for any occasion.

Crispy Texture: Thinly sliced potatoes baked to golden perfection ensure every bite is satisfyingly crunchy.
Bold Flavors: A blend of paprika, garlic, and black pepper paired with sharp cheddar and smoky bacon creates a flavor party.
Easy to Make: Simple steps mean you can have this appetizer ready in just 45 minutes total.
Perfect for Sharing: It’s a fantastic finger food for game day, parties, or just a fun snack at home.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To make these crispy Irish nachos, you only need a handful of ingredients that are easy to find. Selecting the right potatoes and good-quality bacon really makes a difference in flavor and texture, so I always stick to russets and thick-cut bacon for the best results.

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 starchy texture crisps up beautifully when sliced thin and baked.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp while adding a subtle richness.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that brings depth to the potatoes.
Garlic powder: Gives a gentle kick of savory flavor.
Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts gorgeously over the chips, giving that gooey, tangy finish.
Thick-cut bacon: Crispy and flavorful, it adds the perfect savory crunch on top.
Jalapeno pepper: Fresh and diced, it offers just the right spicy pop to wake up your taste buds.
Roma tomatoes: Juicy, vibrant, and mild, they balance out the richness.
Sour cream: Cool and creamy, it’s the classic topping that tames the heat.
Shallot: Adds a delicate onion-like bite without overpowering.
Green onions: Fresh and crisp, they add a lovely pop of color and flavor.

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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 like to keep it classic or add your own twist, these nachos are perfect for making your own.

Vegetarian Variation: I swapped out the bacon for sautéed mushrooms and black beans one time, and it was just as satisfying. The mushrooms add a nice umami touch without missing that savory hit.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add extra diced jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce right on top. I like to mix some smoked chipotle powder into the seasoning blend for a smoky depth that complements the cheddar beautifully.
Air Fryer Method: When I’m short on time, I use my air fryer to crisp the potatoes. It’s quicker and the potatoes come out super crunchy. Just remember to flip them every 5 minutes for even cooking!
Seasonal Twist: Try topping with fresh avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole during summer months for a fresh contrast. It brightens up the rich, cheesy potatoes nicely.

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: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

First things first, get your oven preheated to a hot 450°F. While that’s warming up, line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only stops the potato slices from sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. I usually use two sheets so the potatoes have plenty of space to crisp up without overlapping.

Step 2: Season Your Potato Rounds

In a small bowl, mix together your kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Then toss the thinly sliced potato rounds in a large bowl with olive oil and the seasoning blend. I find stirring them gently with my hands works best to get each slice evenly coated – no dry spots or clumps of seasoning here!

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure the slices don’t overlap; they need their own space to get that perfect crispiness. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, carefully flip each slice for even cooking and bake for another 9 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crisp on both sides.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon Magic

Once the potatoes are beautifully crispy, bring them all together onto one baking sheet. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top, followed by the crumbled cooked bacon. Return the sheet to the oven for about 4 minutes. This step melts the cheese to gooey perfection and warm the bacon just right—get ready for some serious melty, savory goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve While Warm

Now for the fun part – the toppings! Scatter diced jalapeno, ripe Roma tomatoes, diced shallots, and green onions across the cheesy potatoes. Finish with dollops of sour cream to add creamy coolness to balance the bold flavors. Serve these Irish Nachos immediately while everything is warm and inviting. Trust me, they disappear fast!

Top Tip

Getting your Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese Recipe just right is all about those little details! Here are some helpful tips that make the difference between good and unforgettable.

Even Slicing is Key: Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife to slice your potatoes into consistent ⅛-inch rounds helps them bake evenly and crisp up perfectly without burning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange potato slices in a single layer without overlapping on the baking sheets. This ensures each slice gets enough hot air circulation to become delightfully crispy all over.
Seasoning Matters: Mixing kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper before tossing with the potatoes guarantees all those spicy, savory flavors distribute evenly.
Timing Your Bake: Flipping the potatoes after 20 minutes then baking for an additional 9 minutes really seals in that golden crunch on both sides, which is crucial for that irresistible texture.

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, think colorful and fresh. The diced jalapeno adds a spicy kick, while Roma tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness. A dollop of creamy sour cream cuts through the richness beautifully. The finely diced shallots and green onions add that perfect little punch of sharpness and freshness on top.

Side Dishes

Since Crispy Irish Nachos are quite hearty, pair them with light, crisp sides for a balanced spread. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some crunchy coleslaw complements the rich bacon and cheddar flavors wonderfully. For drinks, a cold lager or a sparkling cider can refresh the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Irish Nachos in an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind the potatoes will soften a bit once refrigerated.

Freezing

For best texture, freezing isn’t ideal because the crispy potatoes may become soggy when thawed. However, if you need to freeze, flash freeze potato slices before baking, then store in freezer bags. Bake from frozen, increasing cooking time slightly.

Reheating

To bring back that crispiness, reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Crispy Irish Nachos vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers, or use a plant-based bacon alternative to keep that smoky flavor.

What’s the best potato to use for Irish Nachos?

Russet potatoes are ideal because their starchy texture crisps up nicely when baked, giving you that perfect crunch and fluffy interior.

Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?

Yes! Follow the air fryer instructions in the notes: air fry potatoes at 360°F for about 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, then add cheese and bacon and air fry a bit more until the cheese melts.

How do I keep the potatoes crispy when reheating?

Reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet – this helps restore the crispiness better than a microwave.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Irish Nachos with Bacon and Cheese is such a fun way to turn simple potatoes into a crowd-pleasing treat. Whether for game day, a cozy night in, or sharing with friends, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and that crave-worthy crunch everyone loves. Don’t forget to play around with the toppings and make it your own – because great food is all about enjoying every bite!