Let’s talk savvy St. Patrick’s Day for a minute. When most people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, they wear green, go to the parade and catch chocolate gold coins. Some people wear “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” pins and drink green beer.
When I think of St. Patrick’s Day, images of thatched roofs, rolling green hills and pubs full of warm and inviting foods come to mind. What’s more warm and inviting than a good ole potato with some cheese to dip it in? Nothing I can think of!
I put the two together and came up with these wonderful Irish nachos. Full of potato flavor, the nachos could be eaten alone, but with just a few ingredients you can make this tasty Irish cheese dip to go with them. It’s like eating chips; you can’t stop with just one. Your guests will love them and they’re sure to become a new St. Patrick’s Day tradition! Now that’s savvy if you ask me!
Till next time, I will be Doin’ My Best at Cookin’ Savvy!
Irish Nachos and Cheese Dip
Irish Nachos:
- 1 bag (1 1/2 pounds) baby gold potatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped bacon or real bacon bits
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 chopped green onion, for garnish
Irish Cheese Dip:
- 1 package (16 ounces) shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup Irish light beer of choice
- 1 tablespoon spicy mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, for garnish
- To make Irish nachos: Preheat oven to 450 F.
- Wash potatoes and slice into circles.
- In bowl, mix potatoes, bacon, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oil and cheese. Place mixture on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook 45 minutes until potatoes are crisp. Garnish with chopped green onion.
- To make Irish cheese dip: In food processor, blend shredded cheese, cream cheese, beer, mustard and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place in bowl and garnish with paprika. Enjoy with Irish nachos.