Ingredients

• Shredded Cheese: 2 cups (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Doritos Chips: 1 bag (any flavor, crushed into crumbs)
• Flour: 1 cup
• Eggs: 2, beaten
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (use panko for extra crunch)
• Oil: for frying
• Optional: ranch or salsa for dipping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks:
   • Shape the shredded cheese into small sticks or rectangles, about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick. If the cheese is too soft to hold its shape, freeze it for about 20 minutes before proceeding to the next step.
2. Set Up the Breading Stations:
   • Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
   • In another bowl, add the beaten eggs.
   • In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and the crushed Doritos crumbs for the coating.
3. Coat the Cheese Sticks:
   • Roll each cheese stick in the flour, making sure to coat all sides.
   • Dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
   • Finally, roll the cheese stick in the Doritos and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
4. Freeze the Coated Cheese Sticks:
   • Place the coated cheese sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 1 hour. This step is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
5. Heat the Oil:
   • In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the cheese sticks.
6. Fry the Cheese Sticks:
   • Carefully drop a few cheese sticks at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature.
   • Using a slotted spoon, remove the cheese sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the Doritos-Crusted Cheese Sticks hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch or salsa.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chip for the coating?
Absolutely! You can substitute Doritos with any crunchy chip of your choice, like tortilla chips, cheese puffs, or even spicy chips, for a unique flavor profile.

2. What cheese works best for these sticks?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but cheddar and Monterey Jack work well too. If you like a mix of flavors, use a cheese blend.

3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the cheese sticks. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake them on a lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, or until the coating is golden and crispy.

4. How can I prevent the cheese from melting out during frying?
Freezing the cheese sticks for at least an hour before frying is key. This helps the coating set and keeps the cheese from melting too quickly.

5. What dipping sauces go well with these cheese sticks?
Ranch, salsa, marinara sauce, and even a spicy sriracha mayo are all great choices to pair with these cheesy snacks.

Tips for Making Doritos-Crusted Cheese Sticks

• Freeze the Cheese Sticks: Don’t skip the freezing step! It keeps the cheese from melting too fast and helps the coating stick.
• Use a Food Processor for the Doritos: For an even crumb, pulse the Doritos in a food processor until fine. If you prefer a chunkier texture, crush them by hand or with a rolling pin.
• Choose the Right Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, for the best results when frying.
• Control the Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F (175°C) to ensure a crispy coating and melted cheese inside. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for consistent results.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry a few cheese sticks at a time to avoid cooling the oil, which can make the coating soggy.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They may lose some crunch, but you can reheat them in an oven or air fryer.
• Freezing: To freeze uncooked cheese sticks, lay them on a baking sheet and freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Fry or bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
• Reheating: Reheat cheese sticks in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until they are heated through. An air fryer also works well and will help retain the crispy coating.

Conclusion

Doritos-Crusted Cheese Sticks are the ultimate finger food, combining gooey cheese with a crunchy, flavorful coating. The Doritos add a savory, slightly spicy touch, making each bite packed with flavor. These cheese sticks are perfect for gatherings, game days, or just a treat for yourself. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a fun and unique snack that’s sure to impress!