Get ready for a flavor-packed twist on classic nachos! Imagine crispy, golden chips piled high with melted cheese, savory sausage, juicy tomatoes, and all the zesty Italian flavors you crave. These Italian Nachos are a fun and unexpected appetizer that will have everyone at the table reaching for more. Trust me, these nachos are about to become your new favorite game day snack or party food!
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Each bite is an explosion of flavor—the crunchy base of tortilla chips is smothered in a mix of mozzarella and parmesan, topped with Italian sausage, fresh basil, and tangy marinara sauce. It’s like a pizza and nachos had a delicious baby! Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself to something special, these Italian Nachos are here to make your day a whole lot tastier.
Why You’ll Love Italian Nachos
Here’s why these Italian Nachos are about to become your go-to snack:
A Flavor Explosion
These nachos take your taste buds on an adventure with the bold flavors of Italian sausage, cheese, marinara sauce, and fresh basil. They’re savory, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Quick and Easy
Ready in just a few minutes, these nachos are perfect when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing
Italian Nachos are sure to impress your guests at your next gathering or dinner party. They’re guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Comfort Food, Italian Style
If you love pizza or pasta, you’ll love these Italian Nachos. They’re a fun, shareable dish that gives you all the comforting flavors of your favorite Italian dishes in one bite.
Customizable
Feel free to adjust the toppings to suit your preferences—add more cheese, swap out the sausage for pepperoni, or throw in some olives. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients in Italian Nachos
Here’s everything you need to make these Italian Nachos:
Tortilla Chips
The base of the nachos. Go for sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can handle all the toppings without breaking.
Italian Sausage
Crumbled Italian sausage adds savory richness and a bit of spice to the nachos. You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference.
Mozzarella Cheese
The stretchy, melty cheese that gives these nachos their gooey, cheesy goodness.
Parmesan Cheese
Grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick to balance out the richness of the mozzarella.
Marinara Sauce
The tangy, tomato-based sauce ties everything together with its bright, zesty flavor.
Fresh Basil
Chopped fresh basil gives these nachos a burst of aromatic freshness and a pop of color.
Olive Oil
For drizzling over the chips before baking, ensuring they get nice and crispy.
Red Pepper Flakes
Optional, but a little sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make these tasty Italian Nachos:
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want it nice and hot for those chips to get perfectly crispy.
Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
Prepare the Chips
Spread your tortilla chips in an even layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil to give them that extra crispiness.
Add the Toppings
First, spoon a little marinara sauce over the chips, making sure to distribute it evenly. Then, sprinkle the cooked sausage over the chips, followed by mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra heat if you like.
Bake to Perfection
Bake the nachos in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chips are golden and crispy.
Finish with Fresh Basil
Once the nachos are done baking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor and color.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Italian Nachos warm, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy with your friends and family—they won’t last long!
How to Serve Italian Nachos
These Italian Nachos are perfect on their own, but here are a few fun ways to take them to the next level:
Extra Marinara Sauce
Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping to complement the flavors.
Garlic Bread
Pair the nachos with some warm garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired snack.
Side Salad
For a lighter balance to the rich nachos, serve them with a side of fresh salad, perhaps with an Italian vinaigrette.
A Cool Drink
These nachos pair perfectly with a cold drink—whether it’s a refreshing lemonade, iced tea, or even a light beer.
Additional Tips
Custom Toppings
Feel free to customize your nachos! Add some olives, roasted red peppers, or even pepperoni for extra flavor.
Make It Spicy
For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
Use Different Cheeses
Feel free to experiment with other Italian cheeses like provolone, fontina, or ricotta for added depth of flavor.
Make Ahead
To save time, you can prep the nachos ahead of time by assembling everything on the baking sheet, then covering and refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake.
Storage Tips
These nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to retain that crispy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of chips?
A1: Yes! You can use baked pizza dough for a fun twist. Cut it into strips and bake them to create a pizza-crust-like base for the nachos.
Q2: Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
A2: Absolutely! Ground beef works great, or you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Q3: Can I make these nachos in advance?
A3: You can assemble the nachos ahead of time, but it’s best to bake them just before serving for the crispiest chips and melted cheese.
Q4: Can I freeze these nachos?
A4: While nachos are best served fresh, you can freeze the toppings and chips separately. Assemble and bake them when you’re ready to eat.
Q5: What if I don’t have fresh basil?
A5: If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil works in a pinch. You can also use other herbs like oregano or thyme.
Q6: How can I make these nachos vegetarian?
A6: Skip the sausage and load up with extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even marinated artichoke hearts.
Q7: Can I use a different sauce besides marinara?
A7: Yes! You can use Alfredo sauce, pesto, or even a tangy BBQ sauce for a completely different flavor profile.
Q8: How can I make these nachos gluten-free?
A8: Simply use gluten-free tortilla chips or substitute with a gluten-free pizza crust or flatbread for the base.
Q9: How can I add more cheese?
A9: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to layer extra mozzarella or Parmesan in between the chips for extra cheesy goodness.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in two trays, or use a larger baking sheet to accommodate more nachos.
Conclusion
These Italian Nachos are a perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness. They’re quick and easy to make, yet loaded with flavor. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a casual dinner, or a party, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the flavors of Italy in a whole new way with this fun and indulgent twist on a classic snack!
Print
Italian Nachos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Italian Nachos combine crispy wonton chips, savory Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a blend of cheeses, all topped with creamy ricotta and tangy pepperoncini. Perfect for a unique twist on nachos!
Ingredients
For the Italian seasoning blend:
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon dried basil
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
For the nachos and assembly:
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25 square wonton wrappers
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Vegetable oil, for frying
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1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
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3 ounces pepperoni stick, thinly sliced into 1/4” rounds
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1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella
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3/4 cup Marinara sauce, warmed
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1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
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6 pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced
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Chopped flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
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For the Italian seasoning blend:
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In a small bowl, mix together oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. For a finer grind, add the spices to a mortar and pestle and grind. Set aside.
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For the nachos and assembly:
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Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat to 350°F (180ºC). Fry wonton wrappers a few at a time, turning to fry on both sides for about 30 seconds. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and repeat with the remaining wontons. Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning blend.
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In a separate large cast-iron pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it into pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
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Set the oven to broil on high with a rack in the top third of the oven. Arrange pepperoni slices on a baking sheet and broil until the edges curl up into cups but aren’t browned.
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Arrange the fried wonton chips on a baking sheet. Evenly spread mozzarella cheese over the chips. Add the pepperoni cups and cooked sausage on top. Broil until the cheese melts, about 1 to 2 minutes.
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Drop small spoonfuls of ricotta over the nachos, top with sliced pepperoncini and parsley. Serve the warmed marinara sauce in a small bowl on the side for dipping.
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Notes
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For extra crispiness, make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying the wontons.
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You can swap the ricotta for another cheese like parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg