Introduction: Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic appetizer. The crunchy, cheesy sticks are coated with a zesty Doritos crust, which adds an extra layer of bold flavor to the gooey, melted mozzarella inside. Perfect as a snack for parties, game days, or a delicious appetizer for any occasion, these mozzarella sticks will surely be a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy, and irresistible treat ready in no time.
Ingredients:
12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
1 bag of Doritos (any flavor, but Nacho Cheese is the most popular choice)
2 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
Prepare the Doritos Crust:
Crush the Doritos in a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely crushed. Pour the crushed Doritos into a shallow dish and set aside.
Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and set them aside. If desired, you can freeze the mozzarella sticks for 15-30 minutes to prevent them from melting too quickly during frying.
Set up the Breading Station:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the crushed Doritos, pressing down slightly to ensure an even coating. Repeat for all the mozzarella sticks.
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Be cautious not to overcook, as the cheese could start leaking out.
Drain and Serve:
Remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving.
Description:
Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks take the classic combination of mozzarella cheese and crispy breading and elevate it with the bold, cheesy flavor of Doritos. The crunchy exterior contrasts beautifully with the gooey, melted mozzarella inside, making each bite a delightful experience. This snack is easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress anyone who loves cheesy, crispy treats. Whether served with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or just on their own, these mozzarella sticks are guaranteed to be a hit.
Tips:
Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: Freezing the mozzarella sticks for at least 15 minutes before frying will help them hold their shape and prevent the cheese from oozing out.
Use Different Doritos Flavors: While Nacho Cheese Doritos work great, you can experiment with other flavors, such as Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili, to give your mozzarella sticks a unique twist.
Oven Baking Option: If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Variations:
Spicy Version: For an extra kick, use Flamin’ Hot Doritos instead of regular Nacho Cheese Doritos. You can also add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Herb-infused Crust: Add dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning to the Doritos crust for an herbaceous twist.
Bacon-Infused: Add crumbled crispy bacon into the Doritos mixture for added flavor and crunch.
Vegetarian: If you want to make a vegetarian version, substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Corrections:
If the mozzarella sticks are too greasy, make sure the oil temperature is high enough (around 350°F or 175°C) to avoid the cheese leaking out.
Ensure that each mozzarella stick is well-coated in the flour, egg, and Doritos to get a crunchy, uniform crust.
For an even crispier result, double-dip the mozzarella sticks (after the first coating, dip them again in the egg and Doritos).
Enjoy:
Serve your Doritos-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks hot with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy this cheesy, crunchy treat at your next gathering or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and delicious!