Crispy Cheese-Stuffed Doritos Bites

These crispy, indulgent Fried Cheese-Stuffed Doritos combine the bold flavor of nacho cheese tortilla chips with gooey melted cheddar for an irresistible snack that elevates the concept of mozzarella sticks to new heights. The contrasting textures of the crunchy Doritos coating and molten cheese center create a taste sensation that will have everyone reaching for more.

I first made these cheesy bites for a Super Bowl party last year, and they disappeared faster than any other snack on the table. My friends still talk about them months later and request them whenever we get together for events.

Ingredients

• Nacho Cheese Doritos: The star ingredient that provides both flavor and the signature orange color that makes these bites recognizable
• Cheddar cheese: Opt for a good quality sharp cheddar that melts well without becoming too runny
• All purpose flour: Creates the first layer of the breading that helps everything else stick to the cheese
• Large eggs: Act as the binding agent for the coating
• Milk: Thins the egg mixture slightly to create the perfect consistency for dredging
• Panko breadcrumbs: Adds extra crispiness to the outer coating that regular breadcrumbs cannot match
• Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Doritos Coating:

Process those Doritos until they become fine crumbs similar to breadcrumb texture. You want them small enough to create a uniform coating but not so fine they become powder. Transfer to a shallow bowl and mix with the panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate crunch factor.

Prepare the Cheese:

Cut your cheddar block into approximately 1-inch cubes. Making them too large risks inadequate melting while too small means they might disappear during frying. Keep the cheese cold until ready to use this helps prevent premature melting during the coating process.

Set Up Dredging Station:

Arrange three separate shallow dishes in a row. The first contains flour seasoned with a pinch of salt. The middle dish holds beaten eggs combined with milk whisked until completely uniform. The final dish contains your Doritos panko mixture spread evenly for easy rolling.

Coat the Cheese:

Roll each cheese cube first in flour ensuring complete coverage with a thin layer. Tap off excess before dipping into the egg mixture allowing excess to drip off. Finally press firmly into the Doritos mixture rotating to coat all sides generously. For an extra thick coating repeat the egg and Doritos steps.

Double Coat For Security:

After coating all your cheese cubes place them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes then repeat the egg and Doritos coating steps. This double coating is crucial for preventing cheese leakage during frying.

Fry to Perfection:

Heat oil to 350°F using a thermometer for accuracy. Fry in small batches avoiding overcrowding the pan which would lower the oil temperature. Cook each piece for approximately 30 to 45 seconds until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully as they cook quickly.

Drain and Serve:

Remove using a slotted spoon allowing excess oil to drain. Place on paper towels briefly then serve immediately while the cheese is still molten inside and the exterior remains perfectly crispy.

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These cheese filled bites remind me of my college days when late night snacking was practically an Olympic sport. The Doritos coating was my roommates brilliant idea after we ran out of breadcrumbs one night it turned what would have been ordinary fried cheese into something extraordinary that we still make at our reunions.

Flavor Variations

While the classic nacho cheese Doritos create an amazing flavor profile you can experiment with different Doritos varieties for unique results. Cool Ranch offers a tangy herbal coating while Spicy Sweet Chili adds a more complex heat. You can even try the limited edition flavors when available for seasonal variations that will surprise your guests.

Make Ahead Tips

These cheese bites can be prepared up to the frying stage and frozen for future use. After coating the cheese cubes place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze until solid about 2 hours. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. When ready to serve fry directly from frozen adding about 15 seconds to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Create a dipping bar with various sauces like sriracha mayo spicy ketchup guacamole or queso for an interactive appetizer experience. Serve alongside a fresh green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness or make them part of a larger nacho inspired spread with all your favorite toppings.

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Surprise your friends and family with this new twist on fried snacks. It’s guaranteed to become a favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese for these Doritos bites?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other firm cheeses that melt well such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or Colby. For best results, avoid soft cheeses as they may leak out during frying.

→ Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 425°F for about 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray the coated cheese cubes with cooking spray before baking for better browning.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these cheese bites?

These cheese bites pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, chipotle mayo, sour cream, or guacamole. The cool, creamy dips balance the rich, crunchy bites perfectly.

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying?

Double-coat the cheese cubes by dipping them in the egg mixture and Doritos coating twice. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough (350°F) so the exterior cooks quickly, and freeze the coated cheese cubes for 15-20 minutes before frying.

→ Can I make these cheese bites ahead of time?

You can prepare and coat the cheese cubes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator on a parchment-lined tray. For best results, freeze them for 15 minutes before frying. However, they should be fried just before serving for optimal taste and texture.

→ What flavor of Doritos works best for this recipe?

Nacho Cheese Doritos are the classic choice, but you can experiment with other flavors like Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili, or Flamin' Hot for different flavor profiles. Each will create a unique taste experience while maintaining that signature Doritos crunch.