Bacon & Cheese Stuffed Doritos

This sinfully indulgent Bacon & Cream Cheese Stuffed Doritos recipe transforms ordinary chips into an extraordinary appetizer that will have your guests talking for days. I discovered this showstopper by accident while experimenting with leftover Doritos and cream cheese, and it's become my most requested party food ever since.

I first made these for a last-minute Super Bowl gathering when I was short on appetizer ideas. What started as a desperate kitchen experiment turned into the star of the party with everyone demanding the recipe before halftime even started.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Serves as the creamy base that holds everything together while creating a luxurious mouthfeel
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp flavor and that irresistible stretch when melted
• Cooked bacon: Brings smoky, salty goodness that pairs perfectly with the corn chips
• Ranch seasoning: Boosts the flavor profile with herbs and tang
• Garlic powder: Provides depth without overpowering the other ingredients
• Fresh chives: Add a mild onion flavor and pretty green flecks
• Doritos: The star vehicle; choose Nacho Cheese for classic flavor or experiment with Cool Ranch
• All purpose flour: Helps the egg wash adhere better to the stuffed chips
• Eggs: Create the binding layer that allows the breadcrumbs to stick
• Panko breadcrumbs: Deliver the ultimate crispy exterior that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling
• Frying oil: Creates that golden, crispy finish that makes these irresistible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create Your Filling:

Bring cream cheese to room temperature for at least 30 minutes for easy mixing. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon pieces, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and freshly chopped chives. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth and uniform. This filling should be thick enough to stay put between chips but spreadable enough to work with.

Build Your Chip Sandwiches:

Select Doritos of similar size and shape for best results. Place chips flat side up on your work surface. Scoop approximately 1 teaspoon of filling onto one chip, then gently press a second chip on top, creating a sandwich with the triangular points aligned. Press just firmly enough to secure without breaking the chips. Set completed sandwiches aside on a baking sheet.

Set Up Your Breading Station:

Arrange three shallow bowls in sequence. Fill the first with all purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. Keep one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to prevent clumping. Have a clean plate ready for your breaded creations.

Master The Breading Technique:

Working with one stuffed chip sandwich at a time, first coat completely in flour, tapping off excess. Next, fully submerge in beaten egg, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Finally, press gently into panko breadcrumbs, ensuring every surface is coated. Place breaded chips on your clean plate and continue until all are coated.

Fry To Golden Perfection:

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pot or deep skillet to 350°F, using a thermometer for accuracy. Maintain this temperature throughout frying for best results. Carefully lower 3 to 4 breaded Doritos into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Drain And Serve:

Remove fried Doritos using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, allowing excess oil to drip back into the pot. Place on paper towel lined plate to absorb remaining oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, alongside your favorite dipping sauces.

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The absolute magic of this recipe lies in the textural contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy, cheesy interior. The first time I served these at a family gathering, my uncle who claims to hate processed foods ate seven of them before asking what they were made of. His face when I told him was priceless, but it didn't stop him from grabbing an eighth!

Make Ahead Options

The cream cheese filling can be prepared up to two days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to soften at room temperature for about 20 minutes before assembling your chip sandwiches for easier spreading. You can also assemble the stuffed chips and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before breading and frying. Just be aware that the chips may soften slightly in the refrigerator but will crisp back up during frying.

Customize Your Flavors

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier version, use Flamin Hot Doritos and add diced jalapeños to the filling. Prefer a southwestern twist? Try Cool Ranch Doritos with a filling that includes corn, black beans, and taco seasoning. For an Italian variation, use the less common Sweet Tomato Doritos with a filling containing mozzarella, basil, and a touch of sun dried tomato. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a different experience each time you make them.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed Doritos shine brightest when served piping hot with an array of complementary dipping sauces. My favorite combination includes cool ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, and a smooth queso dip. For a more substantial spread, pair these indulgent bites with lighter fare like a fresh vegetable platter or a simple green salad. They also make an excellent accompaniment to Mexican themed meals or as part of a larger appetizer spread for game day gatherings.

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Whether you're hosting game day or just feeling indulgent, these stuffed Doritos are sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake these Stuffed Doritos instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Spray them lightly with cooking oil before baking for better browning.

→ What Doritos flavors work best for this?

Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch Doritos are excellent choices, but any flavor works well. Spicy varieties like Flamin' Hot add an extra kick that complements the creamy cheese filling.

→ How far in advance can I prepare these?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the Doritos sandwiches up to 24 hours ahead, but it's best to bread and fry them just before serving for maximum crispiness.

→ What can I substitute for bacon to make a vegetarian version?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika, finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or vegetarian bacon bits. You'll still get a savory, smoky flavor.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these Stuffed Doritos?

Ranch dressing, sour cream with chives, spicy queso, salsa, or even a chipotle mayo all make excellent dipping options. Honey sriracha sauce is also delicious for a sweet-spicy combination.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?

Absolutely! Pepper jack adds spice, gouda brings smokiness, or cream cheese alone works for a milder flavor. Any meltable cheese that pairs well with bacon will be delicious.