Cheese Stuffed Doritos Delight

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Crisp mozzarella triangles get coated in crushed spicy Doritos for a bold, crunchy exterior, then fried until the cheese is just gooey inside. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast between the warm, melty center and the zesty, seasoned coating. Customize by double dunking for extra crunch or swapping in your favorite Doritos flavor. Serve hot with a sprinkle of flaky salt and your choice of dips, from sour cream and chive to classic salsa. Ideal for gatherings or snacks that disappear fast, these golden bites capture all the fun of Doritos with a molten twist.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 14 Aug 2025 12:39:37 GMT
A plate of cheese stuffed Doritos. Save
A plate of cheese stuffed Doritos. | lilicooks.com

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
A pile of cheese stuffed Doritos. Save
A pile of cheese stuffed Doritos. | lilicooks.com

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.

A pile of cheese stuffed Doritos. Save
A pile of cheese stuffed Doritos. | lilicooks.com

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.

Cheese Stuffed Doritos Snack

Crispy cheese triangles coated in spicy crushed Doritos, ideal for party snacks or sharing.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 24 Serves (24 cheese-stuffed triangles)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cheese Filling and Coating

01 14oz / 400g block of low-moisture mozzarella cheese
02 6.4oz / 180g bag of Chilli Heatwave Doritos
03 4 cups / 1 litre vegetable or sunflower oil (or as needed for deep frying)
04 1/3 cup / 50g all-purpose flour
05 2 eggs, beaten
06 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 1 tsp cayenne pepper
08 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 1/4 tsp salt
10 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 Additional flaky sea salt for serving

Steps

Step 01

Slice the mozzarella into squares about 1/3 inch thick, then cut each square diagonally into triangles to yield 24 pieces.

Step 02

Process the Doritos into a breadcrumb-like texture using a food processor or by manually crushing them in a zip-lock bag using a rolling pin.

Step 03

Set up three large shallow bowls: one with flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt and black pepper, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with crushed Doritos.

Step 04

Dredge each cheese triangle in the seasoned flour, followed by the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the crushed Doritos. Set aside and repeat for all pieces. Allow coated triangles to rest for 10-15 minutes to set the coating.

Step 05

Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 180°C/350°F. Fry the coated cheese triangles in batches for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese starts to slightly leak out. Place fried pieces on a wire rack lined with paper towels, allowing the oil temperature to recover between batches.

Step 06

Sprinkle the fried cheese pieces with flaky sea salt while resting. Serve immediately with your choice of dip.

Tips

  1. Double dunking in egg and crushed Doritos can create a thicker, crunchier crust and help prevent cheese from leaking out during frying.
  2. Freezing the coated cheese beforehand can improve results if baking or air frying is preferred.
  3. This recipe pairs excellently with dips like sour cream and chive, garlic and herb, salsa, or marinara.

Required Tools

  • 3 large shallow bowls for coating setup
  • Food processor or zip lock bag with rolling pin
  • Cast iron skillet or large deep pot (for deep frying)
  • Sharp knife and chopping board
  • Kitchen thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella cheese)
  • Contains eggs

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 117
  • Fats: 7.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6.88 g
  • Proteins: 4.86 g