Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy a crunchy, cheesy twist on classic nachos with this Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos copycat recipe. It combines crispy wonton chips, flavorful Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melty cheeses for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 package wonton wrappers (cut into triangles by slicing in half diagonally)
- 1 pound ground Italian pork sausage
- 1 pepperoni (sliced)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- Pepperoncini or banana peppers (to taste)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Step 2: Cut wonton wrappers in half diagonally to form triangles. In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. Working in batches, fry the wonton triangles for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Step 3: Arrange a layer of crispy wonton chips on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with pepper jack cheese, cooked Italian sausage crumbles, sliced pepperoni, and pepperoncini peppers. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 4: Bake in a preheated oven at 375℉ for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding diced tomatoes or black olives for extra flavor and texture.
- Use turkey sausage for a leaner option without sacrificing taste.
- If you prefer baked chips, lightly brush wonton triangles with oil and bake at 375℉ for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
- Substitute pepper jack with spicy cheddar for a different cheese kick.
Storage
Store 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 keep the chips crisp and cheese melted. Avoid microwaving as this may make the chips soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the wonton chips ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry or bake the wonton triangles ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Add toppings and bake just before serving to keep the chips crispy.
What can I use if I don’t have pepperoncini peppers?
If pepperoncini are not available, banana peppers or mild pickled jalapeños make excellent substitutes, adding a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
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Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and crispy Italian-inspired twist on classic nachos featuring wonton wrapper chips layered with spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, melted mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses, tangy pepperoncini peppers, and served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Chips
- 1 Package Wonton Wrappers (cut into triangles by slicing in half diagonally)
- Vegetable or Canola Oil (for frying)
Toppings
- 1 pound Ground Italian Pork Sausage
- 1 Pepperoni (sliced)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
- Pepperoncini or Banana Peppers (to taste)
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground Italian pork sausage for about 8 minutes or until fully browned and cooked through. Set aside once done.
- Prepare and Fry Wonton Chips: Cut each wonton wrapper in half diagonally to form triangles. Heat vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the wonton triangles in batches for approximately 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Assemble the Nachos: On a baking sheet, lay down a layer of the crispy wonton chips. Evenly distribute the cooked Italian sausage crumbles, sliced pepperoni, and pepperoncini or banana peppers over the chips. Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese and mozzarella cheese on top to cover the toppings.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with the marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcrowd the frying pan to allow the wonton chips to crisp evenly.
- Use fresh mozzarella and good quality pepper jack cheese for the best flavor and melting texture.
- Customize the toppings with additional Italian meats or vegetables if desired.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the chips crisp and cheese gooey.
- If preferred, bake wonton chips instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Italian Nachos, Wonton Nachos, Italian Sausage Nachos, Appetizer, Party Snack
