Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe
Introduction
Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos are a delightful twist on traditional nachos, featuring crispy wonton chips topped with flavorful Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a blend of cheeses. Served with marinara sauce, this appetizer is perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack any time.
Ingredients
- 1 package wonton wrappers (cut into triangles by slicing in half diagonally)
- 1 pound ground Italian pork sausage
- Pepperoni (amount to preference)
- 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, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
- Step 2: Cut the wonton wrappers diagonally in half to create triangles. Heat vegetable or canola oil in a pan over medium-high heat. When hot, fry the wonton triangles in batches for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove them and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Step 3: On a baking sheet, arrange a single layer of crispy wonton chips. Sprinkle evenly with shredded pepper jack cheese, cooked Italian sausage crumbles, pepperoni slices, and pepperoncini or banana peppers. Top everything with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 4: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Try adding sliced black olives or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
- For a lighter option, bake wonton triangles instead of frying to reduce oil.
Storage
Store any leftover Italian nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving to keep the wonton chips from becoming 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 chips in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Add toppings and bake just before serving to keep them crispy.
What can I use instead of pepperoncini?
If you don’t have pepperoncini, banana peppers or mild pickled peppers work well as substitutes and provide a similar tangy flavor.
PrintOld Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe
This Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat recipe features crispy homemade wonton chips layered with savory Italian sausage, spicy pepperoni, melted mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Baked to perfection and served with marinara sauce for dipping, these Italian-inspired nachos are a delicious and unique appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Wonton Chips
- 1 Package Wonton Wrappers (cut into triangles)
- Vegetable or Canola Oil (for frying)
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound Ground Italian Pork Sausage
- 1 Pepperoni (sliced)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
Other
- Pepperoncini or Banana Peppers (to taste)
- 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground Italian pork sausage for about 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
- Prepare and Fry Wonton Chips: Cut the wonton wrappers diagonally in half to create triangle chips. In another pan, heat vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat until hot. Working in batches, fry the wonton triangles for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden and crispy. Remove the chips from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Assemble the Nachos: On a baking sheet, spread a layer of the crispy wonton chips. Evenly distribute the cooked Italian sausage crumbles, sliced pepperoni, pepperoncini slices, and shredded pepper jack cheese across the chips. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Place the assembled nachos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheeses have melted and are bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying the wonton chips to ensure even crisping.
- You can substitute pepperoncini with banana peppers or jalapeños for a different heat level.
- For a spicier kick, consider mixing some crushed red pepper flakes into the sausage while cooking.
- Leftover wonton chips can be stored in an airtight container and lightly reheated for crispiness.
Keywords: Italian nachos, wonton chips, Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, pepper jack cheese, marinara dipping sauce, appetizer, party snack
