
Cheese Stuffed Doritos bring together two of my favorite guilty pleasures in one golden crispy bite. The gooey cheese inside and crunchy, spicy Doritos coating make them the ultimate finger food for parties or any time you want a seriously fun snack. These are always the first to vanish at gatherings, and nothing beats that fresh out of the fryer cheese pull.
I can never make enough of these for my friends. The first time I served them during a movie night, they were gone in minutes and everyone asked for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella block: Choose low moisture mozzarella for the perfect melt that stays inside the crispy shell
- Chilli Heatwave Doritos: The spicy flavor deepens after frying and the crunch is unbeatable Crush them finely for best coating
- Flour: Helps the coating stick and seasons the cheese from the start Go for plain flour with no rising agents
- Eggs: These bind the coating and help achieve that signature crunchy crust
- Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper: Bring smoky heat that balances the creamy cheese Choose a smoked paprika that smells rich and fresh
- Garlic powder Salt Black pepper: Season the flour for a flavor-packed first layer Use flaky sea salt to finish if you can
- Vegetable or sunflower oil: Choose a neutral high heat oil to make sure your coating fries up crisp and golden
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut the Cheese:
- Cut the mozzarella into squares about one third inch thick then slice those into triangles You should get twenty four triangles from one block Avoid fresh mozzarella as it is too watery
- Crush the Doritos:
- Place Doritos in a food processor or into a sturdy zip lock bag and crush until they resemble panko breadcrumbs The finer the crumbs the better the coating will stick Use a rolling pin or even your hands to break up any large pieces
- Prepare the Coating Station:
- Set up three shallow dishes One holds flour mixed with smoked paprika cayenne garlic powder salt and pepper The second has beaten eggs The third has the crushed Doritos Place them in assembly line order
- Dredge the Cheese:
- One by one roll each cheese triangle in seasoned flour Tap off excess then dip into the egg making sure it is fully coated Finally press into the crushed Doritos really packing the crumbs on all sides for full coverage Place coated triangles on a tray and continue with the rest Let them sit for ten to fifteen minutes so the crust adheres
- Fry the Stuffed Doritos:
- Fill a skillet or deep pot with oil at least one inch deep Heat to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred eighty Celsius Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy Fry cheese triangles in batches for one to two minutes until golden and just before the cheese starts to ooze Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a rack over paper towels
- Serve:
- While still hot sprinkle on a little extra salt if you like and dive in right away They are best eaten fresh for maximum crunch and cheese pull

I always look forward to the moment I bite into the first piece and see that stretchy cheese. It never fails to make my family crowd around the kitchen to steal them as soon as they come out of the oil.
Storage Tips
Cheese Stuffed Doritos are best enjoyed hot and fresh. If you do need to store leftovers cool them completely and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to revive their crispiness. I avoid the microwave as it softens the crunchy coating.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot get Chilli Heatwave Doritos try Spicy Nacho or even plain cheese flavor. Cheddar works in place of mozzarella but leaks faster so double bread for insurance. Gluten free plain flour and your favorite gluten free chips will also work.
Serving Suggestions
These snacks are amazing with dipping sauces. Set out bowls of sour cream and chive marinara salsa or garlic and herb dip. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and some fresh veggies for the ultimate party spread.

Cultural History
While Cheese Stuffed Doritos are a modern American snack hack at heart their roots echo classic cheese sticks with a playful spicy upgrade. Inspired by Tex Mex flavors and the love of crunchy finger food these treats always spark conversation and smiles.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese works best for stuffing?
Low-moisture mozzarella holds its shape and melts just right, but cheddar can also be used with a thicker coating.
- → Can I use different Doritos flavors for the coating?
Spicy Doritos pair perfectly with the seasoning, but other varieties like cheesy or cool original can be used for a milder taste.
- → Is it possible to bake or air fry instead of deep frying?
Baking or air frying works if you freeze the coated cheese first and consider double coating for a crunchier crust.
- → How do I keep the cheese from leaking during frying?
A thorough coating or double dunking helps seal the cheese; frying at the correct temperature is also key.
- → What are some good dipping sauces?
Sour cream and chive, garlic and herb, salsa, or marinara make excellent pairings for these savory bites.