Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe

Introduction

Italian Nachos put a delicious twist on the classic snack by swapping tortilla chips for crispy wonton triangles and topping them with flavorful Italian sausage, cheeses, and pepperoni. This copycat version of Old Chicago’s favorite is perfect for parties or a fun appetizer night at home.

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 (sliced)
• 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce (for dipping)
• Vegetable or Canola Oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the ground Italian sausage over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles. Once fully cooked, set it aside.
2. Step 2: Cut the wonton wrappers in half diagonally to form triangles. In a separate pan, heat vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat until hot.
3. Step 3: Working in batches, fry the wonton triangles in the hot oil for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a baking sheet, create a layer of the crispy wonton chips. Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese over the chips, then add the cooked sausage crumbles, sliced pepperoni, and pepperoncini or banana peppers. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes over the assembled nachos before baking.
• You can substitute spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat.
• Try adding sliced black olives or diced tomatoes for extra freshness and color.
• Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or parmesan for a richer cheese blend.
• If you want to make this dish lighter, bake the wonton triangles instead of frying by brushing them lightly with oil and baking at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until crisp.

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 5-7 minutes to help the cheese melt and the chips regain some crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can 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 chips a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crispy until ready to assemble.

What can I use if I don’t have pepperoncini or banana peppers?

Pickled jalapeños or mild pickled peppers are good substitutes that will add a similar tangy, slightly spicy flavor.

Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 78 reviews

This Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional nachos by using crispy fried wonton wrappers as chips, topped with savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, melted cheeses, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Served with marinara sauce for dipping, this appetizer is perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chips

• 1 Package Wonton Wrappers (cut into triangles by slicing in half diagonally)
• Vegetable or Canola Oil (for frying, about 2 cups)

Toppings

• 1 pound Ground Italian Pork Sausage
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/2 cup Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
• 1 Pepperoni (sliced)
• Pepperoncini or Banana Peppers (to taste, sliced)
• 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Cook Italian Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground Italian pork sausage for about 8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until fully browned and cooked through. Once done, set aside.
2. Prepare Wonton Chips: Cut wonton wrappers diagonally in half to create triangle shapes. In another pan, heat vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches, fry the wonton triangles for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Remove the chips with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain and absorb excess oil.
3. Assemble Nachos: On a baking sheet, spread a layer of the crispy wonton chips. Evenly distribute the cooked Italian sausage crumbles, sliced pepperoni, and pepperoncini peppers over the chips. Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Bake to Melt Cheese: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled nachos in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted thoroughly and is bubbly.
5. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Be careful not to overcrowd the oil when frying wonton chips to ensure they cook evenly and stay crispy.
• Use paper towels to drain fried wontons to reduce excess oil for a less greasy bite.
• You can substitute ground Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey depending on preference.
• Adjust the amount of pepperoncini or banana peppers based on your desired spice and tang level.
• Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the cheese at its melty best.

Keywords: Old Chicago Italian Nachos, Italian Nachos recipe, wonton nachos, fried wonton chips, Italian sausage nachos, appetizer