Fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos are the perfect party snack! They are crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine biting into a crunchy Dorito to find warm, melted cheese inside!
Honestly, what’s better than cheese and chips? I love serving these with a spicy dip for an extra kick. They disappear fast, so make sure to grab a few for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Nacho Cheese Doritos: They give this recipe its distinctive flavor. If you’re looking for a twist, try using Cool Ranch Doritos instead—they offer a different but delicious taste!
Cheeses: I used mozzarella and cheddar for a perfect combo of creaminess and flavor. However, you can substitute with pepper jack for some heat or use plant-based cheese alternatives for a vegan option.
Eggs: Eggs help the coating stick to the Doritos. If you’re looking for a vegan option, a mixture of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) works well.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will work too. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs!
How Do You Ensure the Cheese Doesn’t Leak Out While Frying?
Preventing cheese leakage is key in this recipe. Here are my top tips:
- Make sure to chill the coated Dorito sandwiches in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before frying. This helps set the shape.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This keeps the temperature stable.
- Keep oil at the correct temperature (around 350°F). If it’s too cool, the cheese will melt out before the coating gets crispy.
With these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy, cheese-filled bites every time! Enjoy your cooking! 😋
How to Make Fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-size cubes
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, cut into bite-size cubes
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (plain or panko for crunch)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Marinara or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 15-20 minutes for chilling. Frying will take about 6-8 minutes depending on your fryer’s temperature. Altogether, you’re looking at about 50 minutes until you can enjoy your delicious snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Doritos:
Start by placing the Nacho Cheese Doritos in a large food processor or blender. Pulse them briefly until they form coarse crumbs—make sure they aren’t powdered! Spread these crumbs out evenly on a plate and set aside.
2. Prepare Coating Stations:
Next, set up your workspace. Pour the flour onto one plate, beat the eggs in a shallow bowl, and spread the Dorito crumbs on another plate. This makes coating the cheese-stuffed Doritos super easy!
3. Assemble the Cheese Triangles:
For each cheese sandwich, take two Dorito chips that are similar in size. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese and a cube of cheddar cheese between them. Press the edges gently so they stick together. Repeat this for all the cheese cubes until you have a nice batch!
4. Coat the Cheese Triangles:
Now it’s time to coat! Lightly dust each cheese-stuffed Dorito sandwich with flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs. Finally, coat it thoroughly in the crushed Dorito crumbs. For an extra delicious crunch, you can repeat the egg and crumbs step one more time.
5. Chill:
Place the coated cheese sandwiches on a baking sheet and pop them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Chilling helps the coating set, which prevents the cheese from oozing out when you fry them.
6. Heat Oil:
While the sandwiches are chilling, you can heat up your oil. In a deep frying pan or pot, pour about 2 inches of oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough so the Doritos fry quickly.
7. Drain:
Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the coated stuffed Doritos in batches for about 2-3 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the temperature stable. When done, use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain them on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil.
8. Serve:
To finish, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro if you like, and serve your Fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos immediately with a side of marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy these irresistible crispy, cheesy, and flavorful bites as a delicious snack or appetizer at your next gathering! 😋
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar create a nice balance, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for spice or gouda for a smokier flavor. Just ensure the cheese melts well!
What Can I Do if I Don’t Have a Food Processor?
No problem! Place the Doritos in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or your hands until you reach the desired crumb size. It’s a great way to relieve some stress too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated Dorito sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.