If you adore gooey, melty cheese with a fiery kick and an irresistible crunch, Cheese Stuffed Doritos are about to become your new favorite snack! Imagine triangles of mozzarella, perfectly seasoned and wrapped in a bold Doritos crust, then fried to nacho-chip nirvana. These spicy, cheesy bites are party-perfect, utterly crave-worthy, and seriously fun to make (and eat!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Crunchy Crust: The iconic Doritos coating adds unbeatable crunch and spicy flavor in every bite.
- Cheese-Lover’s Dream: Warm, gooey mozzarella oozes out with every nibble—talk about comfort food at its best!
- Perfect Party Snack: These Cheese Stuffed Doritos are incredibly fun to share—watch them disappear from the plate in minutes!
- Totally Customizable: Whether you prefer mild or wild, you can tweak seasonings and Doritos flavors to suit everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, each one plays a starring role in delivering the ultimate cheesy crunch. The bold flavors and contrasting textures really make these Cheese Stuffed Doritos unforgettable—let’s check out what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Mozzarella block (14oz/400g): Low-moisture mozzarella holds its shape and melts beautifully, creating that dreamy cheese pull.
- Chilli Heatwave Doritos (180g bag): These fiery, crunchy chips are crushed to coat the cheese, ensuring every bite is loaded with zesty flavor and crunch.
- Vegetable or Sunflower Oil (for frying): Essential for getting that perfectly crisp exterior and gooey interior—deep frying delivers the magic.
- Flour (1/3 cup / 50g): Helps the coating stick to the cheese and keeps it from escaping while frying.
- Eggs (2, beaten): The sticky middleman between seasoned flour and Doritos, making sure you get maximum crunch.
- Smoked Paprika & Cayenne Pepper (1 tsp each): These bring warmth and a smoky-sweet kick to the seasoned coating.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Adds savory depth to every cheesy bite.
- Salt & Black Pepper (1/4 tsp each + more to serve): Balances the heat and rounds out all the flavors (sprinkle flaky sea salt at the end if you have it—trust me!).
Variations
One of my favorite things about Cheese Stuffed Doritos is how easy it is to riff on the recipe—switch up seasonings, swap the cheese, or even play with Doritos flavors to create your own signature snack. Don’t be afraid to go wild!
- Cheddar or Pepper Jack: Swap mozzarella for a block of cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor and a sharper cheese pull (just double dunk to keep it contained!).
- Cool Ranch or Cheesy Doritos: Try different Doritos flavors for a totally new twist. Cheesy or Cool Ranch Doritos are fantastic if you’re after something milder.
- Spice Mix Twist: Add cumin, chili powder, or even taco seasoning to the flour for an extra flavor boost and a Tex-Mex vibe.
- Bake or Air Fry: Lighten things up by baking or air-frying from frozen (but double dunk your Cheese Stuffed Doritos for best results!).
How to Make Cheese Stuffed Doritos
Step 1: Prep the Cheese
Start by slicing your mozzarella into squares about 1/3-inch thick—then slice each square diagonally to form perfect little triangles. This shape mimics classic Doritos, and you’ll end up with 24 ready-to-stuff pieces. Make sure you use low-moisture mozzarella so the cheese holds together when fried.
Step 2: Crush the Doritos
Now for the fun part! Tip your Doritos into a large zip-top bag and crush them until they resemble panko breadcrumbs. Either use a rolling pin, food processor, or even just your hands—just be careful not to split the bag. You want a mix of fine crumbs and little chunky bits for mega texture.
Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station
Line up three bowls: flour mixed with smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in the first; beaten eggs in the second; crushed Doritos in the third. This coating assembly line is the secret to those bold, multi-layered flavors on your Cheese Stuffed Doritos.
Step 4: Coat the Cheese
Working one triangle at a time, coat your cheese first in the seasoned flour, then dunk in the egg, and finally smother it in crushed Doritos. Really press the Doritos on—this is where all the signature crunch happens! Set each coated piece aside carefully and let them rest for 10-15 minutes so the crust gets nicely bonded to the cheese.
Step 5: Deep Fry to Perfection
Heat your oil in a deep pot to 350°F (180°C). Working in batches, fry the triangles for just 1–2 minutes—keep a close eye because they go from perfect to leaky in a flash! Drain on a wire rack with paper towels underneath, and don’t forget to sprinkle extra salt while they’re still hot for a drool-worthy finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Pour your golden-fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos onto a platter and serve them up hot. Get your favorite dips ready—these are as moreish as snacks get!
Pro Tips for Making Cheese Stuffed Doritos
- Cheese Choice Counts: Always opt for low-moisture mozzarella or a firm block-style cheese—soft mozzarella or fresh balls will melt too quickly and ooze out before the coating gets crisp.
- Get That Double Dunk: For an ultra-crunchy shell (and leak-proof gooey goodness), dip each cheese piece in egg and Doritos crumbs twice. It’s messier but totally worth it if you’re using a softer cheese.
- Rest Before Frying: Letting the coated Cheese Stuffed Doritos rest before frying helps the crust really stick—this step is key for minimizing cheese leaks.
- Fry in Small Batches: Only fry a few at a time to maintain oil temperature—too many in the pot can drop the heat and lead to soggy results instead of that signature shatter.
How to Serve Cheese Stuffed Doritos
Garnishes
Add an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt as soon as they come out of the fryer—this tiny touch seriously lifts the flavor. You can also try finely chopped fresh chives, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even some pickled jalapenos for dramatic flair and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Serve Cheese Stuffed Doritos with sour cream and chive dip, cool salsa, or marinara for dipping—these flavors balance the cheese and spice perfectly. They also pair fabulously with a crisp salad or a refreshing slaw if you want to round out the spread for a party table.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Cheese Stuffed Doritos high on a platter with colorful bowls of dipping sauces, or arrange them “nacho-style” in a baking dish topped with salsa and scallions, then pop them under the broiler for an epic cheese pull. Individual paper cones make them perfect for parties and game day snacking, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (good luck!), let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’ll lose a little of their ultra-crisp magic, but a quick reheat brings them right back to life.
Freezing
You can easily freeze Cheese Stuffed Doritos before frying—just lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry them straight from frozen (a little longer in the oil), and they’re just as delicious as fresh!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a hot oven or air fryer for 3–5 minutes—this brings back the crunch and keeps the cheese perfectly melty. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make the crust soggy instead of crispy!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese for Cheese Stuffed Doritos?
Absolutely! As long as you choose a low-moisture, firm cheese like cheddar or pepper jack, you’ll get great results. Just keep in mind that softer cheeses may melt more quickly, so consider double dunking or freezing the coated cheese before frying to prevent leaks.
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Can Cheese Stuffed Doritos be baked or air fried?
Yes! For a lighter version, bake or air fry the coated triangles from frozen at 400°F (200°C). They won’t be quite as golden and crispy as deep-fried, but freezing helps keep the cheese in place until the coating sets up.
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Why is my cheese leaking out during frying?
This usually means the oil isn’t hot enough or the crust isn’t thick enough. Keep your oil at 350°F (180°C) and try double dunking (dipping the cheese in egg and crumbs twice) to create a sturdier barrier that keeps all that glorious cheese inside.
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What dips go best with Cheese Stuffed Doritos?
Classic picks are sour cream and chive, salsa, or marinara, but ranch, garlic aioli, and even spicy chipotle mayo are addictive alongside that hot, cheesy crunch. Get creative—anything cool and tangy works beautifully to balance the spice!
Final Thoughts
If you’re after the ultimate cheesy snack that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, you need to try Cheese Stuffed Doritos. Gather your friends, whip up a batch, and savor every crunchy, gooey, spicy bite—trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first taste. Enjoy!
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Cheese Stuffed Doritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 Doritos 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Fry
- Cuisine: Snack
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheese Stuffed Doritos are a delicious and indulgent snack that combines gooey melted cheese with a crunchy Doritos coating. Perfect for parties or as a fun appetizer, these cheesy triangles are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Cheese Stuffed Doritos:
- 1x 14oz / 400g block of Mozzarella
- 1x 6.4oz / 180g bag of Chilli Heatwave Doritos
- 4 cups / 1 litre Vegetable or Sunflower Oil, or as needed to deep fry
- 1/3 cup / 50g Flour
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp EACH: Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp EACH: Salt, Black Pepper plus extra salt to serve (flaky sea salt best to serve if you have it)
Instructions
- Cut Cheese: Slice the cheese into squares around 1/3″ thick, then slice diagonally into triangles. You should get 24 triangles from a 14oz/400g block.
- Crush Doritos: Crush the Doritos to a texture similar to Panko breadcrumbs. You can do this in a food processor or just pound them in a zip-lock bag. If you’re doing this just make sure you do it over a bowl, as sometimes the bottom of the bag can pop open.
- Prep Coating: Line up 3 bowls – the first with flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and salt & black pepper, the second with 2 beaten eggs and the third with the crushed Doritos.
- Dredge Cheese: One by one coat the triangles in the seasoned flour, then in the egg, then in the crushed Doritos. Really make sure you thoroughly coat the cheese at each stage, especially in the Doritos. Carefully transfer to one side, ensuring you don’t knock off too much of the coating, then repeat. Allow to sit for 10-15mins, just to allow the coating to glue together with the cheese.
- Fry Cheese: Heat enough oil to comfortably cover the Doritos to around 180C/350F. In batches, fry the Doritos for 1-2mins or until the cheese starts to leak out (this happens quite quickly, so just be vigilant). Place on a wire rack with paper towels underneath and bring oil back up to temp between batches.
- Serve: Sprinkle with salt as they rest, then serve up and enjoy!
Notes
- a) What kind of cheese to use? – I find mozzarella works great here. You can pick up mozzarella cucina (the low-moisture cuboid shaped stuff) from Sainsbury’s and Waitrose I believe. You could also use a block of cheddar, however I’d consider double dunking (see below) as it leaks out much quicker than mozzarella. In all cases make sure it’s low-moisture cheese.
- b) Do they have to be triangular? – Nope! Mini mozzarella balls or even squares work just as well.
- c) Double Dunking – You can add the coated cheese back into the egg and into the crushed Doritos again to build up a thicker crust. This does leave the Doritos more crunchy and helps prevent the cheese leaking out, but it is more time consuming and a lot messier, hence why I just single dunk. If you are double dunking you’ll need an extra egg and another bag of Doritos.
- d) Can I bake or Air Fry these? – I have tested doing both, and they don’t come out quite as well because the cheese tends to melt before the coating gets crunchy. If you are opting to bake or air fry you’ll want to freeze the coated cheese for a few hours beforehand. And potentially consider double dunking, just to build up a thicker crust. I recommend 200C/400F for both air fryer and oven. Oven took around 5-6mins from frozen, the air fryer was around 3mins.
- e) Can I use different flavoured Doritos? – The seasoning here is best suited for spicy Doritos. You could use other flavours (cheesy or cool original) but the seasoning won’t quite match.
- f) Serving – These are awesome with a Dip! Sour Cream and Chive, Garlic and Herb, Salsa or Marinara Dip are my faves.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Dorito
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
