Yields:
6 - 8 serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Jump to recipeIrish nachos are the ultimate crowd-favorite snack for St. Patrick's Day but after one taste, you'll want to make them more than just one day a year. Picture it: Crispy golden potatoes piled with mounds of melted cheese, crunchy bacon bits, zippy pickled onions, sour cream, green onion, and salsa. If you're a fan of these loaded nachos or someone who loves potato recipes, then add this to your list of favorite salty snacks. It's one of the best Irish appetizers for entertaining because you can serve it straight from baking sheet! That means less cleanup.
Are Irish nachos actually Irish?
No, they're not exactly a traditional Irish food, but they sure are delicious! Irish nachos are the brainchild of savvy pub owners who coined the name after swapping classic corn chips for Ireland's beloved potato in a hearty spin on nachos.
What potatoes are best for Irish nachos?
Small, waxy, easy-to-slice potatoes with thin peels are best for Irish nachos. Skip the jumbo, starchy russets and go for types of potatoes like Yukon gold or red. Those varieties tend to hold their shape and make for a sturdier scoop for all the tastiest toppings.
What cheese goes on Irish nachos?
Cheddar jack is a hit on these nachos, but regular sharp cheddar pairs well. Shred it yourself, if you can. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded bagged cheese.
What goes on top of Irish nachos?
The easier question might be what doesn't go on top of Irish nachos? Start with a healthy layer of melty shredded cheese and crispy bits of bacon, followed by sour cream, salsa, and green onion. Next, add some zippy quick-pickled red onions, which are optional but easy to make and so worth it. Heck, you know what would also be great? A ladleful of chili, jalapeño slices, creamy ranch dressing, cooked ground beef, or spicy pickle relish. Or, if you want to go all in for St. Patrick's Day, you could even top them with corned beef.
Can you make Irish nachos with chips?
Sure! If you want to go a more traditional nacho route, feel free to use chips—just make sure that they are sturdy enough to hold toppings. Kettle-cooked potato chips are a great base option for a quick-fix snack. Just sprinkle on the bacon and cheese and pop the chips in the oven for a few minutes for the cheese to melt. Then, carry on with all the toppings!
Can you make Irish nachos ahead of time?
Like any good nachos, these are best just after they're made while the potatoes are fresh and crisp. There are few things you can do ahead of time though. The onions can be pickled up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The bacon can be fried and the cheese can be grated a day ahead and stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
How do you reheat leftover Irish nachos?
If you happen to have leftover Irish nachos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat the nachos in a 375-degree Fahrenheit oven or in an air fryer until hot and the cheese is melted.
What other Irish-inspired dishes work well for St. Patrick's Day?
Irish nachos are a great start to any festive feast, but no St. Patrick's Day meal is complete without corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread. Don't forget a pint green beer. Cheers!
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Ingredients
Nachos
- 3 lb.
Yukon gold potatoes
- 4 Tbsp.
olive oil
- 1 tsp.
ground black pepper
- 1 tsp.
garlic powder
Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 tsp.
kosher salt
- 8
slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups
shredded cheddar-jack cheese
Quick pickled onions (optional), sliced green onion, sour cream, and salsa, for serving
Quick-Pickled Onions (optional)
- 1
small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup
white vinegar
- 1 tsp.
sugar
- 1/2 tsp.
kosher salt
Directions
- Step 1Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Step 2Wash the potatoes and pat dry thoroughly. Slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. In a large bowl, stir together the potatoes, oil, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Step 3Spray 2 rimmed baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Divide the potatoes equally between the pans and arrange them in an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes then remove the pans from the oven. Flip the potatoes, rotate the pans, and return to the oven. Bake until the potatoes are golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes more.
- Step 4Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle evenly with the salt. Let cool 5 minutes. Combine the potatoes on one pan and sprinkle with the bacon and cheese. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes more. Sprinkle with the quick-pickled onions, if you like, and green onions; top with salsa and sour cream.
- Step 5To make the quick-pickled onions: In a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, combine the onion, vinegar, 1/2 cup water, sugar, and salt. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes.
Tip: The quick-pickled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Try them on tacos, with roast beef, or in salads.
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