Crispy Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks Recipe With A Twist
Crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible, these Doritos-crusted mozzarella sticks bring a playful twist to a classic appetizer.
Cheese lovers rejoice as we combine the familiar comfort of melted mozzarella with the bold crunch of crushed Doritos.
Each bite delivers a satisfying crack that gives way to gooey, stretchy cheese inside.
The nacho-flavored coating adds an unexpected kick that’ll make these sticks the star of any gathering.
Simple ingredients and quick preparation mean you can whip up this crowd-pleasing snack in no time.
These mozzarella sticks promise to be your new go-to recipe for snacking excitement.
Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this irresistible cheesy delight.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 366 kcal
Servings: 5
What Goes into Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks
For Cheese Base:
Mozzarella Sticks: Soft, stretchy cheese that creates a gooey center with irresistible pull when melted, select fresh sticks for best texture and smooth melting quality.
For Crispy Coating:
Doritos, Breadcrumbs, Flour: Powerful trio that builds a crunchy, flavor-packed exterior shell, choose restaurant-style breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and Nacho Cheese Doritos for bold zesty kick.
Eggs: Magical binding agent that helps coating stick perfectly to cheese, use fresh room-temperature eggs for smooth coating consistency.
For Frying Essentials:
Vegetable Oil: High-heat neutral oil perfect for deep frying, ensure oil is clean and fresh to prevent off-flavors and maintain crisp golden exterior.
Equipment for Bold, Crunchy Mozzarella Sticks
Shallow Dishes: Three to four separate containers for flour, breadcrumbs, crushed Doritos, and eggs.
Large Pan or Deep Fryer: Essential for frying the mozzarella sticks at the right temperature.
Slotted Spoon: Perfect for safely removing cheese sticks from hot oil.
Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
Plate: For freezing and serving the cheese sticks.
Fork or Whisk: To beat the eggs smoothly.
Measuring Cups: For accurate ingredient proportions.
Cooking Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella at Home
Flavor Preparation Crushing the zesty Doritos into a fine powder creates a tangy, crunchy coating that transforms ordinary mozzarella into an epic snack sensation. Use a food processor or ziplock bag with a rolling pin to break down the chips into delicate crumbs.
Cheese Transformation Gently roll each cold mozzarella stick through flour, then dive into beaten eggs, and finally tumble in the crushed Doritos. The double-dip technique ensures a mega-crispy exterior that crackles with flavor when you bite into it.
Freezer Timeout Letting the coated cheese sticks chill in the freezer for 30 minutes helps them maintain their structural integrity during the sizzling fry session. This crucial step prevents cheese from escaping its crunchy armor.
Oil Adventure Heat vegetable oil until it shimmers with potential, around 375°F. The perfect temperature means a golden-brown exterior and molten cheese interior.
Crispy Creation Carefully lower the frozen cheese sticks into the hot oil, working in small batches. Watch them transform into golden treasures in just 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning.
Final Touch Rescue the cheese sticks with a slotted spoon, letting excess oil drip away on paper towels. Serve immediately with ranch, marinara, or your favorite dipping companion for a crowd-pleasing snack that'll make taste buds dance.
Crispy Hacks & Cheesy Twists for This Snack
Extend freezing time up to 2 hours to ensure a super-crispy exterior and prevent cheese from leaking during frying. Wrap the coated sticks in plastic wrap for extra protection.
Swap deep-frying with oven-baking by placing coated cheese sticks on a lined baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning.
Create exciting dip combinations like spicy sriracha mayo, tangy ranch, zesty marinara, or cool blue cheese to complement the cheesy, crunchy Doritos coating.
Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving These Gooey Sticks with Style
Pair with Zesty Dips: Elevate these cheesy bites by serving with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy sriracha mayo for an explosion of flavors that complement the crunchy Doritos coating.
Host a Game Day Spread: Create a fun appetizer platter by arranging these mozzarella sticks alongside other finger foods like chicken wings, nachos, and jalapeño poppers for the ultimate party snack experience.
Cool Down with Refreshing Sides: Balance the rich, crispy cheese sticks with a light cucumber salad or fresh vegetable sticks to add a cool, crisp contrast to the hot and cheesy appetizer.
Make a Movie Night Treat: Serve these indulgent mozzarella sticks during a film marathon, pairing them with cold soda or craft beer for an irresistible movie-watching munchie.
Keeping Mozzarella Sticks Tasty Later On
Maximize Freshness: Store cooked Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their crispy texture.
Reheat with Care: Warm leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.
Freeze for Later: Prepare uncooked mozzarella sticks ahead of time by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Prep in Advance: Keep coated but unfried cheese sticks in the freezer for spontaneous snacking, allowing you to fry them directly from frozen state without thawing.
Crispy doritos-crusted mozzarella sticks offer a crunch-packed snack merging classic cheese stick magic with bold chip flavor. Cheese lovers can devour these golden-brown treats as a quick, indulgent appetizer that elevates standard mozzarella expectations.
Ingredients
Scale
8 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 cup (240 ml) crushed doritos (choose your favorite flavor)
1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Coating Preparation: Establish three shallow dishes – one for all-purpose flour, another for crushed Doritos chips, and a third for breadcrumbs. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until thoroughly blended.
Initial Coating: Meticulously dust each mozzarella stick with flour, ensuring complete and even coverage while eliminating excess powder. Immerse the flour-coated cheese in the whisked eggs for optimal adhesion.
Doritos Encrustation: Gently press the egg-covered stick through crushed Doritos, creating a vibrant, crunchy exterior. Repeat the egg and Doritos coating process to build multiple layers of flavor and texture.
Chilling Phase: Position the fully coated mozzarella sticks on a clean plate and freeze for 30-45 minutes. This critical step solidifies the coating and prevents cheese from leaking during frying.
Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F (190°C), using a digital thermometer to maintain precise temperature.
Frying Process: Delicately lower the chilled cheese sticks into hot oil, working in small batches to preserve oil temperature. Fry for 1-2 minutes, rotating to achieve an evenly golden-brown and crispy exterior.
Finishing Touch: Remove fried mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip back into the pan. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb residual oil and cool slightly.
Serving: Present immediately with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or preferred dipping condiment for maximum culinary enjoyment.
Notes
Freeze for Perfection: Chill mozzarella sticks for 30-45 minutes before frying to prevent cheese from oozing out and create a solid crispy coating.
Coating Technique: Layer flour, egg wash, and crushed Doritos twice for maximum crunch and flavor intensity.
Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain 375°F using a digital thermometer to ensure even golden-brown exterior without burning.
Batch Frying Strategy: Cook in small groups to keep oil temperature consistent and prevent soggy or greasy results.
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Program: Classic Culinary Arts
Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.
Michael Rivera
Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor
Expertise
Education
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.