Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Italian Nachos are the perfect appetizer—or even main course—for anyone who loves cheesy, savory, and crispy bites. They’re quick to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress a crowd. The combination of rich Italian flavors, from spicy sausage to creamy mozzarella, makes every bite irresistible. It’s a fun twist on traditional nachos that’s hearty, indulgent, and easy to prepare for any occasion.
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Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos: A Crispy, Cheesy Twist on a Classic
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos are a crave-worthy twist on traditional nachos — made with crispy fried pasta chips, loaded with Italian sausage, pepperoni, melted cheese, and zesty marinara for the ultimate appetizer or game-day snack.
Ingredients
- 8 oz wonton wrappers or cooked lasagna noodles, cut into triangles
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry wonton wrappers or lasagna triangles in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the fried chips on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Top evenly with cooked Italian sausage, pepperoni, diced tomatoes, olives, and pepperoncini slices.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake the chips instead of frying them.
- Add diced bell peppers or red onions for extra color and flavor.
- Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy variation.
- Serve as a party appetizer or game-day snack — it disappears fast!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried and Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Wonton Wrappers or Fried Pasta Chips
These take the place of tortilla chips and give the nachos that signature crisp texture. Fry or bake them until golden brown and crunchy.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mild, melty, and creamy—perfect for binding all the toppings together.
Italian Sausage
Cooked and crumbled sausage adds rich, savory flavor and heartiness.
Pepperoni Slices
Classic Italian touch that adds spice and smokiness.
Banana Peppers
Bring a tangy, slightly spicy kick that balances the richness of the cheese.
Black Olives
Add saltiness and a hint of brininess that complements the other toppings.
Tomatoes
Fresh diced tomatoes bring a burst of color and freshness.
Marinara Sauce
Served on the side or drizzled over the top for that classic Italian flavor.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds a sharp, nutty note to the final dish.
Fresh Basil or Parsley
A garnish that brightens everything with color and freshness.
Olive Oil
Used for brushing the wonton wrappers before baking to achieve that perfect golden crisp.
Salt and Italian Seasoning
To season the chips and tie all the flavors together.
Directions
- Prepare the Chips: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut wonton wrappers or lasagna sheets into triangles. Brush lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and Italian seasoning, and bake on a parchment-lined tray for 6–8 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Assemble the Nachos: On a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet, layer the crispy chips, cooked sausage, pepperoni slices, black olives, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat for a second layer to ensure every bite has flavor.
- Bake: Place in the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, banana peppers, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people and takes about 30 minutes total—15 minutes prep time and 15 minutes cooking time.
Storage/reheating
Italian nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chips soggy. Keep marinara sauce separate until ready to serve.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Alfredo Nachos
Swap the marinara for Alfredo sauce and use grilled chicken for a creamy variation.
Spicy Italian Nachos
Add crushed red pepper flakes, spicy sausage, or hot banana peppers for extra heat.
Veggie Lovers’ Version
Load up on sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a hearty vegetarian option.
Four-Cheese Blend
Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and fontina for a rich, gooey melt.
Prosciutto & Arugula Twist
Top the nachos with thinly sliced prosciutto and fresh arugula right after baking for a gourmet touch.
Pesto Drizzle
Drizzle basil pesto over the finished nachos for a fresh, herbal flavor boost.
Garlic Bread Chips
Brush the wontons or pasta with garlic butter before baking for an aromatic, garlicky base.
Low-Carb Option
Use baked zucchini chips or low-carb tortillas for a lighter alternative.
BBQ Italian Fusion
Add a drizzle of sweet BBQ sauce and swap sausage for shredded rotisserie chicken.
Make-It-Your-Own Bar
Lay out toppings like olives, tomatoes, and cheese separately so everyone can build their own nachos.
FAQs
Can I use lasagna noodles instead of wonton wrappers?
Yes! Boil lasagna noodles, cut them into pieces, and fry or bake them until crisp.
What kind of sausage works best?
Mild or spicy Italian sausage both work great—choose based on your heat preference.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the toppings and chips in advance, then assemble and bake right before serving.
Can I use store-bought chips?
Yes, pita chips or baked flatbread crackers make a great shortcut.
Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you add spicy sausage or banana peppers—it’s easy to control the heat level.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Skip the sausage and pepperoni and load up on veggies and cheese instead.
What cheese melts best?
Mozzarella is perfect for stretchiness, but provolone and fontina add rich, creamy flavor.
Can I serve it with other sauces?
Yes, Alfredo, ranch, or garlic butter all make delicious dipping options.
How do I keep the chips crispy?
Bake the chips until well-toasted and layer the toppings just before serving to prevent sogginess.
What pairs well with Italian nachos?
Serve with a simple green salad or a cold beer for a perfect balance.
Conclusion
Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos are the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory—everything you love about Italian flavors in one irresistible dish. They’re fun to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing (though you may not want to). Whether you’re hosting friends or indulging in a cozy night in, these nachos bring restaurant-quality flavor straight to your table. Once you make them, they’ll become a regular in your appetizer rotation—bold, cheesy, and absolutely addictive.
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