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A heaping platter of Loaded Irish Nachos with crispy potatoes, melted cheese, bacon, and fresh green onions.

Loaded Irish Nachos

A genius twist on classic nachos, this recipe swaps corn chips for sturdy slices of Russet potato, baked until crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. This hearty pub snack is then loaded with melted sharp cheddar, salty bacon, cool sour cream, and fresh green onions for a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Irish
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium Russet potatoes about 2 lbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh chives, pickled jalapeños, guacamole

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large baking sheet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Slotted spoon
  • Box grater
  • Kitchen towel

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes, pat them completely dry, and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds. In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Arrange the potato slices in a single, even layer on a large baking sheet, using two if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden brown at the edges.
  3. While the potatoes bake, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  4. Remove the baked potatoes from the oven. Push the slices toward the center of the pan, creating a slightly overlapped pile. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar, followed by all of the crispy bacon, and then the remaining cheese.
  5. Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
  6. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately with a side of sour cream for dipping.

Notes

Kitchen Tips: For extra-crispy potatoes, preheat the baking sheet in the oven before adding the oiled potato slices. Always shred your own cheese from a block; it melts much better than pre-shredded varieties. Ensure potatoes are completely dry before tossing with oil to achieve the best crispiness.
Variations & Swaps: Instead of bacon, try crumbled breakfast sausage, ground beef, or leftover corned beef. Monterey Jack or pepper jack can be used in place of cheddar. For a different base, Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes work well. Full-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream.
Serving Suggestions: These nachos are best served immediately. They pair wonderfully with a cold lager or stout. For a full pub-themed meal, serve as an appetizer before Shepherd's Pie or alongside Guinness Glazed Meatballs.