Description
Crispy tortilla chips loaded with savory Italian Nachos invite culinary adventure from Naples to your kitchen. Melted mozzarella, zesty marinara, and herbs create a playful fusion that satisfies your craving for bold, cross-cultural comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 ounces (85 grams) pepperoni stick, thinly sliced into 1/4 rounds
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 25 square wonton wrappers
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 3/4 cup Marinara sauce, warmed
- 6 pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced
- Chopped flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Craft a zesty Italian seasoning blend by pulverizing oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper in a mortar and pestle for enhanced flavor distribution.
- Warm vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet to 350F, creating a consistent frying environment for wonton wrappers.
- Carefully submerge wonton wrappers in hot oil, frying each side for approximately 30 seconds until golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil, then dust with prepared Italian seasoning.
- In a separate skillet, brown Italian sausage over medium heat, systematically breaking meat into bite-sized crumbles until fully cooked, roughly 8 minutes.
- Position oven rack in top third and activate broiler on high setting. Arrange pepperoni slices on baking sheet, broiling until edges curl and form characteristic cups.
- Layer crispy wonton chips on baking sheet, generously distribute mozzarella cheese, strategically place pepperoni cups and cooked sausage across surface.
- Broil nacho ensemble for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts completely and ingredients become harmoniously integrated.
- Garnish with delicate ricotta dollops, scattered pepperoncini slices, and fresh parsley.
- Serve with warmed marinara sauce as a complementary dipping accompaniment.
Notes
- Customize the spice blend by adjusting the quantities of herbs and peppers to match your heat preference, creating a personalized Italian seasoning mix.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains consistent at 350F for perfectly crispy wonton chips that aren’t greasy or undercooked.
- Pat the wonton wrappers dry before frying to prevent excess oil absorption and achieve a crunchier texture.
- Use a slotted spoon or spider skimmer to remove wonton chips quickly and evenly from hot oil, preventing burning.
- For a healthier version, bake the wonton wrappers instead of deep-frying, brushing lightly with olive oil for a similar crisp.
- Choose high-quality mozzarella and ricotta for a more authentic and flavorful Italian nacho experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg