A host of Irish flavors come together in this delicious Irish Nachos appetizer. Topped with homemade beer cheddar cheese, this medley of corned beef, onion, horseradish sauce, and chives blanket kettle-style potato chips for a taste of Ireland in every bite.
Whether you’re looking for a unique snack to munch during March Madness games or want an Irish-inspired starter for your St. Patrick’s day meal, this recipe is definitely worth all the gold at the end of the rainbow!
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What Are Irish Nachos?
This snack takes the fun of traditional nachos and spins them with Irish-inspired flair. Crunchy kettle-style potato chips give a nod to the important role that potatoes played in Irish history, serving as the sturdy base of this dish.
We’ve also woven other hallmarks of Irish culture in this dish. The chopped corned beef reflects not only the Irish corned beef industry of the mid-1600s, but also the diet of Irish immigrants to the United States in the late 1800s. And our cheese sauce combines both beer and cheddar cheese, both of which are exports of Ireland.
Finally, the dish is topped with a delightful topping made from horseradish, which grows in abundance in the countryside of Ireland. Even the chives that add a splash of festive Kelly green to the dish grow naturally on the Emerald Isle. Is it any wonder that this is the perfect starter for any St. Patrick’s Day festivity?
What Kind of Beer Should I Use?
Whatever type of beer you use, its flavor will be prevalent in the taste of the cheese, so make sure it’s a beer that you like!
I used Guinness in my cheese sauce, since I was making it for a St. Patrick’s Day party. Everyone loved it, but using dark beers, like stouts or porters, will also darken the color of your cheese sauce. Darker beers also have a more robust flavor than light beers, so use them with caution.
I’ve found that IPAs or brown ales are delicious in this cheese sauce without having an overpowering taste. They lend a bit of bite to the sauce, making it more complex than a simple cheese sauce.
But if you’d rather not use beer at all, you can simply replace the beer with additional milk. This will result in a delicious cheese sauce without the beer flavor.
Do You Have Any Tips?
- Be sure to have all ingredients ready to go before you start making the cheese sauce. You’ll want to serve almost immediately after pouring the cheese on the chips
- Don’t let the cheese mixture boil. This affects the texture of the cheese and can make it gritty.
- It’s important to use kettle-style chips. The extra crispiness is what gives them the ability to support all those yummy toppings
- For a heartier snack, use crisply cooked tater tots for Irish Totchos
- If you’ve got extra time to spend in the kitchen, saute the corned beef with some onion for a deeper flavor profile
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Directions
- Lay kettle-style potato chips on serving platter. Set aside.
- Prepare horseradish sauce. Combine horseradish and sour cream in a small dish; whisk with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
- Make the beer cheese. Combine shredded cheddar cheese, beer, and milk in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until cheese is thoroughly melted and smooth.
- Pour warm cheese over prepared kettle-style chips.
- Top cheese sauce with chopped corned beef, red onions, dollops of horseradish sauce, and chives. Serve immediately.
What Else Can I Serve on St. Patrick’s Day?
- Check out the leprechauns’ secret recipe for Lucky Popcorn
- Beer Braised Corned Beef is bathed in a mixture of beer and Irish whiskey for amazing flavor
- Experience cabbage in a new way when you make our Easy Sauteed Cabbage with Bacon
Irish Nachos with Beer Cheddar Cheese
Difficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes10
minutes30
minutesA host of Irish-inspired flavors come together in this appetizer, including kettle-style potato chips, beer cheddar cheese, corned beef, onions, horseradish sauce, and chives.
Ingredients
8.5 oz bag kettle-style chips
2 oz package thinly sliced corned beef, chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup beer
1/4 cup milk
Directions
- Lay kettle-style potato chips on serving platter and set aside.
- Prepare horseradish sauce. Combine horseradish and sour cream in a small dish; whisk with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
- Make the beer cheese. Combine shredded cheddar cheese, beer, and milk in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until cheese is thoroughly melted and smooth. Do not allow mixture to boil.
- Pour warm cheese over prepared kettle-style chips.
- Top cheese sauce with chopped corned beef, red onions, dollops of horseradish sauce, and chives. Serve immediately.
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