Fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos Recipe

Have you ever been hit with a craving for something cheesy, crunchy, and just a little bit over the top? Well, you’re in for a treat! These fried cheese stuffed Doritos are everything you didn’t know you needed. Imagine gooey, melted cheddar wrapped in a crispy, flavorful Dorito shell, with each bite bringing that perfect contrast between crunchy and melty. This snack is pure fun and indulgence – and let’s face it, who can resist Doritos and cheese together? Whether you’re hosting a game night or just in the mood for something truly indulgent, this recipe hits all the right notes.

this RECIPE

A little backstory (or how I discovered this gem) 🧀

I first stumbled upon the idea of using Doritos as a crust when I was rummaging through my pantry, desperate for some kind of snack but too lazy to run to the store. I had cheese, I had eggs, and there, staring back at me from the top shelf, was a half-eaten bag of Doritos. It felt like the universe was telling me something – and I listened! That first experiment was a little rough around the edges, but with some tweaks (and a LOT more crunch), I finally perfected this recipe. It’s been a hit at every get-together since, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Doritos & deep frying: A match made in snack heaven

The concept of frying things with a crunchy coating isn’t new, but using Doritos takes it to another level. The chips themselves were first launched in 1966, but it wasn’t until the ‘70s that they really blew up with their nacho cheese flavor. Since then, Doritos have become a cult favorite, adding bold flavor to everything from tacos to casseroles. And now, as a crispy coating for fried cheese? Game-changer.

Let’s talk ingredients: cheese, chips, and easy swaps

• Crushed Doritos: The Doritos provide the bold, zesty crunch we all love. You can use any flavor you like—nacho cheese and cool ranch are classics, but spicy sweet chili or even flaming hot work if you want to turn up the heat. Pro tip: Crush them finely for better coating. If you’re out of Doritos, tortilla chips with a bit of chili powder or seasoning can work as a substitute.
• Cheddar cheese: I love using cheddar here because it melts beautifully and has a sharp, rich flavor that stands out against the Dorito crust. However, feel free to swap it with mozzarella for a gooey stretch, or pepper jack for a little kick. Just make sure you cube the cheese evenly for consistent frying.
• Flour: The flour helps the eggs and Doritos stick to the cheese cubes. If you’re gluten-free, a good all-purpose gluten-free flour works just as well.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue that holds the coating together. For a vegan alternative, you could use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or even a plant-based egg replacer.

Essential kitchen tools to make your life easier

You won’t need anything fancy to whip these up, but a few kitchen tools can help things go smoothly:

• Three mixing bowls: One for the flour, one for the eggs, and one for the crushed Doritos. I recommend wide, shallow bowls so it’s easier to coat the cheese.
• Slotted spoon or tongs: You’ll need something to help you carefully lower the cheese bites into the oil and fish them out once they’re golden and crispy. Tongs work great if you’re making a small batch.
• A frying thermometer (optional): Keeping your oil at the right temperature (about 350°F) ensures even cooking and prevents a greasy snack. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small breadcrumb. If it sizzles right away, you’re good to go.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

1. Prep your coating stations – Set up your assembly line with three bowls: one for flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the crushed Doritos. Trust me, having everything ready to go makes the process smoother.
2. Coat the cheese – Take each cube of cheddar and roll it in the flour until it’s well-covered. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in the crushed Doritos, pressing the chips into the cheese gently so they stick. For an extra crunch, repeat the egg and Dorito coating process.
3. Heat the oil – In a frying pan, heat your oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough that the cheese bites sizzle as soon as they hit the pan, but not so hot that they burn instantly. About 350°F is ideal.
4. Fry them up – Carefully place the cheese bites in the hot oil, using tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid splashing. Fry each side until golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes in total. Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if necessary.
5. Drain and serve – Once they’re fried to perfection, remove the bites with your slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Serve immediately for the best gooey, crunchy experience!

Recipe variations: Get creative with your flavor combos

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations I’ve tried (and loved):

• Gluten-free version: Swap the flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free chips like Siete Grain-Free Tortilla Chips or gluten-free Doritos.
• Spicy kick: Use spicy Doritos or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your egg mixture to give your bites an extra layer of heat. I’ve tried this with jalapeño cheddar cheese, and it’s a total win for spice lovers!
• Mozzarella sticks twist: Use mozzarella cheese cubes instead of cheddar for a classic mozzarella stick vibe with a Dorito crunch. I love this version dipped in sauce.
• Vegan option: Use a vegan cheese like Daiya or Follow Your Heart, and replace the egg with a flax egg or plant-based egg wash. Double-coat the cheese for an extra crunchy exterior.
• Seasonal flavors: Try using limited-edition Dorito flavors like “Blaze” or “Buffalo Ranch” if you’re looking to add a seasonal twist.

How to serve these crunchy, cheesy bites

If you’re serving these up for a party or game day, I recommend piling them high on a platter with a selection of dipping sauces on the side. Ranch dressing, salsa, guacamole, or even a spicy sriracha mayo all pair perfectly. Garnish the plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. You can even stick a few toothpicks in them for easy snacking!

Suggested beverages to pair with your snack

To complement these fried bites, you’ll want something cool and refreshing to balance out the richness. Here are a few ideas:

• Lemonade: The zesty tang of a cold lemonade is a great match for the cheesy, crunchy bites. You could even make a spicy jalapeño lemonade if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Iced tea: Whether sweet or unsweetened, a tall glass of iced tea with a splash of lemon is another great pairing. It’s light, crisp, and refreshing—perfect to cut through the richness of the cheese and chips.
• Sparkling water with lime: If you’re looking for something simple, a cold sparkling water with a squeeze of lime will do the trick. The bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites.

Storage and reheating tips

If you somehow end up with leftovers (though I wouldn’t count on it), these bites store pretty well. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. They won’t be as perfectly crispy as fresh, but the flavor still holds up! Avoid microwaving, as the coating tends to get soggy.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

Whether you’re making these for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is super easy to scale. The key is maintaining the same flour, egg, and Dorito ratio for your coating. If you’re making a bigger batch, just prepare extra bowls of your coating ingredients so you don’t run out halfway through.

Wrapping it up

These fried cheese stuffed Doritos are a seriously fun and delicious snack that will have everyone coming back for more. Don’t be afraid to tweak the flavors to suit your taste buds—and let me know how they turn out! Whether you’re making these for a casual get-together or just because (no judgment!), they’re bound to be a hit.

FAQs

1. Can I make these in an air fryer?
   Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
2. What other cheeses can I use?
   Mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda all work great here!
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
   Try using spicy Doritos, add cayenne pepper to the egg mixture, or use a spicy cheese like jalapeño cheddar.
4. Can I bake these instead of frying?
   Sure! Bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, but they won’t be as crispy as the fried version.
5. What dipping sauces pair well with this?
   Ranch, salsa, guacamole, or a spicy mayo all complement these bites perfectly.

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