Easy, Crispy Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Crispy doritos-crusted mozzarella sticks craft ordinary snacking into an epic flavor adventure.

These golden-brown delights merge the classic comfort of cheese with a bold, zesty crunch that electrifies taste buds.

Crunchy chip coating adds an unexpected twist to the traditional mozzarella stick format, creating a texture that surprises and delights.

Salty, cheesy goodness meets a perfectly seasoned exterior that delivers maximum crunch in every single bite.

The innovative recipe combines familiar ingredients with a creative approach that elevates a classic appetizer to new culinary heights.

Cheese lovers and snack enthusiasts will find themselves immediately drawn to this mouthwatering combination of familiar and exciting flavors.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of melty interior and crackling exterior that guarantees instant crowd-pleasing potential.

Pairing Ideas for Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks

• Pair with Zesty Marinara Dunk: Cool down the spicy Doritos crunch with a classic marinara sauce that adds tangy tomato freshness and cuts through the rich, cheesy goodness.
• Complement with Cold Beer Blast: Grab a crisp lager or hoppy IPA that balances the salty, cheesy snack and provides a refreshing contrast to the deep-fried crunchiness.
• Match with Crisp Salad Sidekick: Toss a light green salad with vinaigrette to create a fresh, acidic counterpoint that helps cleanse the palate between these indulgent cheese sticks.
• Create Sriracha Mayo Magic: Whip up a quick spicy mayo by mixing sriracha sauce with creamy mayonnaise for an extra kick that enhances the Doritos' bold flavor profile.

Mozzarella Stick Variations You’ll Love

• Spicy Chili Pepper Edition: Replace some Doritos with spicy chili-flavored chips for an extra kick. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture to enhance the heat. Serve with a cool ranch dressing to balance the spiciness.
• Ranch-Infused Crunch: Mix dried ranch seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture for a tangy flavor profile. Use cool ranch Doritos instead of the original flavor. Pair with a homemade ranch dipping sauce for maximum flavor intensity.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder into the flour coating. Swap regular Doritos for a lighter herb-seasoned chip variety. Serve alongside a zesty marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired version of the classic appetizer.
• Smoky Barbecue Blast: Crush BBQ-flavored Doritos for the coating. Add smoked paprika to the flour mixture for deeper smokiness. Complement with a smoky barbecue dipping sauce to enhance the overall flavor experience.

What Makes Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks Fun

• Burst with Zesty Crunch: Doritos add an epic flavor explosion and extra-crispy texture that transforms ordinary mozzarella sticks into a mind-blowing snack experience.
• Hack the Classic Appetizer: This recipe takes traditional cheese sticks and elevates them with a bold, cheesy chip coating that delivers maximum flavor and excitement in every single bite.
• Master Quick Comfort Food: The simple coating technique means anyone can create restaurant-quality appetizers at home in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for game day, parties, or sudden snack cravings.
• Customize Your Crunch: Experiment with different Doritos flavors like nacho cheese, cool ranch, or spicy jalapeno to create unique variations that keep this recipe fresh and fun every single time.

Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks Ingredients

• Mozzarella Sticks: Soft and stretchy cheese that creates the gooey center of the appetizer, best when cold and firm before frying.

• Doritos, Breadcrumbs: Crunchy exterior that gives a bold flavor and crispy texture to the cheese sticks.
• Flour: Helps the egg and coating adhere to the cheese, creating a smooth base layer.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the Doritos crumbs stick to the cheese.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil perfect for deep-frying that creates a golden, crispy exterior without adding extra flavor.

How to Make Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Create the Crunchy Coating Station

• First dish: Flour
• Second dish: Beaten eggs
• Third dish: Crushed Doritos

Pro tip: Crush Doritos into fine, crispy crumbs for maximum flavor explosion

Step 2: Dress Up the Cheese

• Roll first in flour, shake off excess
• Dunk in egg wash
• Roll generously in Doritos crumbs
• Optional: Repeat egg and Doritos coating for extra crunch

Step 3: Chill and Prepare

• Help coating stick perfectly
• Prevent cheese from leaking during frying

Step 4: Heat the Sizzling Oil

• Warm vegetable oil to 375°F in deep fryer or large pan
• Use a thermometer for precise temperature

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

• Carefully place cheese sticks in hot oil
• Fry in small batches
• Cook 1-2 minutes per side until gorgeous golden brown

Step 6: Drain and Rest

• Remove with slotted spoon
• Place on paper towel-lined plate
• Let excess oil drip away

Step 7: Serve and Devour

• Plate your crispy cheese treasures
• Pair with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce
• Enjoy immediately while super crunchy and warm

Tips for Doritos Mozzarella Sticks Success

• Crush Strategically: Pulse Doritos in a food processor for uniform, fine crumbs that create a consistently crispy coating.
• Freeze Firmly: Ensure mozzarella sticks are completely frozen before frying to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
• Temperature Control: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for perfectly golden, crispy exterior.
• Double-Coating Technique: Repeat egg and Doritos dredging for extra-thick, crunchy crust that locks in melty cheese.
• Dipping Sauce Pairing: Serve with ranch, marinara, or spicy salsa to complement the cheesy, zesty Doritos flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Mozzarella Sticks

• Store Leftovers: Place remaining mozzarella sticks in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange cheese sticks on a baking sheet, spread slightly apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through, ensuring they're warm and crunchy without becoming soggy.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwaving, as it can make the crispy Doritos coating soggy and reduce the delightful crunch. The oven method preserves the original texture and flavor of your cheesy, zesty snack.

Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks deliver a crispy, cheesy twist on classic appetizers. Crunchy Doritos coating meets gooey mozzarella, creating an irresistible snack you’ll devour in seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 Mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 cup Crushed Doritos (choose your favorite flavor)

Binding Ingredients:

• 2 Eggs, beaten

Cooking Ingredient:

• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare a trifecta of coating stations using 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.
2. Transform each mozzarella stick into a crispy delight by first rolling it generously in flour, ensuring a complete and even dusting while shaking off any excess powder.
3. Submerge the flour-coated cheese stick into the whisked eggs, allowing a complete egg wash that will help subsequent coatings adhere perfectly.
4. Roll the egg-covered stick through the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to ensure maximum chip coverage and creating a vibrant, crunchy exterior.
5. For an ultra-crispy texture, repeat the egg and Doritos coating process, building multiple layers of flavor and crunch.
6. Arrange the fully coated mozzarella sticks on a clean plate, then transfer to the freezer for 30-45 minutes. This crucial chilling step helps solidify the coating and prevents cheese from leaking during frying.
7. 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.
8. Carefully lower the chilled cheese sticks into the hot oil, working in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
9. Fry each batch for 1-2 minutes, rotating to achieve an evenly golden-brown and crispy exterior.
10. Extract the fried mozzarella sticks using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip back into the pan.
11. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb residual oil and allow slight cooling.
12. Serve immediately alongside marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your preferred dipping condiment for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Crush Doritos finely to ensure an even, crispy coating that sticks perfectly to the mozzarella sticks.
• Freezing the coated cheese sticks is crucial for preventing cheese from oozing out during frying, creating a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Double-dipping in eggs and Doritos creates an extra-thick, super-crunchy layer that elevates the texture and flavor dramatically.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the exact oil temperature, guaranteeing a perfectly crisp exterior without burning.
• Drain on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil and keep the coating wonderfully crisp.
• Serve immediately while hot and melty for the ultimate cheesy, crunchy snack experience that will impress everyone.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 421 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 623 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg