Crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors—these Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks are an absolute game-changer. Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy coating made of your favorite nacho cheese chips, only to be greeted by a gooey, melty center of mozzarella bliss. It’s the perfect snack for movie nights, parties, or when you’re just in the mood for something ridiculously good. Trust me, you’re going to want to make a double batch!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
These mozzarella sticks can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. Whether you’re dipping them in marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo, they’re always a hit.
Budget-Friendly
You don’t need fancy ingredients—just a bag of Doritos, some mozzarella sticks, and a few pantry staples. It’s an affordable way to enjoy restaurant-style snacks at home.
Quick and Easy
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have crispy, cheesy perfection in no time. Perfect for when you need a delicious snack without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable
Switch up the flavor by using different Doritos varieties—Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili, or Flamin’ Hot for a fiery kick. You can even experiment with different cheeses!
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this recipe—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Mozzarella Sticks
The heart of the recipe! Choose whole mozzarella sticks for that perfect stretch. If you can’t find them, a block of mozzarella cut into sticks works just as well.
Doritos (Nacho Cheese Flavor)
The secret to that bold, cheesy crunch. These chips bring a punch of flavor that elevates the classic mozzarella stick to a whole new level.
Eggs
Helps the coating stick and creates a crispy, golden crust when fried.
All-Purpose Flour
Acts as the first layer of coating, ensuring the eggs and Doritos crumbs adhere properly.
Garlic Powder
A touch of garlicky goodness to enhance the flavor.
Paprika
Adds a subtle smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the cheesy coating.
Oil for Frying
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, for the best results.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even frying and prevents the mozzarella sticks from absorbing too much oil.
Prepare the Doritos Coating
Place the Doritos in a food processor and pulse until they turn into fine crumbs. Alternatively, crush them using a rolling pin in a sealed bag for a chunkier texture.
Set Up Your Breading Station
Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the crushed Doritos mixed with garlic powder and paprika.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and then coat it generously with the crushed Doritos. For an extra-crispy crust, repeat the egg and Doritos coating process.
Freeze Before Frying
Place the coated sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents them from melting too quickly while frying.
Fry to Perfection
Carefully place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Drain and Cool
Remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4-6
Calories per serving: 320
(Note: These values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (including freezing time)
How to Serve Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with warm marinara sauce for a classic pairing.
- Dip in spicy mayo or ranch for a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh veggies for a balance of flavors.
- Serve alongside a charcuterie board for an exciting appetizer spread.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Double-coating the mozzarella sticks creates an extra-crispy texture.
- Freezing is essential—don’t skip it! It prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
- Use different Doritos flavors for a unique twist on the recipe.
- Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven for the best texture.
- Make ahead and store frozen for quick frying whenever a craving hits.
FAQ
Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until crispy.
Can I make these in an air fryer? Absolutely! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
What if I don’t have a food processor? No problem! Crush the Doritos in a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
Can I use other cheeses? Yes! String cheese or cheddar sticks work great too.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze them before frying? Yes! You can freeze them for up to a month and fry straight from frozen.
Why did my cheese leak out while frying? They likely weren’t frozen long enough. Make sure they’re solid before frying.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free flour and substitute Doritos with a GF-friendly chip.
What oil is best for frying? Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for the best crispiness.
Can I make these in advance? Yes! Coat and freeze them until ready to fry.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a party, a fun snack, or just indulging in some comfort food, they’re guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, grab that bag of Doritos, and treat yourself to the ultimate cheesy delight!
Print
Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate snack. Coated in crushed Doritos for an extra cheesy, crunchy twist, they’re perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun treat.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed into fine crumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
-
Prepare the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- In a third bowl, mix crushed Doritos with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
-
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip into the egg mixture.
- Coat evenly in the crushed Doritos mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Repeat the egg and Doritos coating for an extra crunchy layer.
-
Freeze for at Least 1 Hour:
- Place coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese from melting too quickly when frying.
-
Fry Until Golden Brown:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 2-3 sticks at a time for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
-
Serve Immediately:
- Enjoy hot with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip!
Notes
- Freezing before frying is essential to keep the cheese from oozing out.
- Use any flavor of Doritos for a unique twist (Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, etc.).
- For a baked version, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg