These Irish Breakfast Nachos are a savory and hearty brunch dish that combines crispy waffle fries, sautéed vegetables, bacon, fried eggs, and a silky white cheddar cheese sauce. It’s an indulgent, comforting dish perfect for brunch or any time you crave a satisfying meal with a little twist on the classic nacho.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Nachos:

• 1 pound frozen waffle-cut French fries

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• ½ yellow onion, chopped

• ½ green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

• ½ red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 ounces evaporated milk

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon dry mustard

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

• 8 ounces shredded white cheddar cheese

• 1 ½ teaspoons tapioca starch (can use cornstarch)

• 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice

For the Toppings:

• 6 strips crispy cooked bacon, cut into ½ inch pieces

• 1 to 3 fried eggs with crispy edges and runny yolks

• 2 to 3 tablespoons very thinly sliced chives

Directions

1. Bake the Fries: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the waffle fries on a baking sheet in a single layer (use two baking sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding). Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 20 minutes.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the bell peppers, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are caramelized and slightly tender. Set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, egg, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk together and then place over medium-low heat. Add the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese has fully melted and a smooth sauce forms. Be patient and don’t rush this step to avoid a gritty texture.

4. Assemble the Nachos: Spread half of the waffle fries on a large platter. Top with half of the cooked bacon, half of the sautéed vegetables, and a portion of the cheese sauce. Add the remaining fries, followed by the remaining bacon, vegetables, and more cheese sauce. Top with fried eggs, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with sliced chives. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 600 kcal

• Fat: 40 g

  • Saturated Fat: 15 g

• Cholesterol: 240 mg

• Sodium: 800 mg

• Carbohydrates: 40 g

  • Fiber: 5 g

  • Sugar: 6 g

• Protein: 22 g

• Vitamin A: 15% DV

• Vitamin C: 45% DV

• Calcium: 20% DV

• Iron: 15% DV

A Savory and Hearty Base: Crispy Waffle Fries

The foundation of these Irish Breakfast Nachos begins with crispy waffle fries. Waffle fries are the perfect choice because they are sturdy enough to hold up to all the toppings while offering a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich and creamy cheese sauce. The distinctive shape of waffle fries also creates plenty of surface area, allowing each fry to be fully coated in the cheese sauce, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor.

Frozen waffle fries are quick and convenient, but they also offer the crispiness and texture needed to support the dish’s toppings. Baking them in the oven until golden brown ensures that the fries remain crispy and hold up well under the weight of the ingredients. They serve as the ideal base for this dish, absorbing the flavors of the toppings and the cheese sauce while providing a satisfying crunch.

Sautéed Vegetables: A Burst of Flavor and Color

To elevate the flavor profile of this dish, sautéed vegetables are added to the nachos. A combination of yellow onion and bell peppers (both red and green) are used, creating a colorful and flavorful contrast to the other ingredients. Sautéing the vegetables in olive oil and butter brings out their natural sweetness, softening the onions and bell peppers to create a tender, caramelized texture.

The sweetness of the onions and the slight tang from the bell peppers add depth to the dish, balancing the richness of the cheese sauce and the crispy bacon. The vegetables provide a pop of color, too, making the nachos more visually appealing. The savory and slightly sweet vegetables complement the other ingredients and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Crispy Bacon: Adding Savory, Smoky Crunch

No breakfast-inspired dish would be complete without bacon, and in these Irish Breakfast Nachos, crispy bacon adds the perfect savory element. The bacon’s smoky, salty flavor enhances the dish, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy cheese sauce and the soft vegetables. Cutting the bacon into small pieces allows it to be evenly distributed throughout the nachos, ensuring that each bite has a bit of bacon in it.

Bacon is the perfect ingredient to bring everything together. It complements the richness of the fried eggs and the creamy cheese sauce, while also adding a crispy texture that provides a nice contrast to the soft waffles fries and sautéed vegetables. The bacon’s savory taste is the finishing touch that makes this dish so irresistible.

The Creamy White Cheddar Cheese Sauce

The true star of these Irish Breakfast Nachos is the silky white cheddar cheese sauce. Made with evaporated milk, an egg, dry mustard, and shredded white cheddar cheese, this sauce is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. The evaporated milk provides a smooth, velvety base, while the egg helps thicken the sauce, creating a luscious texture that coats each fry in a decadent layer of cheese.

The dry mustard adds a subtle tang to the sauce, enhancing the sharpness of the cheddar cheese without overpowering it. The key to a smooth and creamy cheese sauce is to melt the cheese slowly, stirring constantly to prevent any grainy texture from forming. Patience is essential when making this sauce, as rushing the process can result in a gritty or lumpy texture. The end result is a perfectly smooth, cheesy sauce that binds the nachos together and makes them absolutely irresistible.

Fried Eggs: The Ultimate Topping

Fried eggs are the finishing touch on these Irish Breakfast Nachos, adding a rich and creamy element that elevates the dish. The eggs are fried with crispy edges and runny yolks, which creates a luscious sauce when cut into. The richness of the egg yolk blends beautifully with the cheese sauce and the crispy waffle fries, creating a creamy, satisfying bite that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Fried eggs are a classic breakfast item, and they work perfectly with the savory nacho components. The crispy edges of the egg whites provide texture, while the runny yolk adds a rich, creamy element that melds with the other ingredients. The combination of the egg yolk with the cheese sauce creates a delicious, silky finish to every bite.

Assembly: Layering the Flavors

To assemble the Irish Breakfast Nachos, the crispy waffle fries are first laid out in a large platter. Half of the bacon, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce are layered on top, followed by the remaining fries, bacon, vegetables, and cheese sauce. The fried eggs are then placed on top, adding the finishing touch of richness and flavor. A sprinkle of sliced chives provides a fresh, herby garnish that adds brightness and contrast to the rich, savory ingredients.

Layering the ingredients ensures that each bite has a balanced combination of crispy fries, creamy cheese sauce, savory bacon, sweet vegetables, and rich fried eggs. The layers are built to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, so every bite is as satisfying as the last.

Customization: Add Your Own Twist

One of the best aspects of Irish Breakfast Nachos is their versatility. While the base of crispy waffle fries, sautéed vegetables, cheese sauce, bacon, and eggs is delicious on its own, you can easily customize the dish to suit your tastes. For example, you could add other toppings like sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, or even a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

For a spicier version, try adding some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce over the top of the nachos. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, such as a sharp cheddar or even a creamy fontina, to change up the flavor profile. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply leave out the bacon and add extra vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or black beans to make the dish more filling.

Perfect for Any Meal of the Day

While Irish Breakfast Nachos are perfect for brunch, they’re also an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. The hearty nature of the dish, with its combination of potatoes, vegetables, cheese, and eggs, makes it filling and satisfying at any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a brunch dish to impress your guests or a comforting meal to enjoy on a cozy evening, this dish has you covered.

The rich flavors and indulgent textures of the nachos make them a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, and they’re also easy to prepare and customize based on your preferences. Whether served as a main dish or as part of a larger spread, these nachos are sure to impress.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Dish

Irish Breakfast Nachos are the ultimate comfort food with a creative twist. This dish takes the classic nacho concept and elevates it with hearty ingredients like crispy waffle fries, sautéed vegetables, rich cheese sauce, and fried eggs. The combination of textures—crisp fries, creamy sauce, tender vegetables, crispy bacon, and runny egg yolks—creates a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Whether you enjoy it as a special treat or serve it at a gathering, Irish Breakfast Nachos offer a flavorful and filling option that will leave everyone coming back for more.