Cheesy Irish Nachos are a fun and easy appetizer made with crispy baked potato slices, melted cheese, and savory Canadian bacon. Perfect for game day, parties, or casual entertaining, this Irish nachos recipe is loaded with flavor and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Cheesy Irish Nachos are a fun, crowd-pleasing twist on classic nachos made with crispy homemade baked potato chips, melty cheese, and savory Canadian bacon. These loaded Irish nachos are perfect for game day, parties, or an easy appetizer that disappears fast.
If you have never tried Irish nachos before, you are in for a serious treat. Instead of tortilla chips, this recipe uses thinly sliced potatoes baked until golden and crispy, then piled high with cheese and toppings. Add Canadian bacon into the mix and you have a hearty, comforting dish that works as an appetizer, snack, or even a casual dinner.
Canadian bacon was a staple in my house growing up, so it felt like the perfect addition here. It adds great flavor without being greasy and pairs perfectly with crispy potatoes and melted cheese. The best part is that everything bakes in the oven, making this recipe easy to prep and even easier to customize with your favorite toppings.
What I Love About This Recipe
- These Irish nachos use simple ingredients but feel extra special thanks to homemade baked potato chips instead of store-bought chips.
- Canadian bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the melty cheese and crispy potatoes.
- The recipe is easy to customize with different cheeses, toppings, or spice blends depending on what you have on hand.
- Everything is baked in the oven, which makes this recipe less messy and easier for feeding a crowd.
Equipment You May Need
- Sharp Knife, Mandoline Slicer, or Food Processor – For slicing the potatoes very thin so they bake up crispy.
- Large Mixing Bowl – To toss the potatoes with oil and seasoning.
- Baking Sheets – You may need more than one to keep the potatoes in a single layer.
- Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheets and make cleanup easier.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- Salt – Brings out the natural flavor of the potatoes.
- Black Pepper – Adds mild heat and depth.
- Onion Powder – Provides a savory base flavor.
- Coriander – Adds subtle warmth and citrusy notes.
- Ancho Chile Powder – Gives smoky flavor without too much heat.
- Cayenne Pepper – Adds a gentle kick that you can adjust to taste.
Nachos
- Russet Potatoes – Slice thin for crispy baked potato chips that hold up to toppings.
- Olive Oil – Helps the potatoes bake evenly and crisp up in the oven.
- Shredded Monterey Jack or White Cheddar Cheese – Melts smoothly and coats the potatoes perfectly.
- Canadian Bacon – Chopped into bite-size pieces for even distribution.
- Green Onions – Add freshness and color at the end.
Optional Toppings
- Sour Cream, Salsa, or Guacamole – Classic nacho toppings that work great here.
- Pickled Jalapeños or Olives – Add tang and contrast to the rich cheese.
- Fresh Cilantro or Tomatoes – Brighten up the dish before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Irish Nachos
Step One: Make the Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, onion powder, coriander, ancho chile powder, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
Step Two: Prep Potatoes
Thinly slice the potatoes using a knife, mandolin, or food processor. Place the slices in ice-cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat completely dry.
Step Three: Season and Bake
Toss the dried potato slices with olive oil and the seasoning mix. Spread them in a single layer on lined baking sheets and bake at 425°F, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Step Four: Add Toppings
Move the potatoes closer together on the baking sheets. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped Canadian bacon.
Step Five: Melt and Serve
Return the pan to the oven for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and top with green onions and any additional toppings.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these Irish nachos straight from the baking sheet for a casual party appetizer.
- Pair with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side for dipping.
- Turn this into a full meal by adding black beans or serving with a simple green salad.
- These nachos pair great with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats at a BBQ.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Slice the potatoes as thin as possible so they bake up crispy instead of soft.
- Always dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking to avoid steaming in the oven.
- Use multiple baking sheets if needed so the potatoes stay in a single layer.
- Watch closely during the final cheese-melting step to avoid over-browning.
Cheesy Irish Nachos FAQ
How should I store Cheesy Irish Nachos?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Can I freeze Cheesy Irish Nachos?
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, as the potatoes can lose their crispness after freezing.
How long will Cheesy Irish Nachos last?
Leftovers will keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Substitutions?
You can swap Canadian bacon for regular bacon, ham, or even cooked sausage.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, reduced-fat cheese works, but it may not melt quite as smoothly.
What else can I add to this recipe?
Try adding jalapeños, black beans, roasted peppers, or a drizzle of cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – To make this recipe vegan, you can omit the Canadian bacon, substitute a vegan cheese, and stick to vegan-friendly toppings.
Vegetarian – Omit the Canadian bacon for a vegetarian option.
Low-Carb – The potatoes are high-carb, so this recipe would be tough to make lower-carb.
Gluten-Free -This recipe is gluten-free, but check all ingredients to be sure.
Hope you like these Cheesy Irish Nachos! You may also like these Loaded Nachos and Garlic Chicken Pinwheels!
Cheesy Irish Nachos
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix (see note below):
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Nachos:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound shredded Monterrey Jack (or white cheddar) cheese
- 12 ounces Canadian Bacon chopped
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
Topping Suggestions (optional):
- chopped onion chopped bell peppers, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, sliced olives, corn, fresh chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced pickled jalapeños, black beans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line baking sheets with aluminum foil.
- In small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, onion powder, coriander, ancho chile pepper, and cayenne pepper until combined; set aside.
- Thinly slice potatoes (about 1/8″ thick or thinner) using a sharp knife, mandolin, or food processor. Place potato slices in icy cold water for about 10 minutes. Remove from water and pat dry with paper towels. Toss potato slices in large bowl with olive oil, add seasoning mix, and toss to coat.
- Place potato slices on prepared baking sheets and bake at 425 degrees F for about 10-20 minutes per side or until crispy; rotate pans halfway through. (Baking time may vary depending on thickness of potatoes.)
- Move potatoes close to each other on pans and sprinkle cheese and Canadian bacon on top. Place back in oven for 3-5 minutes or until cheese has melted. Remove from oven and top with green onion and additional toppings as desired.
Notes
- The thinner you cut the potatoes, the quicker they will cook and the crispier they will be.
- Instead of the homemade seasoning mix, you can substitute your favorite taco seasoning mix, seasoned salt, or your favorite seasoning mix.
- Instead of Canadian bacon you can use ham or bacon.
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
About Lisa Huff
Lisa Huff is a Cookbook Author, Freelance Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Blogger/Writer, and award-winning home chef. She loves creating unique recipes from healthy to decadent including cocktails, appetizers, main dishes, dessert recipes and more and has appeared on various shows, publications, and websites.
Could a I bake the potatoes then refrigerate them for later, then add the rest and heat up in oven? I want to serve them while RV camping and want to save some time in the kitchen while camping.
Yes that should work. Not sure how crispy they will stay, but they will still be delicious!
Fun idea instead of tortilla nachos