Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe

Introduction

Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos are a flavorful twist on a classic snack, featuring crispy wonton chips topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melted cheese. This recipe delivers a perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory in every bite, ideal for sharing at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 package wonton wrappers, cut into triangles (slice in half diagonally)
• 1 pound ground Italian pork sausage
• Pepperoni (amount as desired)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• Pepperoncini or banana peppers (to taste)
• ½ cup marinara sauce for dipping
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut wonton wrappers in half diagonally to make triangles. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the wonton triangles in batches for about 2 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Step 3: On a baking sheet, arrange a layer of crispy wonton chips. Top with pepper jack cheese, crumbled Italian sausage, pepperoni slices, pepperoncini, and then shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Step 4: Bake in a preheated oven at 375℉ for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes with the toppings.
• Substitute ground Italian pork sausage with ground beef or turkey if preferred.
• Try swapping the marinara dip for a creamy ranch or garlic aioli for a different flavor twist.
• If you want to reduce frying, bake wonton triangles brushed lightly with oil at 400℉ for 5-7 minutes until crisp.

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 maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chips soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Italian sausage or do I need to season it myself?

Most grocery stores sell pre-seasoned ground Italian pork sausage that is ready to cook, containing fennel, garlic, and other spices. If you can’t find it, you can season plain ground pork with Italian herbs like oregano, fennel seeds, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

Are wonton wrappers necessary or can I use something else?

Wonton wrappers are key to getting the thin, crispy chips that make this dish unique. Alternatively, you could try using tortilla chips, but the texture and flavor will differ significantly from the original.

Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe

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4.9 from 221 reviews

This Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat recipe features crispy wonton chips layered with savory ground Italian pork sausage, pepperoni, pepperoncini, and a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses. Finished in the oven until bubbly and melted, these nachos are served with marinara sauce for dipping, bringing a unique Italian twist to a classic appetizer that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 Package Wonton Wrappers, cut into triangles (slice in half diagonally)
• 1 pound Ground Italian Pork Sausage
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• ½ cup Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
• 1 package Pepperoni slices
• Pepperoncini or Banana Peppers, sliced to taste
• ½ cup Marinara Sauce for dipping
• Vegetable or Canola Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Cook Italian Sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground Italian pork sausage for about 8 minutes until fully cooked and browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. Prepare Wonton Chips: Cut the wonton wrappers diagonally to form triangles. Heat vegetable or canola oil in a pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the wonton triangles in batches for about 2 minutes per batch, flipping once, until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
3. Assemble the Nachos: On a baking sheet, spread a layer of the crispy wonton chips. Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over the chips, followed by cooked Italian sausage crumbles, pepperoni slices, and pepperoncini peppers. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly.
5. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• The Italian pork sausage used is typically pre-seasoned with fennel, garlic, red pepper flakes, paprika, and oregano.
• Adjust the amount of pepperoncini or banana peppers to control the level of spiciness and tang.
• Cook wontons in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring they become crispy.
• For a quicker option, you may bake the wonton chips instead of frying, though frying yields the crispiest results.
• Leftover assembled nachos are best enjoyed immediately as the wonton chips can lose crispness.

Keywords: Italian nachos, wonton chips, copycat recipe, Old Chicago nachos, Italian pork sausage, appetizer, party food