Pub Style Irish Nachos

This Pub Style Irish Nachos recipe puts an amazing twist on traditional nachos, using crispy potato slices instead of tortilla chips! Loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and all your favorite toppings, they’re perfect for game day gatherings or a delicious appetizer at your next party!

I discovered these incredible Irish Potato Nachos at my favorite local pub last year, and I’ve been absolutely obsessed with them ever since! After ordering them way too many times (and my wallet feeling the pain!), I decided it was time to create my own version at home. And wow, am I glad I did!

The best part? You don’t need to deep fry anything! I’ll show you how to get that perfect crispiness in the oven. Trust me, once you try these, regular nachos might never satisfy you again!

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What Makes Pub Style Irish Nachos So Irresistible?

Pub Style Irish Nachos are a delicious twist on traditional nachos that use thinly sliced potatoes instead of tortilla chips. These crispy potato rounds are seasoned to perfection, then topped with melted cheese, bacon pieces, green onions, sour cream, salsa, and any other nacho toppings you love!

They’re called “Irish” nachos because they use potatoes instead of corn chips – a playful nod to Ireland’s famous love for potatoes. While they’re not actually an authentic Irish dish, they’ve become a staple on pub menus across America since the 1990s.

What makes them perfect for parties? They’re substantial, shareable, customizable, and—unlike regular nachos—they won’t get soggy as quickly! Plus, they’re an unexpected crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for your recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Pub Style Irish Nachos

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these crowd-pleasing potato nachos:

For the Pub Style Irish Nachos Base:

• 2 large russet potatoes (about 1½ pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Pub Style Irish Nachos Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Irish cheddar if you want to be authentic!)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• ½ cup Pico de Gallo or salsa
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Jalapeños (optional, for heat lovers)

The quality of your ingredients really matters here! Opt for starchy russet potatoes—they crisp up beautifully in the oven. For cheese, a good sharp cheddar will give you that authentic pub flavor, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for heat or a smoked gouda for something different.

Don’t have all these ingredients? No worries! These loaded potato nachos are super flexible. You can use sweet potatoes instead of russet, switch up the herbs based on what you have on hand, or even go vegetarian by omitting the bacon and adding black beans.

Kitchen Tools for Perfect Irish Potato Nachos

You don’t need anything fancy to make these Irish pub nachos, but here are a few things that’ll help:

• Mandoline slicer (for even potato slices)
• Large baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan (for serving)
• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Don’t have a mandoline? Just use a sharp knife and try to keep your slices consistent. No cast iron skillet? Any oven-safe dish will work just fine! The most important thing is having enough prep space to lay out your potato slices before and after baking.

Crafting Restaurant-Quality Irish Nachos: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break down how to make these amazing pub nachos from start to finish!

Selecting Potatoes for Pub Style Irish Nachos

I found some amazingly large russet potatoes at the store, so I only needed 2 potatoes for this entire recipe! Choose potatoes that are firm, with no green spots or sprouts. The larger, the better for this recipe!

Wash them thoroughly, pat them dry, and slice them into ¼ inch rounds. I highly recommend using a mandoline slicer for this – it makes getting uniform slices so much easier! If you’re using a knife, take your time and try to make the slices as even as possible for consistent cooking.

Perfect Seasonings for Pub Style Irish Nachos

Place the potato rounds in a large bowl, and toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Make sure every slice is evenly coated—this is what gives them that amazing flavor that elevates them beyond basic potatoes.

I like to use my hands to gently toss everything together, making sure each slice gets properly seasoned. Don’t skimp on the oil—it helps create that crispy exterior we’re looking for!

Cooking Irish Potato Rounds to Perfection

Arrange the seasoned potato slices in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets. Don’t overcrowd them – this is super important for getting them crispy! You might need to use two baking sheets to give them enough space.

Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes, then flip each slice and bake for another 15-20 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy around the edges. You want them to be sturdy enough to hold up under all those yummy toppings!

Assembling and Baking Your Loaded Potato Nachos

Now comes the fun part! I used a cast-iron skillet for serving (it looks so rustic and keeps everything warm longer), but any oven-safe dish will work.

Arrange the potato slices in your pan, slightly overlapping the edges as you go. Think of it like building a foundation—you want good coverage but not too many layers stacked on top of each other.

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes, then add your chopped crispy bacon on top. Return to the oven for about 3-4 minutes, just until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.

Loading Your Irish Potato Nachos with Pub-Worthy Toppings

Once your cheesy potato base comes out of the oven, it’s time to add those fresh toppings that take these Pub Style Irish Nachos to the next level!

Best Toppings for Pub Style Irish Nachos

The traditional pub-style toppings include:

• Sliced green onions (both white and green parts)
• Dollops of sour cream
• Fresh Pico de Gallo or salsa
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños (if you like heat)

Layer-by-Layer Irish Nacho Assembly

Start with the ingredients that do best with a little heat from the nachos—I usually sprinkle the green onions first so they slightly soften. Then add cooler toppings like sour cream and Pico de Gallo, finishing with fresh herbs on top.

Presentation Tips for Pub Style Irish Nachos

For Instagram-worthy nachos, think about color contrast! The white sour cream, red salsa, and green herbs create a beautiful display against the golden potatoes and cheese.

I like to put a big dollop of sour cream right in the center, surrounded by Pico de Gallo, then scatter the green onions and cilantro all over. It creates a focal point that looks amazing when brought to the table!

Portion Guidance

For appetizer portions, this recipe will serve 6-8 people. For a main dish, it would feed 3-4 hungry folks. You can easily double the recipe for larger crowds—just use more baking sheets for the initial potato crisping stage!

this RECIPE

Secrets to Perfectly Crispy Irish Pub Nachos Every Time

Want to make sure your Irish nachos turn out absolutely perfect? Here are my top tips:

Common Mistakes When Making Pub Style Irish Nachos

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! This is the #1 reason for soggy potatoes. Give them space to crisp.
• Avoid slicing too thin or too thick. Too thin, they’ll burn; too thick, they’ll be undercooked in the middle.
• Don’t skimp on the oil. It’s necessary for that perfect crispy exterior.

Texture Secrets for Pub Style Irish Nachos

• Pat potatoes dry before seasoning. Extra moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
• Flip every slice halfway through baking. This ensures even browning on both sides.
• Let them go a little longer than you think. Those extra few minutes really make the difference between soggy and perfectly crispy potatoes.

Make-Ahead Components

You can slice and season the potatoes up to 4 hours ahead, keeping them in cold water to prevent browning. Just be sure to drain and pat them completely dry before baking!

You can also pre-cook and chop the bacon, and prep all the toppings ahead of time for quick assembly.

Variations on Classic Pub Style Irish Nachos

The beauty of Pub Style Irish Nachos is how customizable they are! Here are some fun variations to try:

Vegetarian Pub Style Irish Nachos

Skip the bacon and add black beans, corn, and extra cheese. You could also add some plant-based protein crumbles seasoned with taco seasoning for extra heartiness.

Spicy Variation

Add diced jalapeños to the potato seasoning, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and top with sriracha or hot sauce after baking. A chipotle sour cream would be amazing here too!

Breakfast Pub Style Irish Nachos

Top with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and hollandaise sauce for an amazing brunch option! Add some diced avocado and you’ve got a breakfast that will impress any guest.

Regional Pub-Inspired Variations

• Mediterranean Style: Top with feta cheese, olives, diced cucumber, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
• BBQ Pub Style: Use BBQ sauce, pulled pork, and cheddar cheese with a coleslaw topping.
• Buffalo Chicken: Top with shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and ranch dressing.

Storing and Reheating Your Irish Nachos

Got leftovers? Here’s how to handle them:

Storage Instructions

Remove any sour cream or fresh toppings and store them separately. Place the potato and cheese base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Best Containers

Glass containers with locking lids work best for storing leftover nachos, as they won’t absorb odors or stain like plastic can.

Reheating Methods

Reheat in a 350-degree oven until the cheese melts again, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible – the potatoes will get soggy rather than crispy.

Refreshing Leftovers

After reheating, add a sprinkle of fresh cheese and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, then add new fresh toppings. This helps revive the nachos and makes them almost as good as fresh!

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

What goes better with Pub Style Irish Nachos than a nice cold beer? A good Irish stout or amber ale pairs perfectly with the savory flavors and completes the pub experience!

Drink Pairings

• Guinness Stout: The classic Irish beer choice
• Smithwick’s Irish Red: A slightly lighter option with caramel notes
• Irish Whiskey: For those who prefer spirits, a Jameson on the rocks works well
• Non-alcoholic: Ginger beer provides a nice spicy contrast to the rich nachos

Side Dishes

These nachos work well with:

• Crisp green salad with vinaigrette (to cut through the richness)
• Buffalo wings or chicken tenders
• Pickle spears
• Coleslaw

Serving Occasions

These make an amazing appetizer for:

• Game day parties
• St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
• Movie nights
• Casual dinner parties

Presentation Ideas

Serve directly in the cast iron skillet for that rustic pub feel, or transfer to a wooden board for family-style serving. Place small bowls of extra toppings around the nachos so guests can customize their portions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pub Style Irish Nachos

Common Troubleshooting

Q: My potatoes aren’t getting crispy. What am I doing wrong? A: You might be overcrowding the baking sheet or your oven temperature might be too low. Make sure potatoes are in a single layer and your oven is fully preheated to 450°F.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: You can prep the components ahead, but assembly and final baking should happen just before serving for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

Q: Can I use a different type of potato? A: Yes! Yukon golds work great too, though they might not get quite as crispy as russets. Sweet potatoes are also delicious but cook faster, so watch them carefully.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option? A: Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative and dairy-free sour cream substitute.

Scaling for Crowds

Q: How do I make these for a large party? A: Double or triple the recipe, but use multiple baking sheets for the initial potato baking. For serving a crowd, consider making several smaller platters rather than one giant one, so people can access them from different spots around the table.

Conclusion

These Pub Style Irish Nachos have become my go-to appetizer for entertaining. They perfectly combine the comfort of potato dishes with the fun, shareable nature of nachos!

Give them a try at your next gathering, and I guarantee they’ll disappear in minutes! If you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out in the comments below. And don’t forget to share your creations on social media—tag me so I can see your delicious variations!

Enjoy!!

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