If you’re in the mood for a fun, cheesy snack that’s bursting with flavor and crunch, look no further than Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks! These mozzarella sticks are coated in a crunchy, zesty Doritos crust, making them a perfect combination of gooey cheese and bold, tangy flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or just for a weekend treat, these mozzarella sticks are sure to be a hit.
What makes these mozzarella sticks so special is the Doritos crust. The crushed Doritos not only give them an amazing crunch but also infuse each bite with that iconic Dorito flavor. Inside, the mozzarella is perfectly melted and gooey, creating the ultimate cheesy bite. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy your craving for a cheesy, crunchy snack.
I first made these Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks when I wanted to take classic mozzarella sticks to the next level. The idea of using Doritos as the crust was a total game-changer, and these sticks turned out better than I could have imagined! If you love mozzarella sticks and Doritos, you’ll definitely love these cheesy, crispy treats.
Why These Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks Will Be Your New Favorite
- Bold and crunchy: The Doritos crust adds an irresistible crunch and a burst of tangy, cheesy flavor to the mozzarella sticks.
- Perfectly melted cheese: The gooey mozzarella inside stays perfectly melted, offering the ideal balance of crispy and cheesy.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have these cheesy snacks ready in no time.
- Fun and flavorful: This twist on the classic mozzarella stick is perfect for kids and adults alike, making it an excellent party snack or family treat.
- Customizable: You can adjust the flavor by using different Dorito flavors, such as Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho, to create your own twist on the recipe.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1 1/2 cups Doritos chips (any flavor, crushed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
How to Make Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks
- Prepare the coating:
Start by placing the Doritos chips in a plastic bag or food processor. Crush them into small pieces until they resemble breadcrumbs. Transfer the crushed Doritos into a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a third shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. - Coat the mozzarella sticks:
Take each mozzarella stick and coat it first in the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it thoroughly with the crushed Doritos. Make sure each stick is well coated in each layer for that perfect crunch. - Freeze the sticks:
After coating the mozzarella sticks, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the cheese from melting out while frying. - Fry the mozzarella sticks:
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat, ensuring the oil reaches about 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. - Drain and serve:
Once fried, remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.
Tips
- Freezing is key: Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying helps keep the cheese intact while cooking. Don’t skip this step!
- Make them spicy: Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the Dorito crumbs for a spicy kick.
- Use a thermometer: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to ensure the mozzarella sticks cook evenly and don’t burn.
- Baking option: For a healthier option, you can bake these mozzarella sticks. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated sticks on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use gluten-free flour: If you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
- Different cheeses: You can swap mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Vegetarian version: These mozzarella sticks are already vegetarian, but if you want to make them vegan, try using vegan cheese sticks and a vegan egg wash alternative.
Make a Healthier Version
- Baked instead of fried: Instead of frying, you can bake these mozzarella sticks. Lightly spray them with cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes until crispy.
- Use air fryer: If you have an air fryer, this is a great way to make these mozzarella sticks with less oil. Air fry at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until crispy.
Closing
And there you have it! Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate snack—crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, with the bold flavor of Doritos in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just indulging in a cheesy treat, these mozzarella sticks will be a guaranteed hit. Don’t forget to let us know how your mozzarella sticks turn out, and be sure to check out more of our easy and tasty snack recipes for more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and coat the mozzarella sticks, then freeze them until you’re ready to fry them. This is great for meal prep or if you want to make them in advance for a party. - Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake these sticks at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Just make sure to spray them lightly with cooking spray to get that crispy exterior. - How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Freezing the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before frying is key to keeping the cheese from melting out. - Can I use other types of chips for the crust?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use tortilla chips, pretzels, or even panko breadcrumbs for a different type of crust. - Can I make these mozzarella sticks spicy?
Absolutely! Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the Doritos crumbs to give them an extra spicy kick. - How do I store leftover mozzarella sticks?
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness. - Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor. - Can I make these mozzarella sticks without Doritos?
Yes, you can use other breadcrumbs or crushed chips, but the Doritos give them that signature flavor and crunch. - How do I know when the mozzarella sticks are done frying?
The mozzarella sticks should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. It typically takes about 2-3 minutes to fry them, but make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. - Can I make these mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the mozzarella sticks for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
12 12 mozzarella sticks
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 Doritos chips (any flavor, crushed)
1/2 cup 1/2 all-purpose flour
2 large 2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon 1 garlic powder
1 teaspoon 1 onion powder
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 salt
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 black pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions
- Prepare the coating:
- Start by placing the Doritos chips in a plastic bag or food processor. Crush them into small pieces until they resemble breadcrumbs. Transfer the crushed Doritos into a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a third shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Coat the mozzarella sticks:
- Take each mozzarella stick and coat it first in the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it thoroughly with the crushed Doritos. Make sure each stick is well coated in each layer for that perfect crunch.
- Freeze the sticks:
- After coating the mozzarella sticks, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the cheese from melting out while frying.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat, ensuring the oil reaches about 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain and serve:
- Once fried, remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.
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