Irresistible Old Chicagos Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe Revealed

Ah, Italian nachos! Just the thought of them brings back fond memories of cozy evenings spent with friends, sharing laughter and delicious bites. A few years back, I introduced my best pals to Old Chicago’s take on Italian nachos during a marathon of our favorite movies. Little did I know, this delightful dish would become a staple for our gatherings. The combination of crispy chips, melty cheese, and savory toppings was an instant hit! I fell in love with the comforting flavors and the delightful crunch that satisfies every nacho craving. So today, I’m thrilled to share my version of Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe with you! Trust me, this is a crowd-pleaser you won’t want to miss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes!
• Budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you might already have.
• Comforting, rich flavors that everyone will love.
• Perfect for game day or any casual get-together.

Ingredients

Before we roll up our sleeves and get cooking, let’s gather everything we need. Here’s your shopping list:

• Chips: 1 bag (12 oz) of tortilla chips – Go for a sturdy brand that holds up to toppings!
• Italian sausage: 1 lb, casing removed – Mild or spicy, your choice!
• Fresh garlic: 2 cloves, minced – Fresh adds more punch than powdered.
• Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved – Adds beautiful color and fresh flavor.
• Black olives: ½ cup, sliced – For that classic nacho taste.
• Pepperoncini: ¼ cup, sliced – zesty and tangy goodness.
• Fontina cheese: 2 cups, shredded – Melts beautifully; mozzarella works too!
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated – A sprinkle adds depth.
• Fresh basil: ¼ cup, torn – Brightens everything up. Dried will work in a pinch.
• Olive oil: for drizzling – Adds a nice richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’re all set, let’s dive into making these irresistible Italian nachos! Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for that gooey cheesy goodness.
2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Let it sizzle until browned and fully cooked – about 8-10 minutes. The aroma will have you wishing you could speed up time!
3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Keep an eye on it; burnt garlic is not our friend!
4. Layer the chips: On a large baking sheet, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer.
5. Add your toppings: Spoon the cooked sausage over the chips. Follow with the cherry tomatoes, black olives, and pepperoncini. Sprinkle the shredded fontina and grated Parmesan cheese generously over everything.
6. Bake it: Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t over-brown.
7. Finishing touches: Once out of the oven, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the nachos for that added richness. Then, scatter the fresh basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.
8. Dig in: Serve immediately while it’s hot and cheesy! Grab a plate, scoop up a hearty portion, and enjoy.

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s talk about making this dish truly your own! Here are some fun twists and pro tips:

• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for that extra kick.
• Dairy free: Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative. There are plenty of great options for vegan cheese that melt nicely!
• Veggie delight: Want it meatless? Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers. Delicious!
• Extra crunch: Add some crispy bacon bits or crispy fried onions on top just before serving for that added crunch.
• Dive deeper: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or a Mexican blend for variety!

Serving Suggestions

These Italian nachos are best devoured straight out of the oven, but here are some serving ideas to accompany them:

• Serve them with a light Italian salad for a refreshing contrast.
• A side of creamy ranch or spicy marinara for dipping is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Don’t forget a chilled drink! A crisp white wine or a soda will complement the flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which might not happen!), here’s how to store them without losing flavor:

• Refrigerate: Let the nachos cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freeze: If you wish to freeze them (though I’m not sure how successfully they’ll hold up), layer them in a container, separated by parchment paper, for up to a month.
• Reheat: Pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be quite as crispy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be fantastic substitutes, or feel free to go vegetarian with hearty veggies or tofu. This dish is versatile!

Are there gluten-free tortilla chips available?

Yes, many brands offer gluten-free options! Just check the packaging to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Can I make these nachos ahead of time?

You can prep the toppings in advance, but I wouldn’t recommend assembling the nachos until just before baking. Otherwise, the chips may get soggy.

What’s the best cheese to use?

I love fontina for its meltiness, but a good blend of mozzarella and cheddar also works beautifully. Go with what you enjoy!

Conclusion

I hope you’ll enjoy making Old Chicago’s Italian Nachos as much as I do! They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a lively gathering with friends. If you try out the recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment below, or share your own twists on this cheesy delight. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Old Chicagos Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe Revealed

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this copycat recipe for Old Chicagos Italian nachos packed with flavors that replicate the original dish Perfect for your next gathering 150 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 bag (12 oz) of tortilla chips

1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup black olives, sliced

¼ cup pepperoncini, sliced

2 cups fontina cheese, shredded

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

¼ cup fresh basil, torn

Olive oil for drizzling

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Let it sizzle until browned and fully cooked – about 8-10 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

On a large baking sheet, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer.

Spoon the cooked sausage over the chips. Follow with cherry tomatoes, black olives, and pepperoncini. Sprinkle shredded fontina and grated Parmesan cheese over everything.

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once out of the oven, drizzle some olive oil over the nachos and scatter fresh basil on top.

Serve immediately while hot and cheesy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400 calories
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Fat: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 15 grams

Keywords: Italian nachos, Old Chicago, copycat recipe, appetizer, easy recipe