Some days, I am just in the mood for some good pub-inspired munchies. And these Irish Nachos are the perfect answer!
What are Irish Nachos, you say?
Okay, let’s be clear: they’re not really Irish and they’re not really nachos. Ha! The concept of nachos is there, but instead of chips the base is made of potato. That’s the "Irish" part.
And instead of layering with Mexican flavors, we use bacon, green onions, and cheese.
They deliver a truly delightful nacho-like experience. All the delicious tastes in every bite!
What are Irish Nachos?
These nachos can pretty firmly be categorized as “pub food”. They take the idea of nachos but instead of chips, they use potatoes for the base. Instead of chicken or taco meat, Irish nachos typically use bacon or shredded corned beef. The potatoes and corned beef combination help justify the “Irish” description, but in reality they should be thought of as a “fusion” food and just enjoyed for the pure deliciousness in every bite.
Why I love This Irish Nachos Recipe
These nachos start with waffle fries: lots of crispy edges surrounding soft potato pieces. Add plenty of shredded cheese and extra flavor from bacon and green onion.
Warm it all together to melt the cheese and meld the flavors. Then dollop with sour cream to serve.
What they really remind me of is baked potato skins, which used to be on every appetizer menu I knew of. Did they go out of style? They must have, but it seems that the concept is born again as Irish Nachos, with the same yummy taste I have always loved!
Irish Nacho Ingredients
How to Make These Irish Nachos
Start with the potatoes. Cook them according to your preference: I used my air fryer for waffle fries.
You also need to cook and chop some bacon. Did you know you can make air fryer bacon? Handy little workhorse, that air fryer!
Then layer the potatoes in a flat baking dish. I use a 10-inch round Pyrex dish which works great. Place half the potatoes (this makes about a single layer) in the dish, then add half the cheese, bacon and onions. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, cheese, bacon and onions.
Bake for 10-15 minutes to warm everything through and get the cheese all nice and melty. Serve immediately, with sour cream.
Tips For Making Irish Nachos
I’m a big fan of using waffle fries for these nachos, but frozen steak fries or crinkle-cut fries could work also. It’s important to have your potato pieces be strong enough to support the toppings.
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Once you’ve cooked the fries, the layering becomes the most important step. I don’t know about you, but I really want some melted cheese on every piece of potato! 😋 So I try to make each potato layer pretty thin and ensure I have enough shredded cheese and other toppings to sprinkle on the whole layer before repeating.
You can be pretty creative with toppings but think through how you want to add them as some might be better added after cooking. Some shredded lettuce or cut tomato, for instance, will add a touch of freshness if you use it to garnish the baked nachos. And of course, the sour cream is added just as you serve.
Irish Nachos Recipe Variations
The potatoes are the backbone of this dish, so I chose waffle fries as they are a little more sturdy and able to really carry the toppings. But you can also use regular french fries or cottage fries.
If you like to make your own from fresh potato slices, go for it! Some people try to make these with potato chips which sounds very easy but might get tricky with all the toppings.
The bacon…well, bacon is definitely an expected flavor in potato skins. But since these are IRISH nachos, it makes perfect sense that you can use corned beef! My most recent batch used shredded corned beef and they were amazing! And a great use of St Patty's Day leftovers!
For the cheese, I like to buy the bags of pre-shredded cheese. I’ve used both a Cheddar-Monterey Jack blend and a 3 cheese Mexican blend. Both were great. Some might prefer all shredded cheddar cheese. If you have a favorite flavor or blend here, go for it!
Storing Irish Potato Nachos
These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crisp texture. Place in a single layer and reheat for about 5-10 minutes at 375°F, checking often.
More Recipes for St Patrick's Day
📖 Recipe
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Irish Nacho
Ingredients
- 22 oz frozen waffle fries one bag
- Cooking spray
- ½ bunch green onions sliced
- ½ pound bacon cooked, cooled and chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheese mixed blend
Instructions
- Cook waffle fries according to method of choice (oven or air fryer).22 oz frozen waffle fries
- Preheat oven to 375F. If desired, lightly spray the baking dish to prevent sticking.Cooking spray
- Layer half the waffle fries in a flat baking dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese, bacon and onions.½ bunch green onions, ½ pound bacon, 2 cups shredded cheese
- Repeat with the rest of the fries, and the cheese, bacon and onions.
- Bake in 375F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm, with sour cream if desired.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Big Trouble
Mmm, this would be perfect for get-togethers (once we can finally have them with people again)! I bet these would disappear so fast!
Sula
Yes they are very popular!
Beth
My teens loved this recipe! So excited to make this again later this week! Saved for later! Thanks!
Sula
I can't imagine any teen walking away from these! LOL
Aimee Mars
Irish or not, chips or potatoes, these sound and look amazing! What a delicious appetizer or snack. We have a 'family fun night' in our house on Fridays and this would be the perfect snack to serve.
Sula
Oh a family fun night is such a great idea and yes these would be just perfect!
Michelle
Yesss! So good. Nachos are the best and the fries make it even better
Sula
We never grow tired of these!
Claudia Lamascolo
what a great idea~ This looks marvelous the best of comfort foods!
Sula
Oh yes, comfort food in snackable form!
Pam Greer
This is such a clever idea! Like loaded fries but with an Irish twist! Love it!
Sula
Exactly correct!
Sara Welch
Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it did not disappoint! So easy and delicious; looking forward to serving this again for St. Patrick's Day!
Sula
Yes I think I could serve this once a week, year-round, and no one would get tired of it!
Michelle Boule
I showed this to my english/irish father in law and he loved it. Now I have to make it for him next time he comes over
Sula
Oh he will love it!
Chris Collins
This is a pub favourite of mine! I never realised how simple they were to make at home!
Sula
Sometimes that pub food is just the best!
Jenn
These are my new favorite way of eating waffle fries! Fully loaded with deliciousness, I also love how easy they are to make!
Sula
Fully loaded = fully delicious!
Kay
These bacon and cheese waffle fries have a special place in my heart! Actually, I am lying they are in my tummy. Yummy such a great comfort recipe!
Sula
LOL yes, they are pretty irresistible!
Gabriela Herrera
Waffle fries are my absolute favorite. This looks so delicious.
Sula
I agree, I love all the crispy edges on waffle fries. Making them into these nachos made them even better!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
OMG a big yes to this recipe? Is there anything better than potatoes, bacon, cheese and sour cream?
Sula
Let me answer that: no, there really is NOTHING better! LOL
Amy
Yum!!!!!!
Sula
For sure!
Vincit Omina
What a creative dish! This is premium snackage!
Sula
Very well said! 🙂