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These may just become your favorite nachos! These Irish Nachos are so easy to make using frozen waffle fries. The crispy fries are smothered in a rich Guinness cheese sauce, and then topped with bacon, jalapeños, fresh tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream, or whatever toppings you prefer. It’s like an upscale potato skin but better. Irish Nachos are perfect for game day, parties, or whenever you crave a cheesy, savory treat.
Y’all, these Irish Nachos are everything I love about loaded potato skins and more. They are crispy and the Guinness cheese sauce is rich and so full of cheesy goodness. I added crispy bacon along with chopped green onions and tomatoes and some sliced jalapenos, but you can sub out these toppings for whatever you like. Make it your own!
Testing results for Irish nachos
- I made these nachos in a skillet but if I were making them for a large crowd, I would use a baking sheet.
- I found that baking the fries a little longer than the package instructions will give you crispier fries that hold up better with the toppings.
I hope you make this recipe. I think you’ll love it!
If I’m serving these Irish nachos for a party, then I’ll include some Slow-Cooker Meatballs, Texas Caviar, a bowl of cut fruit, and my Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip. I’d probably also add a tray of vegetables and Ranch dressing (these nachos are good dipped in Ranch as well!).
Ingredient notes
Here are a few things to know about the ingredients in this recipe.
➡️➡️➡️ The full ingredient amounts and instructions are listed below on the printable recipe card. Scroll below the recipe card for frequently asked questions and tips for success.
Waffle fries: Get the unseasoned kind so you can season them yourself.
Guinness or full lager beer: A light beer will not work in this recipe. You need a dark full-flavored lager or Guinness.
Cheese: It’s important to grate fresh cheese for this recipe. It will melt and become creamy in the sauce. Shredded cheese in the package won’t melt as smoothly.
Buffalo sauce: This is optional, but we really liked the little bit of heat that came from the Buffalo sauce. My preferred brand is Frank’s, which is what I use in my Buffalo Chicken Dip and Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels.
Pin this now to save it for laterHow to make Irish nachos
- Season the waffle fries and bake them until crispy.
- Make the cheese sauce and drizzle it over the cooked fries, then top with bacon. Heat until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and add your toppings. Serve!
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below!
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Irish Nachos
Equipment
Ingredients
Fries
- 1 ½ pounds package unseasoned waffle fries
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup Guinness or full lager beer
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup Buffalo sauce (optional)
- 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings
- 7-8 slices cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2-3 medium jalapenos, sliced
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven per directions on the waffle fries package. Spread fries out on a baking sheet and season with ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Bake according to package directions and add 5 minutes to get them crispier. Set aside.
- Adjust oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
- Over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium saucepan. Add 3 tablespoons flour and whisk until well combined.
- Add 1 cup Guinness or full lager beer, ½ cup whole milk, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and ¼ cup Buffalo sauce (optional). Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and starting to simmer. Reduce heat to low.
- Add Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses (reserving ½ cup of the cheddar) and whisk until smooth. Turn off the heat but keep the pan on the burner to stay warm.
- Prepare a large baking dish or cast iron skillet with oil or non-stick spray.
- Arrange ½ of the waffle fries and any broken pieces on the bottom and drizzle 1/3 of the cheese sauce over top.
- Add the remaining fries, cover with the remaining cheese sauce and top with 7-8 slices cooked crispy bacon, crumbled and the previously reserved shredded cheese.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, just so the cheese and fries are warmed through together and the shredded cheese is just starting to toast.
- Top with jalapenos, tomatoes, onions and sour cream. (or any additional toppings as desired)
Notes
- To ensure crispy fries, that do not get soft too quickly under the cheese sauce, I recommend baking the fries for 5 minutes longer than the package directions.
- As with most beer cheese recipes, you will yield the best flavor by using a dark full-flavored lager or Guinness. Do not use a light beer of any kind. It will add no flavor to the cheese and leave it tasting very dull or flat.
- Even though we start with a traditional beer cheese recipe, you can easily change it up a bit with different cheeses like Colby jack or pepper jack, as long as the base measurements are followed.
- Prefer a little more kick to the dish? Feel free to add additional buffalo sauce to the cheese sauce or add in a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
- The list of topping options is literally endless. Add some additional veggies like chopped bell peppers or try some dry bleu cheese crumbles. Offer a side of Ranch of Bleu Cheese dressing for dipping or extra Sour Cream.
- This dish is most often prepared as an appetizer or a side but can easily be turned into the main course. Want more protein? Add some shredded chicken or even pot roast. Want a vegetarian option? Remove the bacon and pile on the veggies like peppers and olives.
- Irish Nachos are always best served fresh out of the oven. But if you do have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheating in the oven or air fryer is recommended to regain some of the crispiness of the potatoes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 10-15 minutes until completely heated through.
