Italian Nachos - Johnny Carino's Style

We rarely go out for Italian food (it's so easy to make at home!) but if we do, I advocate for Johnny Carino's just so I can order their nachos. They are so good! I was thrilled to find a knock off recipe online and try it at home.

These were spot on - especially the delicious cheese sauce over top - and super easy! Great for a weeknight meal. Of course, feel free to omit any ingredients your family doesn't eat.

Italian Nachos - Johnny Carino's Style
1 package wontons, cut on the diagonal to form triangles (as many chips as you anticipate wanting)
1 package ground sweet Italian sausage, browned and cooked through
2 boneless/skinless chicken breasts, cooked and thinly sliced (throw them on the grill!)
1 jar Pepperochini peppers
2 roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup sliced olives
Jalapenos

For the Cheese Sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, or other good-quality Parmesan

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. *If the sauce becomes a bit thicker than you might like, simply add some milk or more half & half.

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.

Top wontons with sausage, chicken, tomatoes, olives, peppers, and drizzle with warm cheese sauce.

Slightly adapted from Just Get Off Your Butt And Bake