Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat

If you have a craving for something crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold Italian flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat recipe. It’s the perfect combination of crunchy wonton chips layered with savory Italian sausage, spicy pepperoni, melty mozzarella, and pepper jack cheeses, all brought together with tangy pepperoncini and a side of marinara sauce that will have you hooked from the very first bite. This dish is a fantastic twist on traditional nachos, turning them into a fun, flavorful appetizer or snack that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem simple individually, but when combined, they create layers of flavor and texture that define this dish. Each element, from the crispy wonton triangles to the zesty pepperoncini, adds a crucial piece to the overall experience of Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat.

• 1 Package Wonton Wrappers (cut into triangles): The perfect crispy base that fries up quickly to a golden crunch.
• 1 pound Ground Italian Pork Sausage: Brings a savory, herby depth that’s essential to the Italian flair.
• 1 Pepperoni: Adds spicy, smoky notes that contrast beautifully with the other cheeses.
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Classic melty cheese that binds all the toppings together.
• ½ cup Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese: Offers a gentle kick and creamy texture.
• Pepperoncini or Banana Peppers: A little tangy, a little heat, and a whole lot of flavor punch.
• ½ cup Marinara Sauce for dipping: Sweet and tangy sauce that tastes like Italy on the side.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil for frying: Needed for that perfect golden crisp on the wonton chips.

How to Make Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat

Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage

Begin by browning the ground Italian pork sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Let it cook for about 8 minutes until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This step is key because the sausage brings a hearty, aromatic foundation to your nachos.

Step 2: Prepare and Fry the Wonton Triangles

Slice the wonton wrappers diagonally in half to create triangle chips. Heat vegetable oil in another pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the wonton triangles in batches for about 2 minutes per side until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Lay them on paper towels afterward to soak up any excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy without being greasy.

Step 3: Layer Your Nachos

On a baking sheet, arrange a nice layer of your crispy wonton chips first to build that crunchy base. Then sprinkle the cooked sausage crumbles over the chips, followed by slices of pepperoni and pepperoncini for that bright kick. Dot the layers evenly with shredded pepper jack cheese, and finally top everything off with shredded mozzarella for the ultimate cheese melt.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the assembled baking sheet into a preheated oven at 375℉ and bake for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheeses melt into that gooey, irresistible goodness, perfectly melding all your layers together.

How to Serve Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat

Garnishes

The bright, tangy crunch of pepperoncini peppers is a classic choice that complements the richness of the sausage and cheese. For a fresh touch, consider adding chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like an extra kick. These garnishes enhance both the flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A chilled Italian soda or a glass of sparkling water with lemon can also make for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat stacked in a large, rustic platter for a casual party vibe or arrange individual portions in small cast-iron skillets for a warm and cozy presentation. For a fun twist, add different dipping sauces such as a garlic aioli or a spicy marinara blend, giving guests options to personalize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crispy wontons will soften slightly but reheating can bring back some of the original crunch. Consume within 2 days for best taste and texture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dish because the crispness of the wonton chips and the texture of the sausage can be compromised. For the best experience, enjoy freshly made Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 350℉ oven for about 8-10 minutes. This method revives the melted cheese and crisps up the wonton chips nicely, making them almost as good as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage brings a distinct flavor, you can also try ground beef, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a different twist that suits your taste or dietary needs.

Are wonton wrappers the only option for the chip base?

Wonton wrappers fry up beautifully crispy, but you could experiment with tortilla chips or even pita chips if you want a different texture or flavor. Each will give a unique spin on the original Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat.

How spicy are these nachos?

The heat level is mild to medium, mostly coming from the pepper jack cheese and pepperoncini. You can control the spice by adjusting the amount of pepperoncini or adding spicy pepperoni varieties.

Is marinara sauce the only dipping option?

Marinara is traditional and delicious here, but feel free to serve with ranch, garlic aioli, or even a balsamic glaze to add more complexity and personal preference to your dipping options.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the sausage and pepperoni for plant-based alternatives or roasted veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers to keep the hearty, satisfying nature of the dish without the meat.

Final Thoughts

Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat brings together all the best parts of Italian flavors and crispy, cheesy comfort food in one irresistible dish. It’s perfect for game days, parties, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to snacks or appetizers. So grab those wonton wrappers and sausage, and get ready to dive into a plate of cheesy, crunchy goodness that’s bursting with flavor!

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