Name: Crispy Irish Nachos with Corned Beef Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 2 pounds russet potatoes; Canola or vegetable oil for frying; Kosher salt, to taste; 2 cups leftover corned beef, shredded or diced; 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage; Sprouts for garnish

If you love nachos but want a twist that’s hearty, crispy, and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, you’re going to adore this Crispy Irish Nachos with Corned Beef Recipe. Imagine thin, crunchy potato slices loaded with savory shredded corned beef and melting cheddar cheese—trust me, it’s as good as it sounds!

A close-up shows a slice of pizza being held by a woman's hand above a white marbled surface with the rest of the pizza in the background. The pizza has three main layers: the thin, crispy crust at the bottom is golden brown with a slightly rough texture; above it is a layer of melted cheese that is creamy white and slightly bubbly; on top there are thick pieces of red meat and bright green sprouts scattered over the cheese, adding fresh color and texture. The full pizza in the background is also covered with cheese, meat pieces, and many green sprouts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Nachos with Corned Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Irish Nachos with Corned Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Irish Nachos with Corned Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Irish Nachos with Corned Beef recipe because it turns simple leftover corned beef into a festive dish everyone will rave about. The crispy potatoes combined with melty cheddar and fresh sprouts make for an addictive appetizer or snack.

Crunchy, Homemade Chips: Thinly sliced russet potatoes fried just right give you that perfect chip crunch every time.
Flavor-Packed Toppings: Shredded corned beef and cabbage add hearty, savory layers that elevate these nachos beyond ordinary.
Melty Cheese Heaven: Lots of cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the nachos, making each bite gooey and delicious.
Fresh Finish: Sprouts on top add a fresh, crisp contrast that balances the richness wonderfully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference here. I recommend russet potatoes for their starchiness, which ensures crispiness, and using leftover corned beef really amps up the flavor. Here’s a quick rundown so you know why each component is essential.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden vegetable oil, a neatly stacked pile of three whole russet potatoes with light brown skin, a small white bowl filled with coarse kosher salt crystals, a simple white plate holding a generous heap of shredded corned beef in deep reddish-pink tones, a small white ceramic bowl crowded with bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, a tidy mound of pale green shredded cabbage on a white plate, and a delicate cluster of fresh green sprouts arranged on a white ceramic dish, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content is perfect for crispy, golden chips when fried or baked.
Canola or Vegetable Oil: Neutral-flavored oil that fries potatoes evenly without imparting extra taste.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the fries and balances the richness of the toppings.
Leftover Corned Beef: Adds a savory, tender protein element with tons of character.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly to create luscious, gooey layers on top.
Shredded Cabbage: Provides crunch and a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the beef.
Sprouts: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and texture contrast.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Irish Nachos with Corned Beef Recipe is how effortlessly it adapts to your taste and pantry staples. Whether you want to dial up the crunch, sneak in more veggies, or lighten things up, there’s a variation that can become your new favorite twist.

Go Veggie-Forward: Instead of corned beef, try topping your nachos with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and some spinach for a hearty vegetarian alternative. I tried this once for a St. Patrick's Day crowd and honestly, it disappeared just as fast!
Air Fryer Magic: To save on oil, swap deep frying for air frying the potato slices at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. This method still yields crispy chips, perfect for a lighter, healthier snack.
Extra Toppings: Feeling adventurous? Add dollops of sour cream, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of spicy mustard after baking. I love how the mustard cuts through the richness—it brightens every bite!
Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is classic, mixing in a bit of smoked gouda or pepper jack can add exciting smoky or spicy notes to your dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Irish Nachos with Corned Beef Recipe

There is a metal round strainer holding a stack of thin potato slices that are light golden brown with some darker edges. The slices show a smooth, slightly crispy texture and are layered loosely, covering most of the strainer. Below the strainer, more potato slices float in bubbling hot oil inside a shiny silver pot. The background features a stove with dark parts and a white marbled surface is visible next to it. A woman's hand holds the wooden handle of the strainer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Oil

Before anything else, get your oven warmed up to 425°F. This heat level is perfect for melting the cheddar cheese uniformly while crisping things up a bit more on the edges. Then, pour canola or vegetable oil into a deep pot—fill it no more than halfway—and start heating it over medium until it reaches 400°F. If you’re using a thermometer, this is your cue to stand by, because the oil is almost ready for those potatoes!

Step 2: Slice and Soak the Potatoes

Grab your mandoline slicer or a sharp knife and cut your russet potatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. Precision here helps the potatoes cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Once sliced, drop them into a bowl of ice water and let them soak for 15 minutes. This soaking step is a game-changer — it removes excess starch, so your chips won’t stick together and will crisp up beautifully when fried.

Step 3: Dry the Potatoes Thoroughly

Drain the potato slices in a colander, then spread them out on paper towels and pat dry as much as you can. This step is super important because any moisture left on the potatoes will cause the oil to splatter and can make your chips less crispy. I usually blot each slice gently but thoroughly to get that perfect dryness.

Step 4: Fry the Potato Slices

Carefully drop the potato slices into the hot oil in batches—don’t overcrowd the pot—to keep the temperature consistent. Fry each batch for 5 to 7 minutes or until the chips turn golden brown and irresistibly crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined baking sheet, then immediately sprinkle kosher salt over them while still hot. This way, the salt sticks better and enhances the flavor right from the start.

Step 5: Assemble Your Irish Nachos

Spread the crispy potato chips evenly over a parchment-lined sheet pan. Next, scatter the shredded or diced leftover corned beef and shredded cabbage generously across the top. Follow this with a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into gooey goodness during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your loaded sheet pan into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese — you want it bubbling and melty but not burnt. This baking step melds all the flavors and textures beautifully, bringing your Irish nachos to life.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Once out of the oven, top your nachos with fresh sprouts for a crisp, peppery contrast that cuts through the richness. Serve these delightful Irish Nachos immediately to enjoy every crunchy, cheesy, flavorful bite at its best. They’re great for sharing, especially with a pint of your favorite Irish beer!

Top Tip

These tips will help turn your Crispy Irish Nachos with Corned Beef Recipe into a crunchy, flavorful delight every time. From prep to plating, a few simple tricks make all the difference!

Perfectly Crispy Potatoes: Soaking your sliced potatoes in ice water for 15 minutes before frying really removes excess starch, helping them crisp up beautifully without sticking together.
Dry Thoroughly: Drying the potato slices completely after soaking prevents dangerous oil splatter and ensures they fry crisp instead of soggy – this step is a game changer.
Batch Frying: Fry the potatoes in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and produce limp chips instead of that satisfying crunch.
Layering Matters: When assembling, distribute the corned beef and cabbage evenly and top with cheese so every bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures, then bake just until bubbling.

How to Serve Crispy Irish Nachos with Corned Beef Recipe

A large baking tray filled with a flat layered dish starting with a golden brown crisp base. On top of the base, there is a layer of melted pale yellow cheese scattered with small bits of reddish meat. Over this, there is a fresh layer of green and white sprout-like greens spread evenly across the dish. The overall look is colorful with the golden base edges visible, white melted cheese, red meat pieces, and green sprouts layered on a black baking tray, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a fresh, vibrant touch, top your Irish nachos with crunchy sprouts right after baking. Feel free to spruce them up with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or even a drizzle of tangy mustard to enhance that classic Irish flavor profile.

Side Dishes

Serve your Crispy Irish Nachos alongside a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. A pint of good Irish stout or a cold cider pairs perfectly to complete this festive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep toppings and chips together but be aware the chips may lose some crispness as they sit.

Freezing

Crispy Irish Nachos with Corned Beef are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the baked nachos without fresh garnishes for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in foil and seal in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

To reheat, place the nachos on a baking sheet and warm in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 10–12 minutes to help refresh the crispiness and melt the cheese again. Add fresh sprouts or garnish after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh corned beef instead of leftovers?

Absolutely! Fresh cooked corned beef works wonderfully in this recipe. Just shred or dice it before layering on your nachos for the best texture and flavor.

Is there a healthier way to prepare the potato chips?

Yes! Instead of deep frying, you can bake or air fry the potato slices at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the texture will differ slightly, this method reduces oil and calories.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Slice them about ¼-inch thick using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife. Uniform thickness ensures even cooking and consistent crispness across all chips.

What if I don't have sprouts for garnish?

No worries! You can substitute with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or add thinly sliced green onions to maintain a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Irish Nachos with Corned Beef Recipe is a perfect way to bring some festive cheer and comfort food magic to your table. I love how the crispy potato slices pair with tender corned beef and melty cheese—every bite is pure joy. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day or craving a fun appetizer, these nachos never disappoint. Give them a try, and I bet they'll become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.