Introduction

Fried cheese-stuffed Doritos are an innovative and indulgent snack that takes the classic chip to a whole new level. This recipe combines the crispy, crunchy texture of Doritos with a warm, gooey cheese filling, creating a perfect fusion of flavors and textures. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or late-night treat, these cheesy Doritos are sure to satisfy your cravings. By adding fried cheese inside Doritos, you’re elevating a beloved snack into a more decadent, savory dish that combines comfort food with a touch of excitement.

The History of Fried Cheese-Stuffed Doritos

The origins of fried cheese-stuffed snacks can be traced back to traditional cheese-filled deep-fried appetizers, often seen in cuisines across the world. The idea of combining cheese with chips likely emerged as people sought to innovate and experiment with new ways to enjoy popular snack foods. Doritos, a well-known brand of tortilla chips, have long been a favorite snack due to their unique flavor and crunch. Over the years, people have started experimenting with different fillings and ways to prepare them. The concept of fried cheese-stuffed Doritos is a modern twist that blends two favorite comfort foods: Doritos and fried cheese, making for a more indulgent and fun snack option. Today, variations of these stuffed chips are often made at home, with people adjusting the ingredients to suit their tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make fried cheese-stuffed Doritos, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that can easily be found in most kitchens or grocery stores. The base of the recipe is, of course, Doritos – the classic nacho cheese flavor works best, but you can experiment with other varieties like Cool Ranch or spicy flavors for a different twist. The cheese is the heart of this recipe, and any cheese that melts well is perfect for the stuffing, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of both. For the coating, you’ll need flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, along with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to add flavor to the crust. For frying, vegetable oil works best as it has a high smoking point and gives a nice crisp texture without overpowering the flavor of the Doritos. You can also include a touch of salt and pepper for seasoning the cheese filling before frying.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Begin by preparing your cheese. Cut the mozzarella or your cheese of choice into small cubes that can easily fit inside a Dorito. You’ll need enough cheese to fill each chip, so plan accordingly.
Next, carefully stuff the Doritos with the cheese cubes. Gently open the chip, being cautious not to break it, and place a piece of cheese inside. Press the edges of the chip back together so the cheese is securely sealed inside.
Set up a breading station. In one bowl, whisk together eggs and a tablespoon of water. In another bowl, add flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the third bowl, pour breadcrumbs and add any additional seasonings you like (e.g., garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder).
Dredge each stuffed Dorito first in the flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. Repeat until all your Doritos are coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the stuffed Doritos in batches, cooking them for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fried Doritos from the oil and drain on a paper towel. Serve them immediately while they’re still hot and crispy, optionally with dipping sauces like ranch, salsa, or guacamole.

Tips for the Perfect Fried Cheese-Stuffed Doritos

To achieve the best fried cheese-stuffed Doritos, there are a few tips to follow. First, make sure you don’t overstuff the Doritos. If the cheese is too large or the chip is too full, it may burst open while frying. Second, be careful with the oil temperature. Too hot, and the outside may burn before the cheese inside melts. Too low, and the Doritos will become greasy rather than crispy. If you want a lighter version, you can bake the stuffed Doritos instead of frying them – just be sure to spray them with oil and bake at a high temperature until they’re golden and crispy. Finally, experiment with the cheese filling. Try mixing mozzarella with a sharp cheddar or adding a little cream cheese for a creamier filling.

Variations and Customizations

While the basic fried cheese-stuffed Doritos recipe is already delicious, you can easily customize it to fit your preferences. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese mixture. If you enjoy a smoky flavor, smoked cheddar or a bit of chipotle seasoning in the breading can elevate the taste. For a twist on traditional cheese fillings, consider adding other ingredients like bacon bits, ground sausage, or caramelized onions. For a more decadent version, you can use a cheese blend that melts particularly well, such as a combination of provolone, gouda, or fontina. Additionally, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the snack or swap out Doritos for other types of chips, like tortilla chips or even pita chips, for a different crunch.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While fried cheese-stuffed Doritos are undoubtedly delicious, they are not the healthiest option, particularly when enjoyed in large quantities. They are high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, mainly due to the deep frying and the cheese filling. If you’re looking to make a healthier version of this snack, consider baking the stuffed chips instead of frying them and using reduced-fat cheese or plant-based cheese alternatives. You could also try using whole wheat breadcrumbs to increase the fiber content or even opt for a low-sodium version of Doritos. Moderation is key when indulging in these types of snacks to maintain a balanced diet. It’s also worth noting that fried snacks like this are best enjoyed on special occasions, rather than as part of a regular eating routine.

FAQ

Can I make these cheese-stuffed Doritos in advance? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed Doritos and coat them in breadcrumbs ahead of time, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat them, just fry or bake them as usual.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Mozzarella is commonly used because of its melting quality, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda.
How can I make the Doritos less greasy? You can bake the stuffed Doritos instead of frying them to make them a little lighter. Just make sure to spray them with cooking oil before baking.
Can I use a different kind of chip? Yes, you can use different chips, such as tortilla chips or even pita chips, for a unique twist on the recipe.
Are these gluten-free? The standard recipe is not gluten-free due to the breadcrumbs. However, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make a gluten-free version of the dish.

fried cheese stuffed doritos

Fried cheese-stuffed Doritos are a fun and indulgent snack that combines the crispy texture of Doritos with melted cheese for a delicious treat. With endless variations and customizations, this recipe offers a perfect way to elevate a classic snack into a more exciting and flavorful dish.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings 24

Ingredients

Ingredients:

1 block 14oz / 400g of Mozzarella (see notes)
1 bag 6.4oz / 180g of Chilli Heatwave Doritos
4 cups 1 litre Vegetable or Sunflower Oil (or enough to deep fry)

For the coating:

1/3 cup 50g Flour
2 Eggs beaten
1 tsp each of Smoked Paprika and Cayenne Pepper
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp each of Salt and Black Pepper
Extra flaky sea salt for serving recommended

Instructions

Cut the Cheese: Slice the mozzarella into squares about 1/3″ thick, then cut each square diagonally into triangles. From a 14oz (400g) block, you should get around 24 triangles.
Crush the Doritos: Crush the Doritos into a texture resembling Panko breadcrumbs. You can do this by using a food processor, or by placing the chips in a zip-lock bag and pounding them. Alternatively, just scrunch them up by hand in the bag, but be sure to do it over a bowl in case the bag pops open.
Prepare the Coating: Set up three bowls: the first with flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; the second with the beaten eggs; and the third with the crushed Doritos.
Dredge the Cheese: Take each cheese triangle and coat it first in the seasoned flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the crushed Doritos. Be sure to press the Doritos coating on well, especially to ensure it’s fully covered. Place the coated cheese triangles aside, making sure not to knock off too much of the coating. Repeat the process with all triangles and let them rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the coating to adhere properly.
Fry the Cheese: Heat enough oil to cover the Doritos to around 180°C (350°F). In small batches, fry the coated Doritos for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese starts to ooze out (this happens quickly, so watch closely). Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a wire rack with paper towels underneath. Bring the oil back up to temperature between batches.
Serve: Once fried, sprinkle the Doritos with salt while they rest. Serve them hot and enjoy!

Notes

a) What type of cheese should I use? – Mozzarella works best here, especially the low-moisture variety like mozzarella cucina (cuboid-shaped) available at Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. You could also try a block of cheddar, but be aware that cheddar tends to leak more quickly than mozzarella, so I recommend double dunking (see below). Always use low-moisture cheese for the best results.

b) Do they need to be triangular? – Not at all! You can use mini mozzarella balls or even squares – they work just as well.

c) What is Double Dunking? – Double dunking involves dipping the coated cheese back into the egg and then back into the crushed Doritos to create a thicker crust. This method makes the Doritos crunchier and helps prevent the cheese from leaking out, but it’s more time-consuming and messier, which is why I usually stick to single dunking. If you choose to double dunk, you’ll need an extra egg and another bag of Doritos.

d) Can I bake or air fry these? – I’ve tested both methods, and they don’t turn out quite as well because the cheese tends to melt before the coating becomes crispy. If you decide to bake or air fry, it’s best to freeze the coated cheese for a few hours beforehand. You might also want to double dunk to ensure a thicker crust. For both methods, set the temperature to 200°C (400°F). In the oven, it took about 5-6 minutes from frozen, while the air fryer took around 3 minutes.

e) Can I use different flavored Doritos? – The seasoning works best with spicy Doritos. You can use other flavors like cheesy or cool original, but the seasoning won’t match quite as well.

f) Serving Suggestions – These are fantastic with a dip! Some of my favorites are Sour Cream and Chive, Garlic and Herb, Salsa, or Marinara.

g) Calories – Each Dorito is estimated to soak up about 1/2 tsp of oil, which is a slight overestimate since not all the flour and egg gets used up.

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