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’re craving a snack that’s crunchy, cheesy, and just downright addictive, then you’ve come to the right place. This Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is one of my all-time favorites for game days, casual get-togethers, or just because—because really, who can resist loaded potato slices baked to golden perfection?

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 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 can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped up these Irish nachos when friends pop over unexpectedly. They’re a total crowd-pleaser and pretty simple to pull off. Plus, the combo of crispy potatoes with sharp cheddar and smoky bacon is out of this world.

Ultimate Crunch: Thinly sliced russet potatoes bake up perfectly crispy without a deep fryer in sight.
Flavor Explosion: A blend of paprika, garlic, and black pepper adds subtle warmth and depth to each bite.
Loaded Toppings: Sharp cheddar, thick-cut bacon, fresh jalapenos, and more make every mouthful exciting.
Simple Prep: With just a few ingredients and 45 minutes total, it’s easier than you’d expect!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients really makes this Irish nachos recipe shine. I always go for firm russet potatoes because they crisp up nicely in the oven. And grabbing thick-cut bacon adds that perfect smoky crunch that pairs beautifully with melted sharp cheddar cheese.

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 is ideal for getting super crispy yet tender inside.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes crisp while adding a subtle fruitiness.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning to bring out the potatoes’ natural flavor.
Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
Garlic Powder: Delivers a hint of savory depth without overpowering.
Black Pepper: Just enough kick to balance the cheese and bacon.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and packs that classic punch everyone loves.
Thick-cut Bacon: Crispy, smoky, and hearty — a game changer here.
Jalapeno Pepper: Provides fresh heat and brightness as a garnish.
Roma Tomatoes: Add juicy sweetness that compliments the salty toppings.
Sour Cream: Cool and creamy to balance the spicy, smoky flavors.
Shallot: Offers a mild onion flavor that’s more refined than regular onions.
Green Onions: Fresh, slightly pungent garnish that completes every bite.

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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

Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a little extra spice, swap out ingredients, or turn it into a vegetarian treat, it’s easy to make it your own.

Vegetarian Variation: I often skip the bacon and add extra sharp cheddar along with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to keep things hearty and full of flavor.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, try leaving some jalapeno seeds in or topping with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for that extra zing.
Air Fryer Shortcut: When short on time, I love using the air fryer method—it crisps the potatoes quickly and evenly, then I just melt the cheese and bacon layer in the air fryer for a melty finish.
Seasonal Twist: Swap fresh tomatoes for roasted red peppers or add some fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a bright, fresh lift during spring and summer.

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

First things first — preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. I line two baking sheets with parchment paper which helps with easy cleanup and ensures the potato slices don’t stick. Having two sheets ready means you can spread out the potatoes for maximum crispness.

Step 2: Mix the Seasonings

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 will give those potato slices their irresistible savory flavor and a subtle smoky kick.

Step 3: Toss the Potatoes

Place your 2-3 large russet potatoes, sliced very thin (about ⅛-inch thick), into a large bowl. Pour in 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning mix over them. Gently toss everything together so all the slices get a nice, even coat — every crisp bite needs that seasoning!

Step 4: Arrange and Bake the Potatoes

Lay the seasoned potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they aren’t overlapping; space is key to getting them perfectly crispy. Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each potato slice over. Return to the oven for another 9 minutes or until golden brown and crisp around the edges. The irresistible aroma at this stage is pure comfort food magic.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and combine all the crisp potatoes onto one sheet. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by 8 slices of thick-cut bacon that have been cooked crisp and crumbled. Pop it back in the oven for 4 minutes to let the cheese melt into those crispy potatoes — cheesy, melty heaven!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is bubbling and melty, take your masterpiece out of the oven. Top it with fresh, diced garnishes: 1 large seeded jalapeno, 2 diced Roma tomatoes, ¼ cup sour cream dolloped over, 1 diced shallot, and 2 green onions. Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, smoky, and fresh flavors in every bite.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect batch of Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures just right. Here are some tried-and-true tips to make your nachos irresistible every time.

Even Slicing: Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice your russet potatoes into consistent ⅛-inch rounds. This ensures they bake evenly and get that perfect crispness without turning soggy or burning.
Single Layer Baking: Spread the seasoned potato slices in a single layer with no overlaps on your baking sheets. Overcrowding can create steam and results in limp potatoes instead of crispy nachos.
Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the potatoes halfway through baking is a game changer. This lets both sides get golden and crunchy, elevating the texture of your nachos beautifully.
Don't Skip the Combine Step: After baking, combining all the potatoes onto one sheet before adding cheese and bacon helps the toppings melt and stick perfectly. I always avoid layering toppings before this step to keep crispiness intact.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon 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

The finishing touches elevate this dish from tasty to unforgettable. Fresh diced roma tomatoes add juicy bursts, while shallots and green onions bring subtle sharpness and vibrant color. I love topping mine with a dollop of creamy sour cream to balance all the savory flavors and diced jalapenos for just the right kick of heat.

Side Dishes

Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon make a fantastic appetizer or snack on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or a light coleslaw brings freshness to the table. For heartier meals, consider serving with grilled chicken or a tangy BBQ pulled pork sandwich to round out the menu.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though these don't usually last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the nachos cool completely before covering to preserve their crispness as much as possible.

Freezing

While the best experience is fresh, you can freeze the baked potato slices (without toppings) by placing them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, reheat in the oven and add toppings afterward for best texture.

Reheating

To keep your Irish Nachos crispy when reheating, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make the potatoes soggy and the cheese rubbery. Add fresh toppings after reheating for maximum flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content helps them crisp up nicely when baked. You could try Yukon Golds, but they may be less crispy and slightly waxier.

How spicy are these nachos with the jalapenos?

The heat level is moderate since the jalapenos are seeded and used as a garnish. If you want more spice, you can leave some seeds in or add extra jalapenos to your liking.

Is it necessary to flip the potato slices during baking?

Yes! Flipping ensures even cooking and browning on both sides, which is key for achieving crispy edges without burning.

Can I make this recipe using an air fryer?

Absolutely. Season the potato slices and air fry at 360°F for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Then, add cheese and bacon and air fry for 1-2 more minutes to melt the cheese, as outlined in the notes section.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is one of my go-to snacks when entertaining or just craving something comforting and flavorful. Its perfect balance of crunch, cheesy richness, and fresh toppings makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Once you’ve mastered these nachos, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again, especially when you want to impress guests without too much fuss. So warm up your oven, grab those potatoes, and get ready to indulge in a truly delicious treat!