Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks

Let’s be real—who doesn’t love mozzarella sticks? Now, imagine them with an epic twist: a crunchy, cheesy Doritos crust that takes these classic appetizers to the next level. These Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks are everything you’ve ever dreamed of and more. The outside is crispy with that bold Doritos flavor, while the inside stays gooey and cheesy—pure perfection! Whether you’re prepping for game day, a movie night, or just want to treat yourself to something next-level, these mozzarella sticks will definitely hit the spot. Trust me, once you bite into that cheesy goodness, you won’t want to go back to regular mozzarella sticks.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks

Bold & Flavorful:

The Doritos crust adds a layer of cheesy, tangy crunch that’ll make your taste buds dance. Every bite delivers bold flavors that are nothing short of irresistible.

Ooey-Gooey Inside:

These mozzarella sticks are packed with warm, melty mozzarella cheese, creating that perfect contrast of crispy exterior and gooey interior. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Easy to Make:

No need to deep fry for these delicious treats! With a few simple steps, you’ll have the crispiest mozzarella sticks that are ready in no time.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether you’re snacking alone, serving a crowd, or making game day a little more exciting, these mozzarella sticks will always steal the show.

Customizable:

Feel free to experiment with different Doritos flavors. Spicy, cool ranch, or even nacho cheese—pick your favorite for a fun twist every time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these cheesy, crunchy masterpieces:

• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: The star of the show! Use frozen mozzarella sticks to make things quicker, or fresh ones if you want to make them from scratch.
• Doritos Chips: A bag of your favorite Doritos flavor—Nacho Cheese works great, but Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili would be delicious too.
• Flour: For the initial coating to help the breading stick.
• Eggs: To create that perfect binding layer for the crust.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a bit of extra flavor to the breading.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the mozzarella sticks until crispy and golden brown.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make these Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks:

Step 1: Prep the Doritos Coating

Start by crushing the Doritos. You can do this in a food processor, or if you’re feeling a little more hands-on, simply place them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they’re finely ground. The finer the crumbs, the better the coating!

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

You’ll need three shallow bowls for breading:

• In the first bowl, add flour.
• In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• In the third bowl, place your crushed Doritos and garlic powder.

Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

Take a mozzarella stick, dip it first into the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it into the egg wash, and finally roll it in the Doritos crumbs, pressing gently to make sure it sticks. For extra crunch, repeat this process and coat the sticks twice.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

In a large skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of breading—if it sizzles, it’s ready!), carefully place the mozzarella sticks in the oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once they’re crispy, remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for a minute, then serve them up hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Serve Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks

These mozzarella sticks are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate the experience:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve them with marinara, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for that perfect dipping experience.
• As an Appetizer: They’re great to serve at parties or as a fun snack while watching the game.
• With a Side Salad: Pair these cheesy sticks with a fresh salad for a lighter meal that balances out all that cheesy goodness.
• On a Platter: Make them look extra tempting by arranging them on a platter with a few extra Doritos sprinkled around the edges for added flavor and texture.

Additional Tips

Keep the Cheese from Melting Out:

To avoid the cheese melting and oozing out during frying, make sure your mozzarella sticks are frozen before breading and frying. This helps them hold their shape and keeps the cheese inside!

Double Coat for Extra Crunch:

If you love an extra crispy exterior, don’t be afraid to double-coat your mozzarella sticks. After the first coating, dip them back into the egg wash and breadcrumbs for an even crunchier finish.

Use Panko for Extra Crunch:

For even more crunchiness, feel free to add a bit of panko breadcrumbs to the Doritos mix. It will create an even thicker, crunchier crust that is absolutely delicious.

Oven Option:

If you’re not a fan of frying, you can bake these mozzarella sticks! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Try Different Flavors:

Mix it up by using different Doritos flavors for unique variations. Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili, or even a combination of flavors could make these sticks even more exciting.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 510mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 10g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Total Time: 16 minutes

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese for these mozzarella sticks?

A1: Sure! You can use any cheese you like, such as string cheese, cheddar, or pepper jack. However, mozzarella gives that classic stretchy cheese pull that we all love.

Q2: Can I bake these instead of frying them?

A2: Yes, you can! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Just make sure to spray them with a bit of cooking spray before baking to get that crispy texture.

Q3: How do I keep the cheese from melting out during frying?

A3: Make sure the mozzarella sticks are frozen before frying. Freezing helps them hold their shape and prevents the cheese from oozing out too early.

Q4: Can I use flavored Doritos for the crust?

A4: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different Doritos flavors like Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili for a fun twist.

Q5: Can I make these in advance?

A5: Yes! You can bread the mozzarella sticks, freeze them, and fry them later when you’re ready to eat. They’ll cook up just as crispy and delicious.

Q6: How long do these mozzarella sticks stay good in the fridge?

A6: Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best crispiness.

Q7: Can I use a different coating instead of Doritos?

A7: You can definitely experiment with other coatings, such as crushed crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs. However, Doritos add that signature cheesy crunch that’s hard to beat!

Q8: Can I make these gluten-free?

A8: Yes! Simply swap the regular flour for gluten-free flour and use a gluten-free Doritos alternative, or use a crushed gluten-free chip for the coating.

Q9: How can I make the Doritos crust even crunchier?

A9: You can mix panko breadcrumbs with the crushed Doritos for an extra crunchy texture.

Q10: Can I freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying?

A10: Yes! Bread the mozzarella sticks, freeze them for at least an hour, then fry or bake them when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Doritos Encrusted Mozzarella Sticks are a game-changer! With a crunchy Doritos crust and a gooey, melty interior, they’re the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re watching a movie or serving up something special for a crowd, these mozzarella sticks will always steal the show. Give them a try, and you’ll see why they’re the ultimate combination of cheesy, crispy, and downright irresistible. Enjoy!

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