Mouth-watering Irish Nachos recipe for foodies
Welcome to my Easy Irish Nachos recipe! I’m excited to share this delicious and fun take on classic nachos. These Irish nachos are made with crispy baked potato rounds instead of traditional tortilla chips, giving them a unique twist that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
If you’re looking for something different to serve at your next party or gathering, these nachos are the perfect choice. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Plus, they’re a great way to add some St. Patrick’s Day flair to any get-together.
When you make these Irish nachos, you’ll love the combination of crispy potato rounds topped with melted cheese, bacon pieces, and green onions. The flavors come together perfectly, creating a dish that is deliciously savory and impossible to resist.
So why settle for regular nachos when you can make these easy Irish nachos instead? Keep reading for the full recipe and all of my tips for making them perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a nacho lover looking for something different and delicious? Look no further than this ultimate comfort food – Irish Nachos. The best part is, you don’t have to go to an Irish pub to enjoy them! Made with crispy potato rounds, cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and green onions, these nachos will delight your taste buds and leave you satisfied.
Irish Nachos are the perfect combination of the crispiness of potato chips and the cheesiness of nachos. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any other festive gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these pub-style potatoes at home in no time.
The potatoes used in this recipe are sliced thinly and fried until perfectly crispy. They form the base for the rest of the ingredients, which include a decadent cheese sauce made from shredded cheddar cheese and bacon pieces. For added flavor and color, green onions are sprinkled on top of the melted cheese.
But what makes this recipe truly special is that it offers countless opportunities for customization. Bored of regular nachos? Use sliced potatoes instead of tortilla chips! Looking for more protein? Add cooked chicken or ground beef! Want to spice things up? Add jalapenos or hot sauce!
In summary, if you’re looking for an easy yet delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone, give Irish Nachos a try. Trust me; once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this dish has become my new favorite comfort food.
Ingredient List
Potatoes: You will need large russet potatoes to make the base of the nachos. It is recommended to use 3 cups of sliced potatoes instead of tortilla chips or potato rounds.
Olive oil: You will use 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the potatoes.
Seasonings: For flavoring, you need 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and black pepper.
Bacon: What are Irish nachos without bacon? Four slices of cooked bacon pieces will be needed.
Cheese: Irish nachos make with different types of cheese options. But for this recipe, you need shredded cheddar cheese. You will need 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Green Onion: Sliced green onions make an excellent addition to Irish Nachos. For this dish, you need two green onions sliced.
Sour cream & tomato: For topping the nachos, you can use sour cream and diced tomatoes.
Nachos Cheese Sauce: Cheese sauce is what gives these nachos their irresistible taste. You can prepare your own cheese sauce or use a ready-made one available in the stores.
Since we’re talking about easy Irish Nachos, if you want to try a variation, you can substitute the classic potato slices with waffle fries or French fries.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all of the ingredients ready, it’s time to put them together to make these delicious Irish Nachos! Here are the detailed steps for preparing this dish:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Step 2: Slice and bake the potato rounds
Slice 2 large russet potatoes into thin rounds of about 1/4 inch thickness. Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with 1 tsp of garlic powder and 1 tsp of black pepper. Toss well to combine.
Bake for about 15 minutes or until they start to get crispy.
Step 3: Add cheese and bacon
Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle them with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon pieces.
Step 4: Bake again
Place the baking sheet back into the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish with green onions
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the top with sliced green onions.
You are now ready to serve these delicious Irish nachos topped with sour cream, tomato, or your preferred toppings.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to switch things up a bit, there are many possible substitutions and variations for this Easy Irish Nachos Recipe. Here are some ideas:
– Swap the sliced potatoes for waffle fries or French fries. This will give your nachos an even more pub-style feel.
– Use tortilla chips instead of potato rounds or chips. This variation still gives you the familiar crunch of traditional nachos.
– Substitute the shredded cheddar cheese for any other shredded cheese. Pepper Jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses are great options.
– Replace bacon with crispy fried chicken, steak or ground beef for a heartier take on classic nachos.
– Add your favourite veggies such as diced tomatoes, green peppers, jalapenos and olives to top off your nachos and get more flavour.
– You can also swap out sour cream with guacamole, salsa or queso dip to amp up the taste profile of your nachos.
Make sure to try different combinations of adaptations in order to achieve your perfect nacho recipe with a unique touch that suits your preferences.
Serving and Pairing
Once the easy Irish nachos recipe is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family over a pint of beer at your next St. Patrick’s Day party or any festive occasion.
To serve, transfer the nachos to a large platter or individual plates, making sure to distribute all ingredients evenly. Top with sour cream, sliced green onions, and fresh tomato if desired. The combination of crispy potato rounds, melted cheese, and savory bacon pieces will make your taste buds dance.
Pair these Irish nachos with a cold pint of lager or ale to complement the dish perfectly. The refreshing bitterness of the beer pairs well with the smoky bacon and salty cheddar cheese. If you prefer wine, a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will do the trick.
These easy Irish nachos are also versatile and can be paired with other dishes depending on the event or occasion. Serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal or as an appetizer alongside other pub-style snacks such as onion rings or chicken wings.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Irish nachos are always a crowd-pleaser and will leave your guests asking for more.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The beauty of Irish nachos is that you can make them ahead of time and reheat them easily for your party or gathering. If you want to prepare this recipe in advance, you can follow the steps up to just before adding the cheese sauce and bacon pieces. Once you’ve got your potato rounds baked and crispy, you can keep them separate from the cheese sauce and bacon. You could also freeze the cooled potato slices in a ziplock bag for future use, but keep in mind that they might not be as crispy as freshly made.
When you’re ready to reheat your nachos, simply arrange the potato rounds on a baking sheet, pour over the cheese sauce, sprinkle with crispy bacon pieces and pop them in the oven. Be sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before reheating your dish. Bake them for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
If you’ve got any leftover Irish nachos, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Remember to avoid microwaving your leftover Irish nachos as it could make the potato slices soggy and ruin their crispy texture.
Now that you know how to make these delicious Irish nachos ahead of time and reliably reheat them, why not whip up a big batch for your next get-together? They are sure to be a hit!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got all the ingredients and the recipe how-to, it’s time for some tips to ensure that your Irish nachos come out perfect each time. Here are my top tips for making easy Irish nachos:
1. Cut the Potatoes Evenly
One of the most crucial steps in making Irish nachos is cutting the potatoes evenly. You want them to cook uniformly, so take your time and use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to get uniform slices about ⅛ inch thick.
2. Parboil the Potatoes First
Parboiling the potatoes first ensures that they cook through, without burning on the outside. It also helps remove some of the excess starch that can make them gummy. Boil sliced potatoes in salted water for 3-4 minutes before draining and starting with the recipe.
3. Use Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes will give you the best results as they’re starchy enough to hold up well to baking and frying, creating crispy potato rounds that are perfect for Irish nachos.
4. Cook Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Crispy bacon pieces are one of the highlights of Irish nachos, so make sure you cook them perfectly. Cook them until they’re browned and crispy but not overcooked as you don’t want them burnt or tough.
5. Don’t Skimp on Cheese
The cheese sauce is what brings everything together in Irish nachos, so don’t skimp on it. Use good quality cheddar cheese, shred it freshly yourself, and make sure it’s melted thoroughly before pouring liberally over your potato slices.
6. Preheat Your Oven (or Air Fryer)
Make sure your oven or air fryer is fully preheated before starting to cook your Irish Nachos as this will ensure crispiness and an evenly cooked dish.
7. Customize Your Toppings
Irish nachos offer a blank canvas for your favorite toppings. While bacon, cheese sauce, and green onions are the most common toppings, feel free to add jalapenos, guacamole or any other favorite nacho topping.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make easy Irish Nachos perfectly each time, creating a real crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your menu at game nights, dinners or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
FAQ
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I understand that the process of making Irish Nachos can be intimidating, especially for beginners. And so in this section, I will address some frequently asked questions to ensure that you achieve perfect results every time you make this popular dish.
What are Irish nachos made of?
Irish Nachos are a delectable dish made by slicing Russet potatoes into thin pieces, seasoning and baking them to a crispy texture. After that, they are arranged in a skillet pan or baking sheet and topped off with big chunks of bacon and cheddar cheese. Finally, the dish is baked again until the cheese has become gooey and melty.
Are Irish nachos the same as regular nachos?
Irish nachos are a delicious twist on the classic nachos dish where sliced potatoes are used instead of tortilla chips. This variation of nachos is a nod to the love of potatoes in Irish cuisine.
Why are they called Irish nachos?
In this recipe, I’m adding a twist to the classic nachos by using thinly cut Irish potatoes instead of the usual tortilla chips. These potatoes are cooked to crispy perfection on the outside while remaining tender on the inside, creating a deliciously unique flavor. That’s why they are called Irish Nachos!
What is the secret to crispy nachos?
If you’re worried about your chips going limp, don’t fret! A simple solution is to sprinkle some grated or crumbled cheese on top and stick them in the oven for a few minutes. The cheese will do wonders in keeping your chips crispy underneath your hearty toppings.
Bottom Line
Your Irish Nachos recipe is sure to wow your guests at your next party or get-together. These nachos are the perfect combination of crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory toppings. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is a cinch to make.
But don’t just take my word for it. Try out our easy Irish Nachos recipe for yourself and see how quickly you’ll fall in love with this delicious twist on traditional nachos. Impress your friends and family with a unique snack that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you’re craving something hearty and full of flavor.
Whether you prefer them classic-style with crispy bacon pieces and green onions or want to mix it up with some sour cream, tomato, or jalapeno toppings, these nachos are sure to delight your taste buds.
So go ahead, grab yourself a bag of frozen waffle fries or some fresh russet potatoes and get ready to make the best Irish Nachos you’ve ever tasted!
Easy Irish Nachos Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bag kettle potato chips
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 jar nacho cheese sauce (your choice, hot or mild)
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced thin (more or less to taste)
OPTIONAL
- sliced jalapeno
Instructions
- Layer potato chips on large platter (do not use regular or wavy potato chips, as they do not hold up to the cheese sauce).
- Pour cheese sauce over chips. Add sliced onion and bacon (and jalapenos if desired). Microwave 1 minute (or until hot) or heat in slow oven until warmed through.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.