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Cheese lovers and snack enthusiasts alike will go wild for these extra crispy Fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos. Imagine molten mozzarella hugged in layers of spiced Doritos crunch that stay perfectly gooey on the inside and super crunchy outside. This easy snack gets rave reviews every time I serve it at game nights or movie marathons and they always disappear in seconds.
I tried this as a fun experiment with leftover Doritos from a picnic and it became an instant party hit. The double coating trick turns out reliably golden sticks every batch.
Ingredients
- Crushed Doritos: Choose your favorite flavor for a bold coating Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese bring classic snack shop vibes. Make sure the chips are crushed fine for even application.
- Mozzarella cheese sticks: Go for whole milk mozzarella for ultimate gooeyness. Check for sticks that are uniform in size so all fry evenly.
- Eggs: Beaten egg helps all layers stick and gives bounce in the crunch.
- All purpose flour: Creates the dry base for the cheese so the egg coats well. I look for flour that is fresh and lump free.
- Breadcrumbs: Give extra structure along with Doritos for a stable shell. Choose panko for even more crisp.
- Vegetable oil: Pick a neutral high heat oil like canola or peanut for best frying results.
Instructions
- Prepare the Dredging Stations:
- Set out three shallow dishes for the flour the crushed Doritos and the breadcrumbs. Crack eggs into a fourth bowl and beat well to ensure no stringy whites remain.
- Coat Each Cheese Stick:
- Roll one mozzarella stick gently in flour so the outer layer is completely covered and tap off any extra. Dunk in the beaten egg making sure the entire surface is wet. Next roll in the crushed Doritos pushing gently so every side picks up as many chips as possible. For even more crunch repeat the egg and Doritos coating for a double layer.
- Freeze to Set the Coating:
- Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a plate and place it in the freezer. Chill for at least thirty minutes as this firms up the coating and stops cheese from leaking during frying.
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a sturdy deep pan fill it at least two inches deep so sticks can float freely. Warm to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and use a thermometer for accuracy so the cheese fries perfectly instead of getting greasy.
- Fry Until Golden:
- Working in batches gently lower each stick into the hot oil and fry for one to two minutes per side. Watch closely for deep golden color and bubbly crust. Do not crowd the pan as this drops the temperature and makes them uneven.
- Drain and Serve:
- Use a slotted spoon to move finished sticks onto a plate lined with paper towels so any extra oil is wicked away. Plate up your hot fried cheese right away next to favorite dips like ranch marinara or spicy chipotle sauce.
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My favorite thing about making these is crushing Doritos by hand with the kids and seeing who gets the brightest orange fingers. These sticks became our birthday sleepover tradition and every year someone new asks for the recipe.
Storage Tips
Leftover sticks will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer so they get crunchy again without getting soggy. They also freeze well just let them cool completely first and store in an airtight bag. Bake straight from the freezer for spontaneous snacking any time.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap mozzarella with string cheese for convenience or pepper jack for a spicier twist. Any bold flavored chip works in place of Doritos just keep the coating layer thick. Gluten free flour and crumbs work as well so everyone can dig in.
Serving Suggestions
Pile these cheese sticks high as a game day appetizer or offer as a fun side with sliders and fries. They also make show stopping additions to grazing boards especially with a few dipping sauces on the side. Warm marinara and classic ranch are always winning combos.
Cultural Context
Fried cheese is a nostalgic treat in many places from Italian mozzarella sticks to street food around the world. This version captures American snack spirit by putting bold flavored chips front and center and celebrates playful kitchen mashups.
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There is nothing more satisfying than serving a plate of these on a busy Friday night and watching them disappear while everyone tries to guess what makes that coating so good.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other flavors of Doritos?
Yes, you can choose any Doritos flavor to suit your taste—spicy or classic flavors both work well.
- → What's the best type of cheese for this dish?
Mozzarella sticks give the signature stretch and creaminess, but cheddar or pepper jack also work.
- → Why chill the coated cheese before frying?
Freezing helps the coating set and keeps the cheese from melting out too fast while frying.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from leaking while frying?
Double dipping in egg and Doritos helps seal the cheese and prevent leaks during frying.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli are great choices to complement the cheesy, crunchy sticks.