Name: Fried Cheese-Stuffed Doritos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Doritos (Nacho Cheese or preferred flavor), crushed into fine crumbs; 8 oz mozzarella cheese (block or string cheese), cut into sticks or cubes; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1–2 large eggs, beaten; Oil for deep frying

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Crispy, cheesy, and a little over-the-top, these fried cheese-stuffed Doritos are the ultimate snack for when I’m craving something indulgent. I take gooey mozzarella cheese, wrap it in a crunchy coating of crushed Doritos, and fry until golden brown. The result is a snack that’s both bold in flavor and absolutely irresistible.

Fried Cheese-Stuffed Doritos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fun, simple, and such a crowd-pleaser. The Doritos bring that nostalgic nacho cheese flavor, while the mozzarella adds a stretchy, melty bite. It’s one of those snacks I can whip up quickly, and it never fails to impress at parties or late-night gatherings. Plus, it’s a playful twist on traditional mozzarella sticks.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor or any favorite), crushed into fine crumbs
8 oz mozzarella cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

I start by cutting the mozzarella into sticks or small cubes.
I crush the Doritos into fine crumbs using a food processor or a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
I coat each piece of cheese in flour, making sure all sides are covered.
I dip the cheese into beaten egg (1–2 eggs work well), then roll it in the crushed Doritos until fully coated.
I repeat the egg and Doritos step for an extra crispy layer.
I heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C).
I fry the coated cheese pieces in batches until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes.
I drain them on paper towels and serve hot while the cheese is still gooey.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–14 cheese-stuffed bites, perfect for 4 servings as a snack or appetizer. From start to finish, it takes about 20 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking.

Variations

I sometimes switch up the flavor by using different Doritos varieties like Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili. For a spicier kick, I add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour coating. If I want a different cheese pull, I use cheddar or pepper jack instead of mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

These are best eaten right after frying, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes until crispy again. I avoid the microwave since it makes them soggy.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, I can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, but they won’t be quite as crispy as frying.

Do I need to freeze the cheese before frying?

It’s not required, but I like to freeze the cheese for 20 minutes before coating—it helps keep the cheese from melting out too quickly while frying.

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?

I don’t recommend it. Shredded cheese doesn’t hold together well for this recipe. I prefer mozzarella blocks or string cheese sticks.

What dipping sauces go well with this?

I love serving them with marinara, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo. The sauces balance the richness perfectly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare and coat the cheese, then freeze them before frying. When I’m ready to cook, I fry them straight from the freezer for the same golden, crispy result.

Conclusion

Fried cheese-stuffed Doritos are my go-to when I want a bold, cheesy, and crunchy snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, I can create a crowd-pleasing treat that always disappears fast. Whether for game night, parties, or just a guilty pleasure, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.