Cheese Stuffed Doritos

This crispy, melty, cheesy-on-the-inside Doritos snack will become your new party obsession. After making these for game days and weekend get-togethers, I've yet to find anyone who can resist these indulgent triangles of joy that combine two comfort food favorites into one irresistible bite.

I first made these for a last-minute Super Bowl party when I needed something impressive without a grocery store run. Now my friends request them for every gathering, and I've perfected the technique over dozens of batches.

• Low moisture mozzarella block: Creates the perfect melty center that holds its shape
• Chilli Heatwave Doritos: Provide that distinctive spicy coating and crunch. Look for fresh bags with minimal broken chips
• All purpose flour: Helps the egg adhere and forms a protective barrier
• Eggs: Create the binding layer that makes the Doritos stick properly
• Vegetable oil: With high smoke point ensures proper frying temperature
• Smoked paprika: Amplifies the Doritos flavor with earthy complexity
• Cayenne pepper: Adds an extra kick of heat. Adjust to your preference
• Garlic powder: Contributes savory depth to complement the cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheese:

Cut your low-moisture mozzarella into triangles about 1/3-inch thick. The key is uniformity so they cook evenly. Cold cheese is easier to cut precisely, so work quickly once removed from the refrigerator. The triangular shape mimics traditional Doritos for a fun presentation that also helps prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.

Create Your Dredging Station:

Crush your Doritos to a texture similar to panko breadcrumbs. Too fine and you lose the texture, too coarse and they won't adhere properly. I find a food processor with pulse function gives the most consistent results. Set up three wide, shallow bowls assembly-line style. First bowl contains flour mixed with all seasonings, second bowl has beaten eggs, and third bowl holds your crushed Doritos. This organization makes the coating process much faster and less messy.

Master the Coating Technique:

Take each cheese triangle and thoroughly coat in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip into beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage. Finally, press firmly into crushed Doritos, turning to coat all sides. The pressure helps the coating stick. Place on a wire rack and repeat with remaining cheese. Allow the coated triangles to rest for 10-15 minutes which helps the coating set and prevents it from falling off during frying.

Perfect the Frying Process:

Heat oil to exactly 350°F in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet. Too hot and the coating burns before cheese melts, too cool and the cheese leaks before coating crisps. Work in small batches of 3-4 pieces, carefully placing triangles into hot oil. Fry for about 60-90 seconds until golden brown but before cheese starts escaping. Remove with slotted spoon to wire rack and immediately sprinkle with salt while hot. Let cool slightly before serving for maximum flavor and to prevent burned mouths.

The moment these hit the serving platter at parties, they disappear instantly. Something about the combination of spicy Doritos coating and melty cheese interior creates an irresistible contrast that keeps everyone reaching for more.

Temperature Management

Getting the oil temperature exactly right is crucial for these cheese-stuffed treats. I use a digital thermometer to maintain 350°F throughout cooking. When frying in batches, allow the oil to return to temperature between additions. If the oil is too cool, cheese leaks out before coating crisps. Too hot, and the coating burns while the cheese remains solid. This precise temperature control ensures that perfect golden exterior with molten cheese inside that makes these so addictive.

Make-Ahead Options

Prepare these convenient party appetizers up to the coating stage, then freeze solid on baking sheets. Once frozen, transfer to airtight containers and store for up to one month. This method not only saves time when entertaining but actually improves results. The frozen cheese takes longer to melt during frying, allowing the coating to crisp perfectly without leakage. Fry directly from frozen, adding about 30 seconds to the cooking time. This is my secret for stress-free entertaining.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While deep frying delivers the most authentic results, these cheese-stuffed Doritos can be adapted for healthier cooking methods. For air frying, freeze the coated cheese triangles completely, then cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes. They wont be quite as golden and might leak slightly, but still delicious. For baking, place frozen triangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook at 425°F for 6-8 minutes. The texture differs slightly from fried versions but satisfies the same craving with less oil.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with different Doritos flavors to create unique versions of this snack. Cool Ranch works beautifully with a pinch of dried dill in the flour mixture. Nacho Cheese pairs perfectly with sharp cheddar instead of mozzarella. For extra spice lovers, Flamin Hot creates an intensely spicy version that pairs wonderfully with cooling ranch dip. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize based on preferences or theme your snacks to match party colors or flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which cheese works best here?

Low-moisture mozzarella is the top choice! Cheddar is fine too, but you’ll need to coat it twice.

→ Can these be baked instead of fried?

Yep! Just freeze them covered first, then bake at 400°F for about 5-6 minutes.

→ Can I mix up Doritos flavors?

Sure can! Spicier flavors really pair well with the seasonings used.

→ How do I stop cheese from leaking out?

Make sure each piece is coated well and let them chill for about 10-15 minutes before frying.

→ What dips go best with these?

Try sour cream and chive, salsa, garlic herb, or marinara for great pairings.