Johnny Carino’s Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe

These Italian Nachos are a delicious twist on the same ol’ nachos at Johnny Carino’s. You’re going to love them – trust me!

A few years ago, pre-kids and when part of my income was free to be spent on eating out willy-nilly, I often had Italian Nachos at Johnny Carino’s. These days I would rather spend the same amount of money on ingredients but be able to make two or three times as much. It is a delicious twist on the same ol’ nachos.

If you would like to skip making the chips yourself, try to find a very fresh, thin tortilla chip as a substitute. I found a great brand at a local Whole Foods.

Johnny Carino's Italian Nachos Copycat Recipe

These Italian Nachos are a delicious twist on the same ol' nachos at Johnny Carino's.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 653 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 Package wontons, found in the produce section, cut on the diagonal to form triangles
• ▢ 1 package ground pork, cook in a saute pan until browned
• ▢ 1 6- ounce package grilled chicken pieces, sometimes found in the salad section
• ▢ 1 jar Pepperochini peppers, I got mild
• ▢ Shaved Parmesan for garnish
• ▢ Optional: Diced Roma tomatoes, sliced black olives

For the Cheese Sauce:

• ▢ 4 tablespoons butter
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ▢ 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ▢ 2 1/2 cups half-and-half
• ▢ 2 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, or other good-quality Parmesan

Instructions

• In a heavy, medium saucepan melt the butter over low heat. Add the garlic and then the flour and stir to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the half-and-half little by little. Cook until thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat; add 2 cups of the grated Parmesan. Season with the salt, pepper and stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Cover and set aside.
• Heat a heavy saucepan or deep fryer to medium. Cook the wontons until light brown. This only takes a few seconds per side. Set aside on paper towels to drain.
• Pile the wontons on a large serving platter. Drizzle with warm cheese sauce. Add sausage, chicken and peppers. Top with shaved Parmesan.

Nutrition

Calories: 653kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 1232mg | Potassium: 391mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1403IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 915mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword copycat, nacho, nachos

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!