Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat: 7 Tasty Ingredients!

Do you ever get those cravings for a dish that’s cheesy, crispy, and just downright indulgent? Enter Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat—a mouthwatering take on the restaurant favorite that’ll wow your guests (or satisfy your midnight snack attack). If you’ve ever stepped into Old Chicago and tasted those glorious Italian nachos, you know exactly what I’m talking about! Well, guess what? You can recreate this delicious dish at home, and I’m here to walk you through every crispy, cheesy step.

Ready to wow your family and friends? Grab your apron because we’re diving into this easy-to-follow recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos

First things first, let’s talk about why these nachos are so addictive. Imagine crispy fried wonton chips (no pasta chips here, thank you very much!), topped with savory Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, a kick of pepperoncini, and gooey mozzarella and pepper jack cheeses—what’s not to love? This dish is the ultimate comfort food, with a fun twist that makes it feel like something special.

And the best part? It’s super simple to make. Whether you’re throwing a casual get-together or looking to impress your in-laws with something beyond the standard chips and salsa, these Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat are bound to steal the spotlight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy masterpiece:

• Wonton wrappers (trust me, these give a perfect crunch!)
• Ground Italian pork sausage (for that rich, savory flavor)
• Pepperoni (who can resist the crispy goodness of pepperoni?)
• Pepperoncini or banana peppers (for a zesty kick)
• Mozzarella cheese (for that classic melty texture)
• Pepper jack cheese (to spice things up just right)
• Marinara sauce (for dipping—because you can never have enough cheese and sauce!)
• Vegetable or canola oil (for frying up those wonton chips)

Refer to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements, complete nutritional details, and step-by-step instructions.

How to Make Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—cooking! Don’t worry, this is way simpler than it sounds.

1. Prep the Wonton Chips:
   • Start by cutting the wonton wrappers into triangles. This is where the magic happens! Fry them up in hot oil (about 2 minutes on each side), just until they’re golden and crispy. Keep a close eye on them—they’ll continue to crisp up once you take them out of the pan.
   • Place the fried chips on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently until it’s nice and browned. This step adds so much flavor and depth to your nachos.
3. Layer Up:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread your crispy wonton chips out on a baking sheet or platter. Go ahead and let them overlap a little for that perfect nacho vibe.
   • Start layering: First, sprinkle some pepper jack cheese on top. Then, add the cooked Italian sausage, followed by pepperoni slices, and finally the pepperoncini for that zesty finish.
   • Don’t forget to top it all off with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Because why stop at one cheese when you can have two?
4. Bake for Perfection:
   • Pop your nachos into the oven for about 5 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and bubble. Watch that cheesy goodness come to life!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once your nachos are out of the oven, serve them immediately with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They’re best when fresh and hot, so grab a fork (or your hands, I won’t judge) and dive in.

Cooking Tips to Make These Nachos Even Better

• Don’t rush the frying process: Wonton chips are crispy magic, but they can be a little tricky to judge. They might look a bit lighter than you expect when you first pull them out, but don’t panic! They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool.
• Customize your toppings: Feel free to mix things up based on what you’ve got on hand. I’ve swapped out sausage for ground turkey in a pinch, and it’s still delicious. You can also add other peppers if you like a bit more heat.
• Extra cheese never hurt anyone: If you find yourself questioning whether you have enough cheese, just remember—more cheese equals more happiness. So go ahead and add that extra handful of mozzarella. It’s a judgment-free zone.

FAQs About Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat

Why These Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe

So there you have it—the ultimate recipe for Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat. They’re quick, they’re easy, and they’re so packed with flavor that you’ll want to make them again and again. Trust me, once you serve these at your next gathering, you’ll be the hero of the party (no capes required). Whether it’s for a cozy family night or a casual get-together with friends, these nachos are guaranteed to steal the show.

Give this recipe a try, and I promise your taste buds will thank you! Happy cooking, my friend!

More Delicious Recipes to Try After Your Italian Nachos!

Once you’ve enjoyed these Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat, why not keep the flavor train rolling? Here are a few more recipes that will make your next get-together even tastier:

• Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta: If you’re craving something else cheesy and creamy to complement your nachos, this spicy pasta dish is perfect!
• Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos: For all the nacho lovers out there, these BBQ chicken nachos are a fun and delicious twist on the classic.
• Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken: Want something crispy with a sweet and spicy kick? This hot honey chicken is just what you need.
• Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken: If you want a super easy, flavorful side dish to go with your nachos, this creamy, cheesy corn chicken will be a hit!

These recipes are all perfect additions to your next meal, so give them a try and take your cooking to the next level!

Print