Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe
Introduction
Craving a fun and cheesy snack with an Italian twist? Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos combine crispy wonton chips with savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melted cheeses for a delicious appetizer or game-day treat.
Ingredients
- 1 package wonton wrappers, cut into triangles
- 1 pound ground Italian pork sausage
- 1 pepperoni, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- Pepperoncini or banana peppers, sliced
- ½ cup marinara sauce for dipping
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the ground Italian sausage over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Step 2: Cut wonton wrappers in half diagonally to create triangles. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. When hot, fry the wonton triangles in batches, cooking each side for about 2 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: On a baking sheet, arrange a layer of crispy wonton chips. Sprinkle with shredded pepper jack cheese, cooked sausage crumbles, sliced pepperoni, and pepperoncini. Top everything with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 4: Bake at 375℉ for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
- Try swapping pepperoni with sliced soppressata or salami for a different flavor.
- Use reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the dish without sacrificing taste.
- Serve with a side of fresh basil or chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage
Store any leftover Italian nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350℉ for 5–7 minutes to help keep the wonton chips crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the wonton chips instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter option, brush the wonton triangles with oil and bake at 375℉ for 8–10 minutes until crisp. This reduces oil but may yield a slightly different texture.
What can I use if I don’t have pepperoncini?
You can substitute banana peppers or mild pickled jalapeños to maintain a similar tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
PrintOld Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe
Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe brings a delightful twist to classic nachos using crispy fried wonton wrappers as chips, topped with savory Italian pork sausage, pepperoni, a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses, and tangy pepperoncini, served with warm marinara sauce for dipping. This appetizer delivers a perfect blend of Italian flavors and crunchy textures, ideal for sharing at parties or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chips
- 1 Package Wonton Wrappers, cut into triangles (slice in half diagonally)
- Vegetable or Canola Oil, for frying
Meat and Toppings
- 1 pound Ground Italian Pork Sausage
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- ½ cup Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
- 1 Pepperoni, sliced
- Pepperoncini or Banana Peppers, to taste
Accompaniments
- ½ cup Marinara Sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Cook Italian Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook 1 pound of ground Italian pork sausage for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked and browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Wonton Chips: Cut the wonton wrappers in half diagonally to create triangles. In another pan, heat vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the wonton triangles in batches for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Assemble Nachos: On a baking sheet, spread a layer of crispy wonton chips. Sprinkle a layer of shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over the chips, followed by cooked Italian sausage crumbles, sliced pepperoni, and pepperoncini or banana peppers. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Nachos: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled nachos for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños along with or instead of pepperoncini.
- Make sure the oil is hot before frying wontons to ensure crispiness.
- You can substitute ground Italian pork sausage with ground turkey or beef if preferred.
- Use fresh marinara sauce for the best dipping experience or your favorite jarred brand.
Keywords: Italian nachos, wonton nachos, copycat recipe, Italian pork sausage, appetizer, party food, fried wontons
