Name: Pub Style Irish Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish-American
Ingredients: 1 extra-large russet potato; Spray oil (avocado oil or olive oil) for coating; ¼ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican blend); 2-3 tbsp chopped green onion; 1-2 tbsp sour cream; 2-3 slices cooked bacon, chopped; Fresh or pickled jalapeños (quantity to taste); Pickled red onions (quantity to taste); Salsa (quantity to taste); Black beans (optional, quantity to taste); Guacamole (quantity to taste); Diced tomatoes (quantity to taste); Pico de gallo (quantity to taste); Chopped olives (quantity to taste); Cilantro (quantity to taste)

Print Recipe·4 from 1 review

If you love crispy, savory, and utterly satisfying comfort food, then you are about to fall head over heels for this Pub Style Irish Nachos Recipe. Imagine golden russet potato slices, perfectly seasoned and baked until they have just the right crunch, then layered with melty cheese, smoky bacon, and a colorful array of toppings that bring each bite to life. This dish is a wonderful twist on classic nachos, swapping out the traditional tortilla chips for hearty potatoes that deliver a fluffy center and crispy edge. Whether it’s game day, a cozy night in, or just a craving for something bold and tasty, these Irish nachos hit every note with warmth and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a baking tray filled with a single layer of thin potato slices, evenly spaced and baked to a light golden brown with some darker brown edges. Each slice has a slightly crispy texture with some small bubbles visible on the surface, and they are lightly sprinkled with black pepper and a reddish seasoning. The tray is lined with parchment paper, and the background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pub Style Irish Nachos Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the sturdy russet potato that forms the base to the zesty toppings, every element is essential for that authentic pub-style experience.

1 extra-large russet potato: The star of the dish, chosen for its starchy, fluffy texture that crisps beautifully.
Spray oil (avocado oil, olive oil, etc.): Helps achieve that golden crunch without excess grease.
¼ tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that complements the potatoes perfectly.
¼ tsp garlic powder: Infuses aromatic depth to every crispy slice.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple, yet necessary for balancing flavors.
1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican blend): Melts into gooey goodness that ties everything together.
2-3 TBSP chopped green onion: Brings a fresh, mild bite and vibrant green color.
1-2 TBSP sour cream: Creamy tang to cut through the richness.
2-3 slices cooked bacon, chopped: Adds smoky crunch and meaty savoriness.
Fresh or pickled jalapeños: For those who like a little kick and brightness.
Pickled red onions: Tangy and colorful, enhancing each bite with acidity.
Salsa: Adds freshness and a touch of spice.
Black beans: Provides additional heartiness and texture.
Guacamole: Creamy, buttery layers that complement the crispy potatoes.
Diced tomatoes and pico de gallo: Offer juicy bursts of flavor and freshness.
Chopped olives: Bring salty brininess to heighten complexity.
Cilantro: Bright, herbal notes that finish off the dish beautifully.

How to Make Pub Style Irish Nachos Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Potato Base

Start by preheating your oven to 450℉ and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Carefully wash and scrub your russet potato because a clean surface ensures a crispier bite. Slice the potato into roughly ¼-inch thick rounds; if you prefer them chip-thin, go thinner, but the classic pub style is a bit chunkier, resembling rustic fries with fluffy centers.

Step 2: Soak and Season

Place your sliced potatoes in a bowl of ice water for about 10 minutes. This soaking step is crucial as it removes excess starch, which helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully rather than turning gummy. Once soaked, drain and pat each slice dry thoroughly. Lay them in a single layer on your baking sheet, spray or rub with oil on both sides, and sprinkle generously with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For an extra zing, add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you’re in the mood for heat.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Use tongs to flip every slice carefully, then bake for another 15 minutes on the other side. If you sliced thinner, keep an eye out as they might cook faster. The goal is a perfectly crisp exterior with a tender inside. This crispy foundation will make your Pub Style Irish Nachos Recipe shine!

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bacon

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and scatter your choice of grated cheese right over the hot potatoes, then sprinkle on those irresistibly savory bacon pieces. Pop it back into the oven for 1-2 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into ooey-gooey, bubbly perfection. This step is where everything comes together in glorious, cheesy harmony.

Step 5: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Now comes the fun part—toppings! Whether you go casual and eat them straight off the baking sheet or take that extra minute to arrange them neatly on a plate or in a cast iron skillet, pile on diced tomatoes, jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream, black beans, pickled onions, and cilantro for a festival of textures and flavors. Each bite is an adventure in cozy indulgence.

How to Serve Pub Style Irish Nachos Recipe

A baking tray lined with parchment paper holds a single layer of golden brown potato slices arranged tightly side by side. On top of the potato slices, there is an even spread of shredded cheese in two colors—light yellow and white—scattered across all the potatoes with some strands falling onto the parchment paper. The tray is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The right garnishes can elevate this dish from delicious to unforgettable. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of herbal brightness, while sliced jalapeños give a welcome kick. Pickled red onions introduce a sharp tang that balances the richness of cheese and bacon. Chopped green onions sprinkled on top add just the right hint of freshness and color contrast.

Side Dishes

While the Pub Style Irish Nachos Recipe is certainly hearty enough to be a meal on its own, pairing it with some light sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can balance out the indulgence beautifully. Alternatively, a simple bowl of soup or a refreshing cucumber salad makes for a crowd-pleasing combo that keeps everyone happy.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to impress your friends, serve these nachos in a rustic cast iron skillet, which keeps them warm and gives a charming pub feel. Layer the potatoes and toppings in tiers for a spectacular look, and finish with a drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheese right before serving. Offering small bowls of additional garnishes on the side invites everyone to customize their own bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers of this Pub Style Irish Nachos Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The potatoes might lose some crunch but will stay tasty for up to 2 days. Keep toppings like sour cream and guacamole separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t the best option for these nachos because the potatoes can become mushy after thawing. However, if you need to freeze, freeze just the plain cooked potato slices in a single layer and then reheat them separately before adding fresh toppings.

Reheating

To bring back some of the original crispiness, reheat your leftover potatoes in a preheated oven or air fryer at 400℉ for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy. After reheating, add fresh cheese and toppings again for the best flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

While russet potatoes are ideal because of their starchy texture that crisps up well, you can experiment with Yukon Gold for a creamier bite or red potatoes for more color, but the results might differ slightly in texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Pub Style Irish Nachos Recipe?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and load up on extra beans, olives, and veggies. You can also add plant-based cheese or vegan sour cream substitutes to keep all the flavor and warmth.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! This recipe uses potatoes and naturally gluten-free toppings, so as long as you check your seasoning blends and any prepared toppings for gluten additives, it’s naturally safe for a gluten-free diet.

What is the best cheese to use for melting on these nachos?

Cheddar is a classic, but pepper jack adds a nice spicy zing, and Mexican cheese blends melt wonderfully with a smooth, creamy texture. Choose what matches your taste—or mix them for complexity.

How spicy will this dish be?

The heat level is entirely up to you! The recipe can be as mild or as fiery as you like—adding jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or spicy salsa brings more punch, while leaving them out keeps the flavors more mellow.

Final Thoughts

This Pub Style Irish Nachos Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Each step brings you closer to a deliciously crispy, cheesy, and hearty experience that’s both comforting and exciting. I encourage you to dive in, tweak it with your favorite toppings, and make this Irish twist on nachos a new classic in your kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!