Fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos

When you want a seriously fun and craveable party snack Fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos are the ultimate crowd pleaser. Each bite is a gooey mozzarella stick wrapped in the bold flavor and crunch of Doritos then fried until crisp and golden. These come out of the fryer irresistible and always get requested at game days or family movie nights in my house.

When I first made these for a Friday night hang out they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now my teens beg me to make double batches for friends and every birthday celebration.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella sticks: Choose whole milk mozzarella for rich melt and best cheese pulls. Look for firm sticks that hold their shape
• Crushed Doritos: Nacho cheese is the classic but Cool Ranch or any favorite flavor works. Crush them by hand in a bag for chunkier bits
• All-purpose flour: Essential as the dry base to help coatings stick evenly
• Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue so coat each stick thoroughly for best breading
• Fine breadcrumbs: Mix them in for extra crunch and to help the Doritos coating adhere
• Vegetable oil: Select a neutral oil with a high smoke point. Fresh oil helps keep the flavor clean and light

Instructions

Bread the Ingredients:

Arrange crushed Doritos all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Beat the eggs in another bowl until smooth. Setting up everything assembly-line style makes dipping quicker and less messy.

Coat Each Cheese Stick:

Take a mozzarella stick and roll it first in flour tapping off excess. Dip into beaten egg letting any excess drip off. Finally roll thoroughly in crushed Doritos pressing so every side gets covered. For a thicker crunch dip again in egg and repeat in Doritos.

Chill Before Frying:

Set all breaded cheese sticks on a plate and place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the coating set and keeps the cheese from leaking out in the fryer.

Heat the Oil:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan until it reaches 190C or 375F. Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature which is key for perfect frying.

Fry in Batches:

Fry mozzarella sticks in small batches so the temperature stays stable and each stick crisps evenly. They need about one to two minutes per side until golden brown. Watch closely so they do not overcook.

Drain and Serve:

Lift out the fried sticks using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel lined plate. This step absorbs any excess oil. Serve piping hot with marinara ranch or your favorite dip.

Doritos as a coating add so much fun flavor you honestly cannot stop at one. Every time I make these my favorite moment is watching kids try to make the longest cheese pull for a laugh. They bring out the playful side at any gathering.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat use a toaster oven or air fryer if you have one the crispiness comes right back. I do not suggest microwaving as the crust softens and cheese can leak.

Ingredient Substitutions

String cheese or cheddar sticks both work well if mozzarella is not on hand though mozzarella gives the best melt. Any bold-flavored snack chip can sub for Doritos in a pinch. For egg allergies use a plant-based egg replacer or even a bit of buttermilk for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Plate with ramekins of marinara salsa or creamy ranch. Sometimes I add spicy buffalo sauce for heat lovers. These make a stellar appetizer alongside sliders or a main for a fun Friday family dinner.

Cultural and Historical Context

Cheese sticks became a pizza parlor favorite in the 1970s while fried cheese itself is rooted in European comfort food traditions. The Doritos twist is pure modern snack fusion and a guaranteed hit at any US-style gathering.

Seasonal Adaptations

Try Cool Ranch Doritos in summer for a lighter zest. Warm up fall game nights with spicy jalapeño cheese inside. Add chopped herbs or chili flakes for spring freshness.

Success Stories

A reader once told me these saved her nephew’s football party when the pizza delivery failed. Kids and grownups alike hover by the plate and nobody can resist reaching for more.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Freeze the breaded sticks on a baking sheet then bag once frozen solid. Fry from frozen adding one extra minute to the cook time until golden.

These cheese stuffed Doritos are impossible to resist and perfect for sharing at any gathering. Make a double batch and watch them disappear in minutes.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep the cheese from leaking out during frying?

Freezing the coated mozzarella sticks before frying helps firm up the coating and keeps the cheese inside during cooking.

→ What type of Doritos works best for coating?

Nacho cheese flavored Doritos work well, but any favorite variety can be used for a unique flavor twist.

→ How do you achieve an extra crunchy crust?

Double-dip the mozzarella sticks in the egg and Doritos mixture to build a thicker, crunchier layer.

→ What oil temperature ensures a crispy result?

Maintain oil at 375°F (190°C) for a crisp, non-greasy crust that cooks quickly without melting the cheese out.

→ What sauces pair well with these cheese sticks?

Marinara, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo are tasty dipping options for added flavor and contrast.