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 1/8-inch thick rounds (about 2 pounds); 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 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; 1/4 cup sour cream, for garnish; 1 medium shallot, diced for garnish; 2 green onions, diced for garnish

If you love snacking on something crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, then this Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. These baked potato slices topped with all the good stuff make the perfect savory snack or party appetizer!

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’m telling you, I could easily munch on these Irish nachos any day of the week. They have that perfect crunch, ooey-gooey melted cheese, and the smoky bacon just takes it to the next level. I promise, your friends and family will be asking for this recipe once they get a taste.

Crunchy & Cheesy: Crispy baked potato slices loaded with sharp cheddar cheese gives every bite a delightful texture combo.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of paprika, garlic, and black pepper seasons the potatoes perfectly, making every crisp slice pop with flavor.
Easy Entertaining: A fantastic appetizer that’s simple enough to make ahead and serve when friends drop by.
Customizable Garnishes: Fresh jalapenos, tomatoes, and green onions add color, spice, and freshness to balance the richness.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For the best Irish nachos, you’ll want good-quality russet potatoes because their starchy interior crisps up beautifully when baked. Using extra virgin olive oil adds a nice hint of fruitiness while keeping the potatoes golden and crisp. And of course, don’t overlook the fresh garnishes — they make the dish lively and well-rounded.

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: High starch content makes for that crispy outside and tender inside we all crave.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a subtle fruity flavor with healthier fats.
Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors without being overpowering.
Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that elevates the simple potato base.
Garlic powder: A comforting note that complements both the potatoes and cheese.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a bit of spicy kick.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly with a deep cheesy flavor that pairs wonderfully with bacon.
Thick-cut bacon: Crispy and smoky, it brings savory goodness to every bite.
Jalapeno pepper: Adds fresh heat and a pop of green color.
Roma tomatoes: Provide juicy sweetness and a refreshing contrast.
Sour cream: Cool and creamy, perfect for balancing the spice and richness.
Shallot: Offers a subtle onion flavor that's milder and slightly sweet.
Green onions: For that bright, fresh bite and beautiful color.

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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 easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you like your nachos extra spicy, lighter, or packed with even more fresh toppings, there’s plenty of room to customize and make it uniquely yours.

Spice it up: I love leaving some of the jalapeno seeds in for an added kick. If you’re a heat lover like me, doubling the jalapenos can really elevate the flavor and give these nachos a bold punch!
Lighter swap: For a fresher, tangy twist, I sometimes swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. It cuts the richness just enough without losing that creamy touch.
Air fryer adventure: When I’m short on time or want an even crispier bite, I use the air fryer method. It’s faster, less hands-on, and the parchment paper trick keeps cleanup a breeze.
Vegetarian version: Omit the bacon and add some smoky roasted chickpeas or crispy fried mushrooms for a satisfying meat-free variation that’s just as crave-worthy.
Seasonal toppings: Depending on the season, I swap diced tomatoes for fresh corn kernels or add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a bright finish.

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: Get Cozy with Your Oven and Prep the Seasoning

First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper — this really helps with cleanup and keeps your potatoes from sticking. While the oven warms, whisk together 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. This seasoning mix will bring that irresistible savory flavor to every crispy slice.

Step 2: Thinly Slice and Season the Potatoes

Take 2 to 3 large russet potatoes and wash them thoroughly. Slice them into uniform ⅛-inch rounds — thin and even slices are key to getting that perfect crisp. Toss the potato slices in a large bowl with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle your seasoning blend over the top. Mix gently but thoroughly to make sure every slice is coated with that flavorful oil and spice combo.

Step 3: Spread and Bake Until Crispy Perfection

Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets — no overlapping, so they crisp evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each slice. Return them to the oven for another 9 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown with crispy edges. You’ll know they’re ready when they have that satisfying crunch and smell incredibly savory.

Step 4: Layer on Cheese and Bacon, Then Melt

Remove the crispy potatoes from both sheets and combine them all on one baking sheet for easier topping. Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 8 slices of cooked, crumbled thick-cut bacon over the top. Pop the sheet back into the oven for 3 to 4 minutes—just long enough to melt the cheese into ooey-gooey, bubbly goodness that binds everything together.

Step 5: Add Fresh Garnishes and Serve

Once your cheesy bacon masterpiece comes out of the oven, top it with 1 diced jalapeno (seeded if you prefer less heat), 2 diced Roma tomatoes, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 diced shallot, and 2 diced green onions. These fresh toppings add the perfect contrast to the rich, crispy base. Grab a plate, dig in, and enjoy the ultimate savory snack or party appetizer!

Top Tip

Getting those potato slices perfectly crispy and loaded just right can be a bit tricky, but these tips will help you nail your Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe every time.

Even Slices Matter: Using a mandoline or very sharp knife to slice your russet potatoes into uniform ⅛-inch rounds ensures they bake evenly and crisp up beautifully.
Layer Lightly: Spreading potato slices in a single layer with just a bit of space between them helps air circulate, so you avoid soggy spots and get that satisfying crunch.
Cheese Timing: Add your shredded sharp cheddar and bacon only after the potato slices are crispy and bake just long enough to melt the cheese. This keeps everything warm without turning your nachos into a mushy mess.
Don’t Skip the Flip: Flipping the potatoes halfway through baking is key. It’s the little step that makes the difference between soft potatoes and perfectly crisp Irish nachos.

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

Freshness is the finishing touch here. The diced jalapeno adds a pop of heat, while juicy Roma tomatoes bring a refreshing contrast. Creamy sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option) smooths out the flavors, and the diced shallots and green onions add a mild bite and beautiful color to the dish.

Side Dishes

Crispy Irish Nachos make a fantastic appetizer or snack alongside something fresh and light like a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve with grilled chicken skewers, roasted vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the cheese and bacon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Irish Nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the potato slices as crispy as possible, place a paper towel on top before sealing to absorb any excess moisture.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked crispy potato slices, the texture might soften slightly once thawed. For best results, freeze only the plain baked potato slices on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready to use, reheat and add your toppings fresh.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes to bring back their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain crunchiness. Once warmed, add fresh cheese and bacon or your favorite toppings before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Follow the air fryer instructions by seasoning the potato slices and air frying at 360°F for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. After they’re crispy, add cheese and bacon and air fry another 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese.

How thick should I slice the potatoes?

Slices should be about ⅛-inch thick. This thickness is perfect for getting them golden and crispy without burning or undercooking.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! For extra heat, keep the jalapeno seeds in or add extra diced jalapenos to the garnish. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix.

Is there a lighter alternative to sour cream?

Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a lighter substitute for sour cream—still creamy, with a slight tang that complements the potatoes and cheese.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is such a rewarding experience—the balance of textures and flavors is truly comforting. Whether you’re sharing this snack at a gathering or indulging in a cozy night in, these nachos always hit the spot. Remember, the secret lies in crisping those potatoes just right and layering on those vibrant fresh toppings. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a favorite go-to whenever you want a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat!