Crispy Cheese Doritos

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

Late-night munchies solved with these crunchy Doritos cheese bites! Super straightforward to make. Freeze mozzarella first—it keeps things clean while frying. Took 30-ish minutes and tasted like something you'd order at a restaurant. Everyone on game night was hooked! Pro tip: Nacho cheese chips rock, but ranch is fire too.
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Updated on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:28:53 GMT
Crispy, golden triangles stuffed with melted mozzarella, served with a dip on the side. Pin it
Crispy, golden triangles stuffed with melted mozzarella, served with a dip on the side. | tasteofmoms.com

I threw these Cheese Stuffed Doritos together when I couldn't pick between stretchy mozzarella and crunchy chips during a midnight snack attack. Turns out, wrapping gooey cheese in crushed Doritos creates an amazing munchie. They've become the top-requested starter at my gatherings - that perfect mix of bold flavor and stretchy cheese goodness makes them irresistible.

What Makes These Extra Awesome

These Cheese Stuffed Doritos take everything wonderful about cheese sticks but kick things up a notch. The spicy Doritos outer layer wraps around melty cheese to make something truly special. They're super simple to whip up but always vanish in seconds when I bring them out. And you can switch up the Doritos flavors whenever you want for something completely different each time.

Your Ingredients List

  • Good Oil: This gets your snacks nice and crispy all over.
  • Fresh Eggs: They help everything stick together properly.
  • Seasoned Flour: We add extra taste from the very beginning.
  • Your Doritos Base: Chilli Heatwave works great, but try whatever flavor you love.
  • The Star Cheese: Grab low-moisture mozzarella and cut it into triangles.
A close-up of golden, triangular fried pastries filled with cheese and cream, served on a wooden surface. Pin it
A close-up of golden, triangular fried pastries filled with cheese and cream, served on a wooden surface. | tasteofmoms.com

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

The Final Sizzle
There's something magical about watching these hit hot oil. The outside gets golden and crunchy while your cheese inside turns wonderfully melty.
Chilling Time
Don't skip the quick refrigerator rest. It's the secret to making sure everything stays together when cooking.
The Coating Process
Each cheese piece needs three layers: first flour, then egg, finally that amazing Doritos covering. It's fun watching them transform as you go.
Creating Our Coating
We'll mix spices into our flour for extra flavor. This builds the foundation for all the tasty goodness to come.
Getting Our Cheese Ready
Cut your mozzarella into just-right pieces. Not too big or they won't heat through, not too small or you'll miss that awesome cheese stretch.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Don't feel like dealing with hot oil? These Cheese Stuffed Doritos turn out great in your oven or air fryer too. Just make sure you freeze them first so your cheese stays put during cooking. You'll get the same tasty result with a bit less cleanup afterward.

A close-up of golden-brown, crispy triangular pastries filled with cheese, arranged on a wooden platter. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown, crispy triangular pastries filled with cheese, arranged on a wooden platter. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep them in advance?

They’re best fresh, but you can absolutely coat them and freeze ahead of time. Freezing helps keep the cheese inside while frying.

→ Why does my cheese keep leaking?

If the oil isn’t hot enough, or the coating’s too thin, cheese can leak out. Keep oil at 350°F and maybe layer up the coating for a better seal.

→ Which cheese melts best?

Low-moisture mozzarella’s your best bet. It gives you that perfect oozy middle without falling apart while frying.

→ Can I change the Doritos flavor?

Sure thing! Just tweak the seasoning to match your chip flavor. Spicy Doritos pair perfectly, but even cheesy or plain ones can work with the right mix.

→ Why didn’t the crust stick?

Press those crumbs down well to make them stick better and allow the coated cheese to sit before frying. That extra step helps the coating stay on.

Crispy Cheese Doritos

Golden mozzarella-filled bites with a bold Doritos crust. Crunchy on the outside, soft and gooey inside, perfect for gatherings or snack cravings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 mozzarella bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 packet of Chili Heatwave Doritos (6.4 oz).
02 1 chilled block of mozzarella cheese (14 oz).
03 4 cups of frying oil.
04 1/3 cup plain flour.
05 2 eggs, large.
06 1 teaspoon of cayenne.
07 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
08 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
09 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
10 1/4 teaspoon salt, and extra for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Cut the cold mozzarella into 24 triangular pieces around 1/3 inch thick.

Step 02

Use a plastic bag or food processor to turn the Doritos into fine crumbs.

Step 03

In a shallow plate, mix the flour with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Step 04

Set out three containers: one for seasoned flour, one for eggs, and one for crushed Doritos.

Step 05

Coat each triangle by dipping it into the flour, then egg, and finally the Doritos crumbs. Press gently.

Step 06

Put the coated cheese on a tray and let it sit for 15 minutes so the coating stays on better.

Step 07

Get your oil to 350°F in a skillet or deep pot.

Step 08

Fry the cheese in small amounts for 1-2 minutes, until the coating is golden but cheese stays inside.

Step 09

Put fried pieces on a wire rack and sprinkle with a little extra salt while they're still warm.

Notes

  1. Using low-moisture mozzarella keeps it from melting too quickly.
  2. You can freeze the breaded cheese before frying to make the coating even better.
  3. Goes great with sauces like marinara, sour cream, or salsa.

Tools You'll Need

  • A skillet or deep pot.
  • A food processor.
  • Wire racks.
  • Thermometer for cooking.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.
  • Milk.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 117
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein: 5 g