Irish Nachos are the ultimate comfort food, and I absolutely adore them. They’re packed with bold flavors and crunchy textures. Every layer of cheese, bacon, and potatoes excites my taste buds. They’re a perfect snack for St. Patrick’s Day!
Contents
Irish Nacho recipe
Irish nachos are a variation of traditional nachos. They are a pub-style dish from the United States with Irish-inspired flavors. Instead of traditional tortilla chips, this dish uses sliced potatoes or potato wedges as the base. This makes it heartier and more filling.

The potatoes are baked or fried crispy and topped with cheese, bacon, and classic nacho toppings. These toppings include sour cream, jalapeños, and guacamole. This dish is popular in Irish-American culture, especially during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It combines potato comfort with the fun, shareable nature of nachos.
Here’s how to make the Irish Nachos:

Irish Nachos
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes scrubbed and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños optional
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss sliced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the crispy potatoes. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Drizzle with sour cream, then sprinkle with chopped chives and jalapeños (if using). Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
How to pair
Irish nachos can be served alongside the following foods:
- Food Pairings
- Corned beef and cabbage complements the richness of nachos. Cabbage provides a contrasting texture and sweet flavor.
- Irish soda bread is perfect for soaking up leftover nacho toppings or dips. Its simple flavor profile does not compete with Irish nachos.
- Green beer’s light and crisp nature cuts through the richness of nachos.
- Reuben dip is a natural fit with Irish nachos.
- Colcannon offers a comforting and familiar flavor. Its creamy texture complements the crunchiness of nachos. Homemade scones topped with Irish cheddar complement the flavors of the nachos.
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Irish coffee complements savory, cheesy nachos.
- Lager cleanses the palate between bites. It matches the bold flavors of Irish nachos.
- Irish cream liqueur pairs well with savory nachos. It adds a touch of indulgence.
- Aveleda Vinho Verde creates a refreshing pairing.
- Irish Whiskey Margarita is a great choice.
- Pale ale complements the nachos.
- Non-alcoholic Drinks
- Apple cider cuts through nachos’ richness. It offers a refreshing contrast.
- Sparkling water refreshes the palate. Its citrusy notes contrast with the nachos’ richness.
- Green tea provides a refreshing contrast. Its earthy flavor lightens cheesy nachos.
- Shamrock shake provides a refreshing contrast to savory nachos.
Variations
Irish Nachos have many variations. Here are some suggestions you can try:
- Topping Versions add pickled onions, chili, ranch dressing, ground beef, relish, lettuce, and olives.
- Cheese Variations include Dubliner, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Guinness beer cheese can be incorporated.
- Guinness Infusion includes Guinness cheese sauce.
- Potato Alternatives use kettle-cooked potato chips as a base. Waffle fries are also suggested as a base in some recipes.
- Meat Alternatives use corned beef, pulled pork, or seafood.
- Other Variations:
- Other variations include Irish chili nachos and parmesan-bacon garlic potato wedges.
- Baked potato skins and creamy seafood nachos are common variations.
- Puff pastry sausage rolls and Greek seafood nachos are other recipe variations.