Italian Nachos

Do you find that some of the very best recipe creations are riffs on recipes you already know and love? These Italian nachos are further proof. Inspired by classic Mexican-style nachos topped with cheese, salsa, seasoned meat and an array of toppings, this recipe for Italian nachos follows the same formula, but with a twist.

Atop a pile of homemade crispy wonton chips (OK, so this recipe isn’t entirely Italian-inspired), you’ll find a blend of gooey mozzarella and aged Parmesan cheese dotted with mini pepperoni, zesty Italian sausage, sweet peppers and ripe olives. Drizzled with warm Alfredo sauce (instead of queso dip) and finished with tomatoes, spicy pepperoncini and herbs, just one bite will make you ask yourself why you haven’t been making nachos the “Italian way” all along.

These Italian nachos have become a mandatory game-day offering in our household. Served warm with marinara and extra Alfredo sauce for dipping, a platter of Italian nachos fits right in alongside all our other favorite football foods.

Italian Nacho Ingredients

• Wonton wrappers: This Italian nachos recipe is a great way to use up the extra wonton wrappers in your fridge after making homemade crab rangoon or wonton soup.
• Olive oil: A small amount of extra virgin olive oil, brushed onto the pan and then drizzled over the wontons, is all you need to get them to bake golden and crisp in the oven.
• Italian sausage: Choose any Italian sausage you enjoy. Mild Italian sausage offers a classic taste, while sweet or spicy Italian sausage adds a little zip.
• Cheese: Just as on our favorite meatball sliders, a duo of melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan is used to top the Italian nachos.
• Mini pepperoni: We love the bite-sized proportions of mini pepperoni for this recipe. That said, you can cut regular pepperoni into halves or quarters if you don’t have mini pepperoni.
• Olives and peppers: Thinly sliced red or green bell peppers and a selection of sliced olives add color and depth to the recipe.
• Alfredo sauce: You can use homemade Alfredo sauce in this recipe, or take a shortcut and snag a jar of your favorite Alfredo sauce from the supermarket.
• Cherry tomatoes: A few ripe cherry tomatoes brighten up the baked Italian nachos and add a burst of juicy tomato flavor.
• Pepperoncini: If jalapenos are a must-have on your plate of party nachos, then you may want to double down on the sliced pepperoncini in the recipe.
• Garnishes: Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes and/or additional grated Parmesan cheese for a grand finale of flavor before serving.
• Marinara sauce: No salsa here! Instead, lightly dollop the top of your platter of Italian nachos with marinara sauce, or serve marinara on the side for dipping.

Directions

Step 1: Bake the wonton chips

Preheat oven to 400°F. Divide 2 tablespoons of olive oil between two sheet pans, then brush it evenly over the surface of each. Cut the wonton wrappers in half diagonally, and then arrange them on the sheet pans in a single layer. Brush evenly with the remaining olive oil.

Bake six to eight minutes until golden and crisp. Remove promptly; leave the oven on.

Editor’s Tip: Keep an eye on the baked chips as they cook, since some may toast more quickly than others depending on how evenly the heat is distributed in your oven. Go ahead and pull those that are already golden to prevent them from burning.

Step 2: Brown the sausage

Meanwhile, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, six to eight minutes, breaking it into crumbles as you work. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 3: Assemble the nachos

To assemble the nachos, transfer the wonton chips to a single sheet pan, and sprinkle them with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Top with the cooked Italian sausage and pepperoni, followed by the sliced olives and bell peppers.

Editor’s Tip: Experiment with which toppings you add before and after baking. We find that a blend of cooked and uncooked toppings makes for the best texture.

Step 4: Bake the nachos and warm the Alfredo

Bake nachos for five to eight minutes, until the cheese is melted and the pepperoni is lightly toasted. Meanwhile, warm the Alfredo sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, about one minute or until hot.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Drizzle some of the warm Alfredo sauce over the nachos, and then top them with sliced tomatoes and pepperoncini. Finish with any other desired garnishes, and then serve with marinara and extra Alfredo sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Italian Nacho Variations

• Try alternate toppings: You can get creative with this Italian nachos recipe by changing the toppings to suit your preferences. Add mushrooms, thinly sliced onion, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, salami, prosciutto, grilled chicken, soppressata or any other pizza toppings your heart desires.
• Experiment with other cheeses: Try these nachos with other Italian-style cheeses you enjoy. Pearls of fresh mozzarella or grated Asiago or Romano would make nice additions or swaps. You could also opt for a blend of melting cheeses and substitute provolone and/or fontina for all (or a portion of) the mozzarella. Smoked mozzarella or provolone would be delicious too.
• Fry the wontons: Baking the wontons minimizes the mess and keeps things healthier. That said, you can fry the wonton chips in a few inches of canola oil over medium-high heat on the stovetop if desired. Drain on paper towels once golden, and then transfer to a sheet pan and assemble the Italian nachos as directed. You could also try making air-fryer wontons.

How to Store Italian Nachos

Extra Italian nachos should be stored in an airtight food storage container and kept refrigerated.

How long will Italian nachos last?

Italian nachos are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven, since leftover wonton chips will likely become soggy or chewy if stored with toppings. For the best taste, enjoy within one or two days.

Can you reheat nachos?

We recommend warming leftover Italian nachos on a sheet pan in a preheated 350° oven to re-crisp the wonton chips. Bake until the cheese melts, the toppings are heated through and the chips have regained some crunch.

Italian Nacho Tips

What else can you use as chips for Italian nachos?

Pita chips make an excellent shortcut in this recipe. Choose a traditional sea salt flavor or try a garlic, Parmesan or Mediterranean herb variety to add an extra layer of flavor.

What should you serve with Italian nachos?

You can enjoy this Italian nachos recipe as a main course or as an appetizer among other tasty hors d’oeurves. If serving as an entree, serve with a refreshing Caprese salad and some homemade copycat Olive Garden breadsticks to help sop up the extra Alfredo and marinara.

As part of a party spread, serve Italian nachos with a platter of garlic Parmesan wings, bruschetta, and a pot of sweet-and-spicy party meatballs.