Description
When it comes to bold snacks that fuse comfort food classics with crave-worthy crunch, nothing competes with Fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos. This over-the-top creation blends gooey, melted cheese sealed inside crispy Doritos shells, deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, game nights, or anytime indulgence, this recipe delivers an irresistible burst of flavor and texture. Let us walk you through crafting this viral-worthy appetizer that’s guaranteed to capture attention, both at the table and online.
Ingredients
1 family-sized bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos
12 sticks of low-moisture mozzarella string cheese (or use cheese blocks, cut into ½-inch thick sticks)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons whole milk
2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Fresh chopped parsley
Crushed red pepper flakes
Ranch dressing or marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cheese Filling
Start by cutting the string cheese into halves if desired for smaller bites. Place them in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to prevent melting during frying.
2. Crush the Doritos for Breading
Empty the Doritos into a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. Transfer to a shallow dish or bowl.
3. Set Up the Dredging Station
Prepare three separate bowls:
One with all-purpose flour
One with beaten eggs and milk
One with a mixture of crushed Doritos, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika
4. Bread the Cheese Sticks
Working with one piece of cheese at a time:
Roll it in flour to coat.
Dip into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage.
Press firmly into the Dorito-panko mixture for a thick, even coating.
Double-dip into egg wash and coating for extra crunch and sealing.
5. Freeze Again Before Frying
Place the breaded cheese sticks on a tray and freeze for another 30 minutes. This critical step prevents cheese leakage while frying.
6. Deep Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the cheese-stuffed Doritos in small batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with pepper jack, cheddar, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour for extra heat.
- Air Fryer Option: For a lighter version, spray the coated cheese with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes.
- Freezing Tip: Cheese must be well-frozen before frying to avoid excessive melting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 pieces
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg