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 love the idea of loaded potato slices with that perfect crispy crunch, you’re going to adore my Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on traditional nachos, substituting tortilla chips with thinly baked russet potatoes topped with melty sharp cheddar and crispy bacon. Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again!

A black skillet holds a layered dish starting with a base of golden, crispy potato slices arranged flat and overlapping. On top, bright orange melted cheddar cheese covers the potatoes unevenly, creating melted, smooth patches. Scattered finely diced red tomatoes and small green onion pieces add color contrast all over. Bright green round slices of jalapeño peppers with visible seeds are layered sporadically on top. White sour cream is drizzled in thick lines diagonally across the whole dish, adding a creamy texture. The skillet sits on a white marbled textured surface surrounded by small wooden bowls holding chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and crisply cooked potato slices. 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 honestly can’t get enough of these crispy, cheese-loaded potato rounds. Every bite brings a mix of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors that turn simple potatoes into a finger-licking snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Crunchy and Comforting: Thin sliced potatoes baked to golden crisp perfection, no greasy frying involved.
Loaded with Flavor: Sharp cheddar and bacon bring rich, savory goodness that’s hard to resist.
Customizable Toppings: Fresh jalapenos, tomatoes, shallots, and green onions add bright, fresh notes.
Great for Sharing: Perfect for game nights, casual parties, or a fun family appetizer.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference here. I always go for starchy russet potatoes—they crisp up beautifully when baked. Sharp cheddar cheese melts just right and adds that tangy cheddar flavor, while thick-cut bacon gives a satisfying crunch and smoky bite.

Flat lay of large russet potatoes sliced into thin rounds on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl containing mixed kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, a pile of bright shredded sharp cheddar cheese on a white ceramic dish, crispy thick-cut bacon slices arranged neatly on a white plate, a fresh green jalapeno pepper diced in a small white bowl, diced ripe Roma tomatoes in a small white bowl, a dollop of creamy sour cream in a small white bowl, a small mound of diced shallot on a white ceramic dish, and chopped green onions displayed in a small white bowl, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced symmetrical composition 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 high starch content creates the perfect crispy texture.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps season the potatoes evenly and promotes browning in the oven.
Kosher salt: Brings out all the natural flavors in the potato slices.
Paprika: Adds just a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Gives a friendly garlic punch to the seasoning blend.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly and delivers bold, tangy flavor.
Thick-cut bacon: Crispy, smoky, and packed with flavor.
Jalapeno pepper: Fresh and spicy for a lively kick.
Roma tomatoes: Juicy and fresh, balance the richness.
Sour cream: Creamy and tangy, perfect for cooling down the heat.
Shallot: Mild onion flavor with a touch of sweetness.
Green onions: Fresh crunch and color on top.

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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

One of the best things about this Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe is how easy it is to customize it to your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative with the toppings or even swap ingredients to fit your lifestyle or what’s in your pantry!

Vegetarian Variation: I love making this dish without bacon whenever I want a lighter snack. Just add extra sharp cheddar and some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for that extra savory kick!
Spice it Up or Tone it Down: If you’re sensitive to heat, swapping jalapenos out for mild bell peppers works beautifully. On the other hand, for a fiery twist, try adding pickled jalapenos or a drizzle of hot sauce after baking.
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, I like to swap the Roma tomatoes for fresh heirloom tomatoes or even add some sweet corn kernels to add brightness and crunch.
Air Fryer Friendly: If you prefer an air fryer, this recipe adapts perfectly—you just air fry the potato slices at 360°F for 15 minutes with flips every 5 minutes. It crisps up wonderfully and melts the cheese just right!

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

A white plate full of nachos is shown with three main layers. The bottom layer is made of crispy, brown tortilla chips. On top of this is a thick, even layer of melted yellow cheddar cheese, mixed with small pieces of crispy bacon that add red and brown texture. The top layer includes scattered chopped green onions, slices of green jalapeños, small red tomato bits, and white drizzles of sour cream. A woman's hand is lifting a nacho, stretching the melted cheese. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a blurred bowl of chopped green onions in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare for Crispiness

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper—it makes cleanup so much easier! This high heat is key to achieving that perfect crispy texture on the potato slices.

Step 2: Mix Your Seasoning Blend

In a small bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. This simple seasoning mix coats the potatoes perfectly, giving them that flavorful punch every bite deserves.

Step 3: Coat Those Potato Slices

Place your thinly sliced russet potatoes (about 2 pounds) in a large bowl and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over and toss gently but thoroughly so every slice gets a light, even coating. This step ensures maximum flavor and crispiness!

Step 4: Bake the Potato Slices Until Golden and Crispy

Spread the coated potato rounds out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Place them in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, carefully flip each slice and bake for another 9 minutes. Keep an eye out: you want them to turn golden brown and crisp without burning—this is where patience pays off!

Step 5: Combine and Load with Cheese and Bacon

Once crispy, pull the potatoes out of the oven and gather them all onto a single baking sheet. Sprinkle the top with 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 8 slices of crispy, crumbled thick-cut bacon. The sharp cheddar melts beautifully, while the bacon adds that irresistible smoky crunch.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese to Gooey Perfection

Return the loaded potatoes to the oven and bake for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts fully into a luscious cheesy blanket over the potatoes. The aroma at this stage is simply mouthwatering!

Step 7: Top and Serve Fresh

Finally, garnish your Irish Nachos with diced jalapeno for that perfect spicy kick, fresh diced Roma tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, finely diced shallots, and green onions for brightness. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in.

Top Tip

Mastering crispy potatoes can be tricky, but with these tips, your Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe will turn out perfectly every time—golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor.

Slice Thinly and Evenly: Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife helps get those ⅛-inch rounds super thin and uniform, so they cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
Don’t Skip the Flip: Flipping your potato slices halfway through baking ensures even browning. I used to skip this step and ended up with soggy bottoms!
Single Layer Magic: Spread your potato slices in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents that coveted crispiness.
Use Russet Potatoes: I’ve tried other varieties, but russets always deliver the best texture due to their starch content—they crisp up beautifully in the oven.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon Recipe

A baking tray filled with one layer of thin round slices of potatoes spread evenly, some slices topped with a light sprinkle of reddish-brown spices and herbs, giving a mixed pattern of plain and seasoned slices. The potato slices have a pale yellow color with some slight raw shine, and the tray has a worn metallic look. The background is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

The toppings are what really make these Irish Nachos shine. For a fresh contrast, I love adding diced Roma tomatoes and thinly sliced shallots for a bit of sweetness. The diced jalapeno adds a nice spicy kick, but if you prefer mild, feel free to use green bell peppers instead. Finish off with a dollop of cool sour cream and sprinkle with green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

These loaded potato slices are fantastic as an appetizer or snack, but they also pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of chili for a heartier meal. A light coleslaw or some pickled vegetables can brighten things up too, cutting through 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. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The toppings like jalapeno, tomatoes, and sour cream are best added fresh when reheating to keep their texture and flavor vibrant.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the texture of the crispiest potato slices may soften upon thawing. If you want to freeze, it’s best to freeze the baked potatoes without cheese and bacon, then add fresh toppings after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat and keep that crispiness, place your leftover Irish Nachos on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. If you like, sprinkle on some fresh cheese and bacon before popping them back in for a few minutes to melt everything again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Crispy Irish Nachos in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Season the potato rounds and air fry them at 360°F for 15 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Then add cheese and bacon and air fry again for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket.

What makes russet potatoes the best choice?

Russets have a higher starch content, which helps them crisp up nicely when baked, giving you that satisfying crunch you want in Irish Nachos.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative. The sharp cheddar cheese and toppings still deliver plenty of flavor and texture.

How spicy are the jalapenos in this recipe?

The diced jalapenos add a moderate heat level, but you can control the spice by adjusting the amount or removing the seeds. For less heat, try substituting with mild peppers like poblano or sweet mini peppers.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Irish Nachos with Cheese and Bacon is such a rewarding experience—crisp, savory, and loaded with fresh toppings that delight every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe brings warmth and comfort in every crunchy, cheesy slice. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make this your go-to snack or appetizer—happy cooking and even happier eating!