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    Home » Appetizers

    Irish Potato Nacho

    Published: Feb 26, 2021 · Modified: Jan 5, 2025 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 30 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Pin for Irish Nachos.
    Pin for Irish nachos.

    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!

    Irish nachos ready to eat!
    Jump to:
    • What are Irish Nachos?
    • Why I love This Irish Nachos Recipe
    • Irish Nacho Ingredients
    • How to Make These Irish Nachos
    • Tips For Making Irish Nachos
    • Irish Nachos Recipe Variations
    • Storing Irish Potato Nachos
    • More Recipes for St Patrick's Day
    • 📖 Recipe

    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

    waffle fries, bacon, cheese, green onion
    reminder to scroll to the recipe card for details.

    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.

    Plate of Irish Nachos with sour cream, ready to eat.

    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!

    Layering corned beef and cheese in the dish to make Irish Nachos.

    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!

    Hand holding some Irish nachos with melted cheese draping down.

    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

    • shamrock martini cocktail, bright green color with an orange rind garnish.
      Shamrock Martini
    • Cheese and Corned Beef added
      Reuben Dip
    • roasted cabbage wedges on a platter
      Roasted Cabbage
    • Sliced corned beef made in the Instant Pot without cabbage.
      Corned Beef Recipe (Instant Pot)

    📖 Recipe

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    Hand holding some Irish nachos, just ready to be eaten!
    5 from 103 votes
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    Irish Nacho

    A new take on potato skin appetizers! Use waffle fries and either bacon or corned beef to build this delicious appetizer!
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 405kcal
    Author: Sula

    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

    Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 745mg | Potassium: 415mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 207IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    « Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
    Air Fryer Waffle Fries (from frozen) »

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Big Trouble

      March 19, 2021 at 8:58 am

      5 stars
      Mmm, this would be perfect for get-togethers (once we can finally have them with people again)! I bet these would disappear so fast!

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 19, 2021 at 7:27 pm

        Yes they are very popular!

        Reply
    2. Beth

      March 15, 2021 at 9:32 am

      5 stars
      My teens loved this recipe! So excited to make this again later this week! Saved for later! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 15, 2021 at 12:06 pm

        I can't imagine any teen walking away from these! LOL

        Reply
    3. Aimee Mars

      March 15, 2021 at 9:25 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 15, 2021 at 12:05 pm

        Oh a family fun night is such a great idea and yes these would be just perfect!

        Reply
    4. Michelle

      March 15, 2021 at 9:12 am

      5 stars
      Yesss! So good. Nachos are the best and the fries make it even better

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 15, 2021 at 12:05 pm

        We never grow tired of these!

        Reply
    5. Claudia Lamascolo

      March 15, 2021 at 8:32 am

      5 stars
      what a great idea~ This looks marvelous the best of comfort foods!

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 15, 2021 at 12:04 pm

        Oh yes, comfort food in snackable form!

        Reply
    6. Pam Greer

      March 15, 2021 at 8:20 am

      5 stars
      This is such a clever idea! Like loaded fries but with an Irish twist! Love it!

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 15, 2021 at 12:04 pm

        Exactly correct!

        Reply
    7. Sara Welch

      March 08, 2021 at 1:39 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 08, 2021 at 1:46 pm

        Yes I think I could serve this once a week, year-round, and no one would get tired of it!

        Reply
    8. Michelle Boule

      March 08, 2021 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 08, 2021 at 1:36 pm

        Oh he will love it!

        Reply
    9. Chris Collins

      March 08, 2021 at 1:13 pm

      5 stars
      This is a pub favourite of mine! I never realised how simple they were to make at home!

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 08, 2021 at 1:37 pm

        Sometimes that pub food is just the best!

        Reply
    10. Jenn

      March 08, 2021 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      These are my new favorite way of eating waffle fries! Fully loaded with deliciousness, I also love how easy they are to make!

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 08, 2021 at 1:37 pm

        Fully loaded = fully delicious!

        Reply
    11. Kay

      March 08, 2021 at 12:39 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 08, 2021 at 1:37 pm

        LOL yes, they are pretty irresistible!

        Reply
    12. Gabriela Herrera

      March 05, 2021 at 6:48 am

      5 stars
      Waffle fries are my absolute favorite. This looks so delicious.

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 05, 2021 at 9:48 pm

        I agree, I love all the crispy edges on waffle fries. Making them into these nachos made them even better!

        Reply
    13. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady

      March 03, 2021 at 2:11 pm

      5 stars
      OMG a big yes to this recipe? Is there anything better than potatoes, bacon, cheese and sour cream?

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 08, 2021 at 1:38 pm

        Let me answer that: no, there really is NOTHING better! LOL

        Reply
    14. Amy

      March 03, 2021 at 10:46 am

      5 stars
      Yum!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Sula

        March 03, 2021 at 11:24 am

        For sure!

        Reply
    15. Vincit Omina

      February 28, 2021 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      What a creative dish! This is premium snackage!

      Reply
      • Sula

        February 28, 2021 at 4:51 pm

        Very well said! 🙂

        Reply
    5 from 103 votes (88 ratings without comment)

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