These Irish Breakfast Nachos are a fun and hearty twist on traditional breakfast! Made with crispy waffle fries, smoky bacon, sautéed bell peppers, and a silky white cheddar cheese sauce, they’re loaded with flavor and perfect for brunch or game day. Topped with runny fried eggs and fresh chives, these nachos are a must-try for anyone who loves a savory, cheesy breakfast.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Nachos:

1 pound frozen waffle-cut French fries
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For the White Cheddar Cheese Sauce:

4 ounces evaporated milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
8 ounces shredded white cheddar cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons tapioca starch (or cornstarch)
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

For Toppings:

6 strips crispy bacon, chopped
1 to 3 fried eggs (with crispy edges and runny yolks)
2 to 3 tablespoons thinly sliced chives

Directions

Bake the Fries:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Spread waffle fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and crisp.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add bell peppers, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, whisk together evaporated milk, egg, dry mustard, salt, and pepper over medium-low heat.
- In a bowl, toss shredded white cheddar cheese with starch and lemon juice.
- Gradually whisk in small handfuls of cheese until melted and smooth. Keep warm.
Assemble the Nachos:
- Layer half of the fries on a serving platter.
- Top with half of the bacon, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce.
- Add another layer of fries and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Finish with Eggs & Chives:
- Top with fried eggs and sprinkle with fresh chives.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: ~500
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Protein: ~18g
Fat: ~30g
Sodium: ~700mg
Fiber: ~3g

Why You’ll Love These Irish Breakfast Nachos

Crunchy and Cheesy: The combination of crispy waffle fries and melty cheddar sauce is irresistible.
Loaded with Flavor: The smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and sautéed bell peppers add depth and texture.
Perfect for Sharing: A great dish for a family brunch, a party appetizer, or a game-day snack.
Easy to Customize: Swap ingredients or add extras to make it your own.
Runny Fried Eggs on Top: The perfect finishing touch that adds richness and ties everything together.

The Key Ingredients That Make These Nachos Special

Each ingredient in these Irish Breakfast Nachos contributes to their bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Waffle Fries: The crispy, ridged shape holds onto the cheese sauce and toppings perfectly.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy bite that enhances every layer of the dish.
Sautéed Bell Peppers & Onions: Bring sweetness, a bit of crunch, and a classic breakfast flavor to the nachos.
White Cheddar Cheese Sauce: A rich and creamy sauce that melts beautifully over the fries.
Evaporated Milk: Keeps the cheese sauce smooth and creamy without becoming too thick.
Fried Eggs: Runny yolks add a silky richness that makes every bite even more indulgent.
Chives: Fresh and slightly oniony, they add the perfect finishing touch.

How to Achieve the Perfect Crispy Waffle Fries

Since waffle fries serve as the foundation of these nachos, getting them extra crispy is essential. Here’s how:

Bake at a High Temperature: Cooking at 400°F (200°C) ensures a crispy texture.
Spread in a Single Layer: Overlapping fries will steam instead of crisp.
Flip Halfway Through: Turning the fries ensures even browning.
Use an Air Fryer for Extra Crunch: If you have an air fryer, cook the fries at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

How to Make a Velvety Smooth White Cheddar Cheese Sauce

A creamy and smooth cheese sauce takes these nachos to the next level. Follow these tips to prevent clumping or graininess:

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Toss Cheese with Starch: Coating shredded cheese with cornstarch or tapioca starch helps create a silky texture.
Low Heat is Key: Cooking over medium-low heat prevents the cheese from separating or turning grainy.
Stir Constantly: A slow and steady stir keeps the sauce uniform and lump-free.

How to Assemble the Perfect Layered Nachos

Building nachos correctly ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Here’s the best way to layer them:

Start with Half of the Fries: Arrange a base layer to hold the toppings.
Add Cheese Sauce & Toppings: Drizzle half of the cheese sauce, followed by bacon, sautéed veggies, and onions.
Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of fries, then repeat with cheese and toppings.
Finish with Fried Eggs: Place the eggs on top for the ultimate breakfast touch.
Garnish and Serve Immediately: Sprinkle with fresh chives and serve while everything is hot and melty.

Customizing Your Irish Breakfast Nachos

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences.

Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or crispy roasted chickpeas.
Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce.
Use Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly healthier twist, swap out regular waffle fries for sweet potato fries.
Try Different Cheeses: Mix in smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese for a unique twist.
Add Sausage: Substitute bacon with crumbled breakfast sausage or black pudding for an extra Irish touch.
Make it Extra Creamy: Drizzle with sour cream or crème fraîche before serving.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

These nachos are already packed with bold flavors, but pairing them with the right drinks and sides can make them even better.

Best Drinks to Serve with Irish Breakfast Nachos

Irish Coffee: A hot and boozy coffee drink balances the savory flavors.
Bloody Mary: A tangy and slightly spicy cocktail that pairs well with the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Guinness Stout: A classic Irish beer that complements the cheddar cheese sauce.
Fresh Orange Juice or Mimosas: A refreshing citrus drink balances the richness of the dish.

Side Dishes That Work Well with Nachos

Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side that contrasts the richness of the nachos.
Coleslaw: Adds a crunchy and tangy element to the meal.
Sautéed Spinach or Kale: A great way to add some greens to balance the indulgence.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Nachos

Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to reheat them while keeping them crispy:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating in the Oven: Spread the nachos on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to re-crisp.
Reheating in the Air Fryer: Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Avoid the Microwave: Microwaving will make the fries soggy and ruin the texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your nachos come out perfectly crispy and flavorful, avoid these common mistakes:

Overloading with Cheese Sauce: Too much sauce can make the fries soggy. Drizzle just enough to coat each layer.
Not Crisping the Fries Enough: Soft fries will become mushy when layered with toppings.
Cooking the Eggs Too Soon: Make the eggs right before serving so the yolks stay perfectly runny.
Forgetting the Seasoning: Fries, cheese sauce, and veggies all need a touch of salt and pepper for the best flavor.

Conclusion

Irish Breakfast Nachos are the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making them perfect for brunch, St. Patrick’s Day, or a fun weekend meal. With crunchy waffle fries, smoky bacon, sautéed bell peppers, a silky cheddar cheese sauce, and runny fried eggs, this dish is everything you love about breakfast in a fun and shareable format.

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