Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s playful, nostalgic, and full of flavor. It takes the familiar comfort of mozzarella sticks and wraps them in the bold taste of crushed Doritos, adding an extra layer of crunch and cheesy kick. These are way more fun than anything I can buy frozen—and they come together with just a few pantry staples. Plus, they’re a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 mozzarella sticks
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1 cup crushed Doritos (any flavor—Nacho Cheese is classic)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 cup fine breadcrumbs
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Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Directions
1. Set Up the Breading Station
I set up four shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, one with crushed Doritos, and one with breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
I roll each mozzarella stick in flour first, shaking off any excess. Then I dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in crushed Doritos. For an extra crispy coating, I sometimes dip them back in egg and then roll them in Doritos again.
3. Freeze the Sticks
Once breaded, I place the coated mozzarella sticks on a plate and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the coating stay intact and prevents cheese from leaking during frying.
4. Heat the Oil
I pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy saucepan until it’s about 2 inches deep. I heat it to 375°F (190°C), using a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
5. Fry Until Golden
Working in batches, I carefully drop in a few cheese sticks at a time, frying them for 1–2 minutes per side. I turn them gently until they’re evenly golden and crisp.
6. Drain and Serve
I use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried cheese sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Then I serve them hot, ideally with marinara, ranch, or even queso for dipping.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 8
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Freeze Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
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Cook Time: 2–4 minutes
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Total Time: 26 minutes (plus freezing)
Variations
When I want to mix things up, I try:
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Using Flamin’ Hot Doritos for a spicy version.
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Swapping mozzarella sticks for pepper jack or cheddar cheese sticks.
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Mixing crushed Doritos with panko for a lighter, flakier coating.
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Baking instead of frying (400°F for 10–12 minutes, though not quite as crispy).
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Adding Italian seasoning or cayenne to the flour for extra flavor depth.
Storage/Reheating
These are best served fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes, which helps restore their crunch. I avoid microwaving them, as the coating softens too much.
FAQs
Can I use string cheese instead of mozzarella sticks?
Yes, I often use string cheese—it’s basically the same thing and works just as well.
Do I have to freeze them before frying?
Yes, freezing is key to keeping the cheese from oozing out while frying. It helps the crust set and hold its shape.
What flavor of Doritos works best?
I usually go with Nacho Cheese for the classic taste, but Spicy Sweet Chili, Cool Ranch, or any other bold flavor will add its own twist.
Can I air fry these instead?
Yes, I air fry them at 400°F for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as golden, but still delicious and crispy.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, I bread and freeze them in advance, then store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer. When I’m ready to cook, I fry them straight from frozen—no need to thaw.
Conclusion
Cheese Stuffed Doritos are the snack I turn to when I want to impress with something totally over-the-top and crave-worthy. The creamy melted mozzarella inside, the crunchy Doritos crust outside, and the dip-friendly format make them perfect for sharing—or not. Once I tried these, I knew regular cheese sticks just wouldn’t cut it anymore.
Print
Cheese Stuffed Doritos
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden, and gooey—these Doritos-coated mozzarella sticks are the ultimate cheesy snack or party appetizer you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients
8 mozzarella sticks
1 cup crushed Doritos (any flavor, finely crushed)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup fine breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Instructions
Prepare the Crumbing Station:
Arrange crushed Doritos, flour, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow dishes.
In a fourth dish, beat the eggs until well combined.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip into the beaten eggs, then roll in crushed Doritos to coat evenly.
For a thicker, crunchier crust, repeat the egg and Doritos coating process once more.
Freeze for Stability:
Place coated mozzarella sticks on a plate or tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent cheese leakage while frying.
Heat the Frying Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed saucepan to a depth of at least 2 inches.
Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C), checking with a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
Fry the Cheese Sticks:
Working in batches, carefully fry the mozzarella sticks for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
Drain Excess Oil:
Use a slotted spoon to remove fried sticks and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serve Fresh:
Enjoy immediately while hot and melty. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
Notes
Use your favorite Doritos flavor — Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, or Spicy Sweet Chili all work great.
Freezing is key for even frying and minimizing mess.
If baking instead of frying, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Great for parties, appetizers, or fun family movie nights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Deep-Fried
- Cuisine: American
