Fried Cheese-Stuffed Doritos are a fun and indulgent snack that combines the bold flavor of Doritos with the melty goodness of cheese. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game nights, or whenever you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. The crunchy Dorito shell is filled with creamy cheese and then deep-fried to golden perfection, creating a savory and satisfying snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Crispy and cheesy: The combination of crunchy Doritos and gooey cheese is simply irresistible.
- Simple ingredients: With just a few easy-to-find ingredients, you can create these indulgent snacks in no time.
- Perfect for parties: These bite-sized treats are great for sharing and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheese types or add extra seasonings for unique variations.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese: Softened to create a smooth and creamy filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty cheese flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For a gooey and stretchy texture.
- Garlic powder: For a savory flavor boost.
- Salt: To enhance the overall taste.
For the Dorito Coating:
- Doritos (nacho cheese flavor): Crushed into small pieces to coat the cheese filling.
- Flour: For dredging the cheese-stuffed Doritos before frying.
- Egg: Beaten, to help the Dorito crumbs stick to the stuffed cheese.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, ensuring a crispy and golden exterior.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Roll the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter, and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Coat the Cheese Balls with Doritos
- Place the Doritos in a plastic bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin or a food processor to crush the Doritos into fine crumbs.
- In a separate shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, beat the egg.
- Take each cheese ball and dip it into the flour, coating it lightly. Then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally roll it in the crushed Doritos, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Step 3: Fry the Cheese-Stuffed Doritos
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the coated cheese balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried cheese-stuffed Doritos from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Fried Cheese-Stuffed Doritos immediately while they’re hot and crispy. You can enjoy them as-is or serve with dipping sauces like ranch, salsa, or sour cream.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Servings: 4 (about 6-8 pieces per serving)
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 10g
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smokier flavor. Just ensure that the cheese is easy to melt.
Q2: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A2: Yes, you can bake these cheese-stuffed Doritos at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. While baking won’t achieve the same crispy texture as frying, it’s a healthier alternative.
Q3: How do I make sure the cheese doesn’t leak out while frying?
A3: Make sure to properly coat the cheese balls with flour, egg, and Doritos crumbs to create a secure seal. Frying them at the correct temperature (around 350°F) helps to ensure the cheese melts without leaking out.
Q4: Can I freeze these for later?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cheese-stuffed Doritos before frying. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to eat, fry them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the frying time.
Q5: Can I use a different type of chip instead of Doritos?
A5: While Doritos are the classic choice, you can try using any type of crispy tortilla chips or even potato chips for a different flavor profile.
Q6: Can I make these without using cream cheese?
A6: Yes, you can use ricotta cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a slightly different texture and taste.
Q7: How spicy are these cheese-stuffed Doritos?
A7: These are not particularly spicy unless you use a spicy version of Doritos or add hot sauce or chili powder to the cheese filling. Adjust the spice level to your taste.
Q8: Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe?
A8: Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure that all ingredients used, such as the Doritos and dipping sauces, are vegetarian-friendly.
Q9: How long do these last after frying?
A9: Fried cheese-stuffed Doritos are best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Q10: Can I make these with a different type of coating?
A10: Yes, you can coat them with breadcrumbs, panko, or even crushed crackers if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
Fried Cheese-Stuffed Doritos
These Fried Cheese-Stuffed Doritos are the ultimate snack or party appetizer. With gooey melted cheese sandwiched between crunchy Doritos and fried to crispy perfection, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed Doritos 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 bag large Doritos (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch)
- 8 oz block of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Doritos crumbs (from crushed chips)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Cut the block of cheese into small cubes, about 1 inch in size.
- Prepare the Breading: Crush a handful of Doritos in a food processor or by hand in a plastic bag until you get fine crumbs. Mix these with the panko breadcrumbs in a bowl. Set up your breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and the Doritos-panko mixture in a third.
- Assemble the Stuffed Doritos: Take two large Doritos and place a cheese cube between them like a sandwich. Press them together gently.
- Breading: Dip the stuffed Doritos into the flour, ensuring both chips are lightly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully covered. Finally, coat it in the Doritos-panko mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chips for a good coating.
- Fry the Doritos: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to about 350°F (180°C). Fry the stuffed Doritos in batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Be sure to flip them for even frying.
- Serve: Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, queso, or salsa.
Notes
- Make sure to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and to maintain the oil temperature.
- For an extra crunch, you can mix additional crushed Doritos into the panko breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed Doritos
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg