Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the bold flavors of Chicago’s Italian Nachos with this easy copycat recipe. Crispy wonton chips layered with spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melted cheese make for a delightful and shareable appetizer perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 package wonton wrappers (cut into triangles by slicing in half diagonally)
• 1 pound ground Italian pork sausage
• 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)
• Pepperoni slices

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the ground Italian sausage over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, breaking it up until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut the wonton wrappers in half diagonally to form triangles. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat until hot. Working in batches, fry the wonton triangles for about 2 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
3. Step 3: On a baking sheet, arrange a single layer of crispy wonton chips. Sprinkle with pepper jack cheese, cooked sausage crumbles, pepperoni slices, and pepperoncini or banana peppers. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. 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 on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
• Try swapping the pork sausage for Italian chicken sausage for a leaner option.
• Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer cheese flavor.
• If you prefer baked chips over fried, brush wonton triangles lightly with oil and bake at 375℉ until crispy before assembling.

Storage

Store any 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 restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the chips soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly for dipping and saves prep time. Just choose your favorite brand or flavor.

What can I substitute for wonton wrappers?

If you can’t find wonton wrappers, tortilla chips can be used instead, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly from the original dish.

Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe

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Experience the bold flavors of Chicago’s Italian Nachos with this easy copycat recipe. Crispy wonton chips are layered with savory Italian sausage, spicy pepperoni, melted mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses, and tangy pepperoncini peppers. Finished with a quick bake to melt the cheese perfectly and served with marinara sauce for a delicious dipping experience.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American – Chicago Style

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 cup Sliced Pepperoni (about 20 slices)
• 1/4 cup Pepperoncini or Banana Peppers (sliced)

Dipping Sauce

• 1/2 cup Marinara Sauce

Instructions

1. Cook Italian Sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground Italian pork sausage for about 8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
2. Fry Wonton Chips: Cut wonton wrappers in half diagonally to make triangles. Heat vegetable or canola oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches, fry the wonton triangles for about 2 minutes per side or until crisp and golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Assemble Nachos: On a baking sheet, arrange a single layer of crispy wonton chips. Evenly sprinkle the pepper jack cheese, then scatter the cooked Italian sausage crumbles, followed by pepperoni slices and pepperoncini peppers. Finally, top everything with shredded mozzarella cheese for a melty, flavorful finish.
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 completely and is bubbly.
5. Serve with Marinara Sauce: Remove the nachos from the oven and serve immediately with the 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the side for dipping, adding a perfect tangy contrast to the rich toppings.

Notes

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the wontons to ensure crispiness.
• Drain excess grease from the cooked sausage to prevent soggy nachos.
• Work in batches when frying wontons to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
• You can substitute banana peppers if pepperoncini is not available.
• Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Italian Nachos, Chicago Style Nachos, Wonton Chips, Italian Sausage, Copycat Recipe, Appetizer, Party Snack