The Best Irish Nachos Recipe: Crispy Fries, Savory Corned Beef, and Creamy Remoulade
The moment I first tasted these incredible Irish Nachos at a local pub, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. It was an immediate revelation – a flavor combination so perfect, so utterly satisfying, that I couldn’t wait to get home and recreate it. Honestly, this dish is so good, I’d willingly slow-cook a whole fresh Corned Beef brisket just to make it. It’s that addictive!
This recipe for Irish Nachos is not only incredibly easy and fun to prepare but also exceptionally versatile. It’s an ideal way to use up any leftover corned beef you might have from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. However, don’t let the lack of leftovers deter you; as I mentioned, preparing a fresh corned beef just for this dish is absolutely worth the effort. These nachos are far more than just a quick snack; they can easily transform into a satisfying appetizer for a gathering or a comforting dinner for two.
Unlocking the Flavor: Key Ingredients for Perfect Irish Nachos
The magic of Irish Nachos lies in the thoughtful combination of simple yet robust ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so memorable. I am a huge enthusiast of corned beef, which is why I often purchase several briskets when they become readily available in grocery stores around March. While sometimes you can find them at other times of the year, stocking up during the St. Patrick’s Day season is always a good idea for recipes like this. For these nachos, cooking your corned beef until it is melt-in-your-mouth, fall-apart tender is absolutely essential. This tender beef can also be used in other fantastic recipes, like my hearty Corned Beef Hash.
Let’s dive into the core ingredients that bring this pub-inspired delight to life:
The Foundation: Crispy Crinkle Cut Fries
For the base of these incredible nachos, I opt for frozen crinkle-cut french fries. Their unique shape provides extra surface area for optimal crispiness and creates perfect crevices to hold all the delicious toppings. Using frozen fries makes this recipe incredibly quick and effortless, cutting down on preparation time significantly without sacrificing flavor or texture. Of course, you can always elevate the dish with homemade french fries if you have the time.
The Star: Tender Shredded Corned Beef
The corned beef is undoubtedly the main event here. Its savory, salty, and richly spiced flavor profile is what truly defines these Irish Nachos. Whether you’re using fresh, slow-cooked brisket or perfectly prepared leftovers, ensure it’s warmed through and shredded for the best texture and distribution across the fries. The tenderness of the corned beef contrasts beautifully with the crispy fries, making every bite a delight. I sometimes even use my Homemade Pastrami, which starts from corned beef, for an extra special touch.
The Creamy Tang: Homemade Remoulade Sauce
To tie all the flavors together, I whip up a batch of my signature Remoulade Sauce. This creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce is a perfect complement to the rich corned beef, much like how it enhances my classic Reuben Sandwich. Its zesty notes cut through the richness of the cheese and beef, adding a bright and irresistible element to the nachos.
The Cheesy Layer: Authentic Irish White Cheddar
A generous helping of Irish white cheddar rounds everything out, adding a wonderfully sharp and creamy cheesiness. The “Irish” aspect of the cheddar is more than just a name; it often refers to a distinct flavor profile that adds an authentic touch to these nachos. It melts beautifully, creating a luscious layer that binds the beef and fries together.
The Fresh Finish: Vibrant Green Onions
Finally, a sprinkle of fresh green onions provides a welcome pop of color and a crisp, mild oniony bite. These not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a crucial fresh element that balances the rich and savory components of the dish. They truly elevate the overall experience, making each bite feel fresh and complete.
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to create these crowd-pleasing Irish Nachos:
- Crinkle Cut Fries (frozen is perfectly fine!)
- Irish White Cheddar (shredded for easy melting)
- Cooked Corned Beef (shredded and warmed)
- Homemade Remoulade Sauce (or a high-quality store-bought alternative)
- Fresh Green Onions (thinly sliced)
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Quick Tip: Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post, or simply scroll down to the bottom for the full recipe card, including ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions.
Simple Steps to Irresistible Irish Nachos: The Method
Making Irish Nachos is a straightforward process, designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The key is in preparing each component properly and then layering them with care to ensure every bite is bursting with taste and texture.
Step 1: Achieve Fry Perfection
Begin by cooking your frozen french fries. While I personally love the texture of crinkle-cut fries for this dish, any type you prefer will work beautifully. The goal here is crispiness! You can achieve this using an air fryer for a healthier, super-crispy result, a traditional deep fryer for classic indulgence, or simply bake them in the oven according to package directions. Cook them until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy, providing the perfect foundation for our delicious toppings.
Step 2: Warm the Corned Beef
While your fries are cooking, gently warm your shredded corned beef. I like to do this in a skillet on the stove with a splash of its cooking juices or a little beef broth. This ensures the beef is heated through and maintains its tender, juicy texture, ready to melt the cheese and mingle with the other flavors.
Step 3: Layer for Flavor and Fun
Once your fries are hot and crispy, it’s time to assemble! Spread the cooked fries onto a serving platter or individual plates. While they are still piping hot, generously sprinkle a liberal amount of Irish white cheddar over them. The residual heat from the fries will begin to melt the cheese, creating a gooey, irresistible layer.
Next, spoon an ample amount of your warm, shredded corned beef over the cheesy fries. The warmth of the beef will help the cheddar melt even further, creating a truly harmonious blend of flavors.
Step 4: Drizzle and Garnish
Finally, generously drizzle your homemade remoulade sauce (or Russian dressing, if using) over the entire platter. Finish with a liberal scattering of freshly chopped green onions. These Irish Nachos truly could NOT be easier to whip up, and they deliver a massive punch of flavor. They make an exceptional appetizer for game day or a festive St. Patrick’s Day gathering, or even a full, satisfying dinner. I won’t lie, sometimes a platter of these becomes my entire dinner!
Pro Tips & Smart Substitutions for Your Irish Nachos
While the core recipe for Irish Nachos is straightforward, a few tips and clever substitutions can help you customize it to your taste or make it even easier to prepare.
Expert Tips for Perfect Corned Beef
If you don’t have leftover corned beef on hand, preparing it fresh is simple. You can achieve perfectly tender, shreddable corned beef using either a slow cooker or a pressure cooker:
- Slow Cooker Method: Place the corned beef brisket in a crock pot with about 1 cup of water (or beer/broth for added flavor). Cook on low heat for at least 8 hours, or until it becomes effortlessly fork-tender and shreds easily. This low-and-slow approach guarantees maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Pressure Cooker Method: For a faster option, cook the corned beef on high pressure for about 20 minutes with 1 cup of water. After the pressure releases, you can switch to a low slow-cook setting for an additional 2-3 hours to further tenderize it to perfection.
Smart Substitutions to Suit Your Pantry & Preferences
Don’t have every ingredient? No problem! Here are some excellent swaps that maintain the spirit and deliciousness of Irish Nachos:
- French Fry Alternatives: While crinkle-cut fries are fantastic, waffle fries are another excellent swap, offering a great surface area for toppings. You could also make Homemade French Fries, homefries, hearty potato planks, or even crunchy potato chips to build your nachos on. Each will offer a slightly different texture experience.
- Cheddar Cheese Options: The Irish cheddar certainly helps to infuse these Irish Nachos with a more authentic “Irish” flavor. However, if you can’t find it, a good quality plain white cheddar or even yellow cheddar will work perfectly in a pinch, providing that essential gooey, cheesy layer.
- Corned Beef Alternatives: If you’re short on time and don’t have leftover tender corned beef, please, whatever you do, avoid using canned corned beef. The texture and flavor simply won’t compare. A much better swap is to use high-quality deli corned beef. Ask for it sliced slightly thicker, then dice or cut it into strips and warm it through. It makes a fantastic substitute for home-cooked brisket.
- Remoulade Sauce Swaps: If you don’t have the time or ingredients to make homemade remoulade sauce, you can easily use a store-bought Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing. Both offer a similar creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with corned beef.
- Garnishing with Freshness: Green onions truly make this dish, adding a bright, fresh crunch and a mild oniony flavor that cuts through the richness. However, if you prefer, fresh chives can be used as an alternative, providing a delicate oniony-garlic flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
These Irish Nachos are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a show-stopping appetizer at your next party – they’re especially popular for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or game nights. For a hearty weeknight meal, simply serve larger portions, perhaps alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness. Pair them with your favorite cold beer, a crisp hard cider, or even a glass of Irish whiskey for a truly authentic pub experience.
MORE OF MY FAVORITE IRISH-INSPIRED RECIPES
If you’ve enjoyed these Irish Nachos, I encourage you to explore more of my beloved Irish recipes. My recipe for Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce is rapidly becoming a fan favorite on my site. For those with a sweet tooth, a new personal favorite is this delightful Irish Potato Candy. Indulge further with my luscious Brown Butter Cake with Irish Whiskey Cream Sauce, the rich Irish Stout Cake, and classic Irish Shortbread. Conclude any meal with a perfectly made Irish Coffee. If you’re looking to branch out from corned beef, consider my comforting Beef Pot Pie, another take on the classic Reuben Sandwich, or innovative Reuben Egg Rolls.
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📖 Recipe
Irish Nachos
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
I had a version of these Irish Nachos at a pub and after my first bite, I knew I had to run home and recreate them. This irresistible dish features crispy fries topped with savory corned beef, melted Irish cheddar, a drizzle of creamy remoulade, and fresh green onions. Perfect as an appetizer or a hearty main course!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Crinkle Cut Fries, frozen
- 2 cups Irish White Cheddar, shredded
- 1 pound Corned Beef, shredded and warmed
- ½ cup Remoulade Sauce
- ½ cup Green Onions, chopped
Instructions
Notes
Notes & Tips for Success
If you don’t have leftover corned beef, preparing it fresh is simple. You can slow cook or pressure cook a brisket until it’s perfectly tender.
Slow Cooker Method: I suggest slow cooking in a crock pot on low with 1 cup of water (or broth/beer) for at least 8 hours until it becomes fork-tender and will shred nicely.
Pressure Cooker Method: Pressure cook on high for 20 minutes with 1 cup of water, then slow cook on low for 2-3 hours until incredibly tender.
Creative Substitutions
Fries: A great swap for crinkle-cut fries is waffle fries for extra surface area. You could also opt for Homemade French Fries, savory homefries, sturdy potato planks, or even crispy potato chips to build your nachos on.
Cheese: The Irish cheddar adds a specific flavor, but a plain white cheddar or yellow cheddar will also melt beautifully and taste delicious in a pinch.
Corned Beef: If you’re using fresh corned beef, cook it until it’s super tender. If you don’t have leftovers, consider using high-quality deli corned beef (sliced and diced) instead of home-cooked brisket. Avoid canned corned beef for this recipe as the texture is vastly different.
Sauce: If you prefer not to make homemade remoulade sauce, a store-bought Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing makes an excellent and convenient substitute.
Garnish: Green onions add a bright, fresh crunch. Alternatively, fresh chives can be used for a similar oniony-garlic flavor.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1/4 of recipe
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 847Total Fat: 49gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 30gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 724mgCarbohydrates: 66gFiber: 6gSugar: 1gProtein: 34g
This is an estimated caloric value, actual numbers may differ based on the ingredients used. Please note that changing the yield or serving size may impact the per-serving nutritional information.
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