Irish Nachos

Irish Nachos put a flavorful twist on classic nachos by swapping out tortilla chips for crispy potato slices.

Topped with melted cheese, bacon, green onions and a dollop of sour cream, this hearty dish combines comfort food with pub-style indulgence.

We just love this as one of our St Patricks Day Recipes but you can love it throughout the year, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a satisfying snack.

Irish Nachos put a flavorful twist on classic nachos by swapping out tortilla chips for crispy potato slices.

Perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, this crowd-pleasing appetizer brings a comforting and flavorful touch to any occasion.

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What Are Irish Nachos

Irish nachos are a delicious twist on traditional nachos, made by layering crispy potato slices or fries with toppings like melted cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream and sometimes jalapeños.

Are Irish Nachos from Ireland

No, Irish nachos are not from Ireland.

They originated in the United States and are named for their use of potatoes, a staple in Irish cuisine.

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The dish combines potato slices or fries with nacho-style toppings, blending Irish-inspired elements with Tex-Mex flavors.

Who Invented Irish Nachos

Irish nachos are credited to J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill in Arlington, Texas.

The dish was reportedly created in the 1970s by the bar’s owner, Tom “J. Gilligan” Jones, who used thinly sliced potatoes as a base for nacho-style toppings.

Irish Nachos put a flavorful twist on classic nachos by swapping out tortilla chips for crispy potato slices.

It has since become a popular pub dish across the U.S., celebrated for its hearty and flavorful twist on traditional nachos.

What To Serve With Irish Nachos

Pair Irish nachos with complementary dishes like:

  1. Dips: Ranch, sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor.
  2. Salads: A crisp side salad to balance the richness.
  3. Grilled Proteins: Chicken wings, sausages, or steak bites.
  4. Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies for a lighter contrast.
  5. Beverages: Beer, cider or a refreshing soda to round out the meal.

These combinations create a satisfying and versatile spread for any occasion.

Nacho Ingredients

Ingredients for these delicious Irish nachos include:

  • bacon
  • Russet potatoes
  • olive oil
  • paprika
  • onion power
  • garlic powder
  • black pepper
  • white cheddar cheese
  • mild cheddar cheese
  • sour cream

How to Make Irish Pub Nachos

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Wash and dry potatoes, then slice into ¼-inch rounds.

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Toss potato slices in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder.

irish nachos in process

Arrange slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.

Twist bacon strips and place them on a separate parchment or foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake for about 15 minutes or until crispy.

Remove potatoes and bacon from the oven; increase oven temperature to 475°F.

Pat bacon dry, chop, and set aside.

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In an 8×8-inch dish, layer potatoes, shredded cheese, and bacon. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.

irish nachos in process

Bake for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve topped with green onions, chives and sour cream, if desired.

More Irish Pub Recipes

Explore more Irish pub recipes for hearty, flavorful dishes that bring the charm of Ireland to your table.

Irish Nachos

Irish Nachos

Yield: 4-6
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes

Irish nachos put a flavorful twist on classic nachos by swapping out tortilla chips for crispy potato slices.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz bacon (half a pack)
  • 2-3 Russet Potatoes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp onion power
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Sour Cream to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Wash and dry potatoes, then slice into ¼-inch rounds.
  3. Toss potato slices in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
  4. Arrange slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Twist bacon strips and place them on a separate parchment or foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes or until crispy.
  6. Remove potatoes and bacon from the oven; increase oven temperature to 475°F.
  7. Pat bacon dry, chop, and set aside.
  8. In an 8x8-inch dish, layer potatoes, shredded cheese, and bacon. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
  9. Bake for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve topped with green onions, chives, and sour cream, if desired.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 731Total Fat: 50gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 1818mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 36g

Nutrient values are only estimates provided by online calculators. Various factors can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.

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