Stirring the Pot: Next-Level Nachos for the Big Game

Epic snack ideas inside

February 03, 2025

February 3, 2025

Hey everyone!

The big game is almost here, and while the action on the field is what we’re tuning in for, let’s talk about another competition—the battle for the best game day appetizer. Nachos are a staple, but this year, let’s shake things up with Italian-style nachos—unexpected, bold, and guaranteed to wow your guests.

I first created this recipe during a nacho showdown on an episode of The Kitchen. My good friend and co-host Jeff Mauro made a Greek version (delicious, by the way), so I knew I had to bring my A-game. As a nod to New York City, I swapped out traditional corn chips for crispy bagel chips as the base. Then, I layered on pepperoni, sausage, and sliced pepperoncini, and finished it off with tomato sauce, mozzarella, grated Pecorino, and fresh basil. The result was a pizza-inspired take on nachos that stole the show and took home the trophy.

Need another Game Day MVP? My signature Ugly Burgers are now available for you to make at home. Check out the information below and get the napkins ready!

Give these a try for the big game—I promise they won’t disappoint.

Italian-Style Nachos

INGREDIENTS

Serves 4 to 6

  • One 8 to 10-ounce bag bagel chips

  • 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage, meat removed from its casing, cooked and set aside

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 8 to 10 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced

  • 3 ounces pepperoni slices

  • Olive oil, for drizzling

  • One 12-ounce jar marinara sauce

  • 1/4 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced thin

  • 3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh Italian parsley

  • Fresh basil leaves, torn

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino

  • Kosher salt and cracked black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. On a half-sheet pan, spread the bagel chips so that they are in one even layer.

  3. Evenly distribute the sausage. Follow with the oregano, mozzarella and pepperoni, then drizzle with olive oil. Place in the oven until the cheese is fully melted, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and evenly distribute the sauce, using as much or as little as you like.

  4. Return to the oven until the cheese is starting to brown on top and the sauce is warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes more.

  5. Remove from the oven and top with the pepperoncini, parsley, basil and pecorino. Taste and season with salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

  • Set out all listed ingredients and equipment before you begin.

  • Serve when these are right out of the oven. They are best while the cheese is still hot and melty.

Equipment Used

  • Half sheet pan

  • Chef’s knife

  • Cutting board

More Game Day Recipes

Easy Cast Iron S’mores Dip

Classic Whiskey Sour

BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Ugly Burger At Home Kit

Get the Napkins Ready

When eating burgers, mess is best! My signature Ugly Burger is a real beauty, and it got its name from the New York Times’ restaurant critic, who called it “so delicious but so ugly by the last bite!” A Certified Angus Beef patty is tucked into a fresh-baked onion bun and topped with Gruyere cheese and pickled cucumber, onion, and jalapeño before being finished with a signature sweet & tangy burger sauce. My at-home burger kit comes complete with all the ingredients, including a side of crispy fries!

Test Drive

Litys Olive Oil & Sea Salt Potato Chips

We love quality potato chips in our house. This brand that we recently discovered uses olive oil instead of inflammatory counterparts like Canola or Vegetable oil. I like to dress these up with crème fraîche, caviar, and fresh chives—a snack that will certainly be gone seconds after you put them out!

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