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This gooey, crunchy Doritos-crusted mozzarella stick recipe transforms ordinary cheese into an extraordinary snack that disappears from platters within minutes at every gathering. The combination of melty cheese inside and crispy, flavor-packed Doritos coating outside creates an irresistible texture contrast that keeps everyone reaching for more.
I first created these for my nephew's birthday party when I needed something that would impress teenagers without requiring hours in the kitchen. Three years later, they're still requested at every family gathering, and I've perfected the technique for that perfect cheese pull.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella sticks: The foundation of this recipe provides that perfect stretchy cheese pull when fried properly
- Crushed Doritos: Choose your favorite flavor to customize the taste profile. Nacho Cheese works beautifully, but Cool Ranch adds an interesting twist
- All-purpose flour: Helps the egg wash adhere to the cheese and creates the first layer of your coating
- Eggs: Act as the essential binding agent that helps everything stick together
- Fine breadcrumbs: Work with the Doritos to create the perfect crispy exterior
- Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point make it ideal for deep frying these cheese sticks
How To Make Fried Cheese Stuffed Doritos
- Prepare Your Coating Stations:
- Arrange your coating ingredients in separate shallow dishes for an efficient assembly line. The flour should be in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of crushed Doritos and breadcrumbs in the third. This organization prevents cross contamination and makes the coating process much smoother.
- Coat The Cheese:
- Begin by thoroughly coating each mozzarella stick in flour, ensuring complete coverage while gently shaking off any excess. The flour creates a dry surface for the egg to adhere to. Next, dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off before transferring to the Doritos mixture. Press the chips firmly around each cheese stick to ensure they stick. For extra crunch and flavor, double dip by returning to the egg wash and then back into the Doritos mixture.
- Freeze Before Frying:
- Transfer your coated cheese sticks to a parchment-lined plate and freeze for at least 30 minutes, though 1 hour is even better. This critical step solidifies the cheese and prevents it from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying. Skipping this step will likely result in a messy, disappointing outcome.
- Heat Oil Properly:
- Heat your oil to exactly 375°F, using a thermometer for precision. The correct temperature ensures the coating crisps quickly while the cheese inside reaches that perfect melty consistency without leaking. If the oil is too cool, the cheese sticks will absorb excess oil and become soggy. Too hot, and the coating will burn before the cheese melts.
- Fry In Small Batches:
- Carefully lower 2–3 cheese sticks into the oil at a time, avoiding overcrowding which would lower the oil temperature. Fry for approximately 90 seconds, turning halfway through, until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. The quick cooking time is key to maintaining the integrity of the melted cheese inside.
- Drain And Serve Immediately:
- Remove the fried cheese sticks with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. These are best enjoyed immediately while the contrast between the hot, crispy exterior and the molten cheese interior is at its peak perfection.
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My favorite part of making these cheese sticks is watching people's faces when they take that first bite and experience the perfect cheese pull. My daughter once described it as 'happiness in cheese form,' which pretty accurately captures the joy these simple ingredients can create when combined properly.
Choosing The Right Doritos
The flavor of Doritos you select becomes the dominant profile of your finished cheese sticks. Nacho Cheese provides a classic flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly, while Spicy Sweet Chili adds a more complex taste dimension. For an interesting twist, try Cool Ranch or Flamin' Hot. The key is crushing them to a fine consistency without turning them to powder. I prefer placing them in a sealed bag and using a rolling pin with gentle pressure rather than a food processor, which often crushes them too finely.
Dipping Sauce Pairings
These cheese sticks shine with the right dipping companion. Marinara sauce offers a classic pairing that cuts through the richness with its acidity. Ranch dressing complements the Doritos coating particularly well if you used Nacho Cheese flavor. For something unexpected, try a chipotle mayo or honey sriracha sauce that adds a sweet heat dimension. I personally serve all three options when entertaining, as everyone seems to have their preference.
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Make Ahead Options
While these cheese sticks must be fried just before serving, you can prepare them up to the freezing stage a day in advance. In fact, longer freezing actually improves the final result by ensuring the cheese remains intact during frying. Simply prepare the cheese sticks through the coating process, arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet without touching, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container with parchment between layers. They can remain frozen for up to two weeks before frying. No need to thaw before cooking, just add about 30 seconds to the frying time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make the coating extra crispy?
Double-coat the mozzarella sticks by dipping them twice in beaten eggs and crushed Doritos before frying. This creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
- → Can I use other types of cheese?
Mozzarella works best for this recipe because it melts perfectly. However, you can experiment with similar cheeses like string cheese or cheddar.
- → How do I prevent cheese from leaking during frying?
Freezing the prepared mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes helps the crust firm up, preventing leaks while frying.
- → What type of Doritos flavor is best?
Nacho cheese-flavored Doritos work beautifully, but you can use any preferred flavor to match your taste.
- → Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the mozzarella sticks at 200°C (400°F) for about 10–12 minutes, but the texture may not be as crispy as frying.