Crispy Doritos Cheese Sticks

This crispy Fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos recipe transforms ordinary mozzarella sticks into an extraordinary snack that will make your taste buds dance. The combination of gooey melted cheese and crunchy Doritos coating creates an irresistible texture contrast that elevates movie night or game day gatherings.

I first made these during a Super Bowl party last year, and they disappeared faster than any other appetizer. Now my friends specifically request these whenever we get together for any occasion that calls for finger foods.

• Mozzarella sticks perfect for that classic stretchy cheese pull when hot
• Crushed Doritos providing that distinctive flavor punch beyond regular breadcrumbs
• All purpose flour helps the egg mixture adhere to the cheese
• Beaten eggs create the binding layer for your coating
• Fine breadcrumbs work with the Doritos to create the perfect crispy exterior
• Vegetable oil for frying maintains a neutral flavor while achieving the perfect golden crunch

How To Make Fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos

Preparation

Set up your breading station with separate dishes for flour, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, and crushed Doritos. Arrange them in this order to create an efficient assembly line for coating your cheese sticks.

Coating Process

Roll each mozzarella stick thoroughly in flour first, making sure to tap off any excess. This dry layer is crucial as it helps the egg adhere properly. Next, dip into the beaten eggs ensuring complete coverage. Finally, press firmly into the Doritos crumbs, rotating to coat all sides evenly.

Double Coating

For maximum crunch factor, after the initial coating, dip the sticks back into the egg mixture and then into the Doritos again. This double coating technique creates an extra thick crunchy shell that helps prevent cheese leakage during frying.

Freezing Stage

Place your coated cheese sticks on a parchment lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes but ideally an hour. This crucial step solidifies both the cheese and coating, preventing premature melting during the frying process.

Oil Heating

Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or fryer to a depth of at least 2 inches. Heat to exactly 375°F, using a thermometer for accuracy. The precise temperature ensures your coating crisps quickly without allowing the cheese to leak out.

Frying Technique

Gently lower 2 3 cheese sticks into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to crowd the pot which would lower the oil temperature. Fry for 60 90 seconds until the exterior turns golden brown with a satisfying crunch.

Draining

Remove the fried sticks using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels. Let them rest for about 30 seconds before serving to allow excess oil to drain while maintaining that perfect temperature for eating.

The crushed Doritos are truly the star ingredient here. I discovered this recipe after accidentally dropping a mozzarella stick into a bag of chips during a late night cooking session. What started as a happy accident has become my most requested party recipe, proving sometimes kitchen mistakes lead to the best discoveries.

Make Ahead Options

These cheese sticks can be prepared completely through the coating stage and frozen for up to one month before cooking. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, fry directly from frozen without thawing, just add an extra 30 seconds to the cooking time. This makes them perfect for preparing before a party so you can enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Flavor Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different Doritos flavors. Nacho Cheese provides the classic experience, but Cool Ranch adds a tangy herb profile that pairs beautifully with the mozzarella. For heat lovers, try Spicy Sweet Chili or Flamin' Hot for an extra kick. You can even mix different flavors together for a custom blend. I've found that combining Nacho Cheese with a handful of Cool Ranch creates a balanced flavor profile that appeals to everyone.

Dipping Sauce Suggestions

While these Doritos crusted cheese sticks are delicious on their own, pairing them with the right dipping sauce elevates them to new heights. Marinara sauce offers a classic pairing that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Ranch dressing complements the flavors especially well if you used Cool Ranch Doritos. For something different, try a chipotle mayo or even a honey sriracha sauce for a sweet heat combination. My family's favorite is actually a simple mixture of sour cream with a few dashes of hot sauce stirred in, creating a cooling effect with just a hint of spice.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes! While mozzarella sticks are ideal for their melting properties and stretch, you can experiment with cheddar cheese sticks, pepper jack for extra spice, or halloumi for a firmer texture that won't melt as quickly. Just be sure to adjust frying times accordingly based on the cheese type.

→ Why do I need to freeze the breaded cheese sticks before frying?

Freezing is crucial as it firms up both the cheese and coating, preventing the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking through the crust during frying. For best results, freeze for at least 30 minutes, though you can prepare them a day ahead and keep frozen until ready to cook.

→ What Doritos flavors work best for the coating?

Nacho Cheese Doritos are the classic choice for their bold flavor, but Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili, or Flamin' Hot varieties can create exciting flavor variations. Choose based on your preference or complement your dipping sauces. You can even mix different Doritos flavors for a unique taste profile.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these cheese sticks?

These cheese-stuffed Doritos pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or a spicy sriracha mayo. For a unique twist, try a honey-sriracha drizzle or chipotle aioli to complement the nacho cheese flavor of the Doritos coating.

→ Can these be made in an air fryer instead of deep-frying?

Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and spray the breaded cheese sticks with cooking oil. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. The air fryer version will be slightly less crispy than deep-fried but still delicious and uses significantly less oil.

→ How finely should I crush the Doritos for the coating?

Aim for a medium-fine texture—not powdered but not too chunky either. Pieces should be small enough to adhere well to the cheese sticks but large enough to provide texture and crunch. A food processor with pulse function works well, or place chips in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for more control.