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This outrageously tempting Bacon & Cream Cheese Filled Doritos creation turns simple chips into a mouthwatering starter that'll get everyone talking at your next get-together. I stumbled onto this crowd-pleaser completely by chance while playing around with some leftover chips and cream cheese in my kitchen, and now it's the number one requested snack at all my parties.
I threw these together for an impromptu football watch party when I couldn't think of what to make. My kitchen experiment turned out so well that everyone at the party was begging me for the recipe before we even made it to halftime.
What You'll Need
- Cream cheese: Works as the smooth foundation that binds everything and gives a rich feel in your mouth
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a tangy kick and that wonderful stringy pull when hot
- Cooked bacon: Adds that smoky, salty taste that works so well with the corn chips
- Ranch seasoning: Kicks up the flavor with its herby, tangy profile
- Garlic powder: Gives extra flavor dimension without taking over
- Fresh chives: Offer a light oniony taste and pretty green color
- Doritos: The main player; stick with Nacho Cheese or try Cool Ranch for something different
- All purpose flour: Makes the egg wash stick better to your filled chips
- Eggs: Form the sticky layer that helps breadcrumbs attach
- Panko breadcrumbs: Give that amazing crunchy outside that works so well against the creamy filling
- Frying oil: Makes everything golden and crunchy, just how you want it
How to Make Them
- Mix Your Filling:
- Let cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes to soften. In a bowl, mix the soft cream cheese with your cheddar, bacon bits, ranch mix, garlic powder, and chopped chives. Stir until it's completely smooth. You want it thick enough to stay inside the chips but easy enough to spread.
- Make Chip Sandwiches:
- Find Doritos that match in size and shape. Lay them flat-side up on your counter. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling onto a chip, then carefully press another chip on top, lining up the points. Press just enough to hold them together without breaking. Place your finished sandwiches on a baking sheet.
- Prep Your Coating Area:
- Put out three shallow dishes in a row. Put flour in the first one, beaten eggs in the second, and panko in the third. Use one hand for dry stuff and the other for wet to keep things from getting messy. Have a clean plate nearby for your finished chips.
- Coat Your Chip Sandwiches:
- Take one sandwich at a time and roll it in flour, shaking off extra. Dip it fully in egg, letting drops fall back into the bowl. Then press it into the panko, making sure it's covered all over. Put it on your clean plate and keep going until all are done.
- Fry Until Crispy:
- Warm oil in a deep pot to 350°F, checking with a thermometer. Keep the oil at this heat the whole time you're cooking. Carefully drop 3-4 coated chip sandwiches into the hot oil, giving them plenty of room. Cook for 1-2 minutes, turning once, until they're golden and crispy.
- Cool And Enjoy:
- Lift out your fried chips with a slotted spoon, letting oil drip back into the pot. Put them on paper towels to soak up extra oil. Eat them right away while they're hot and crunchy, with your favorite dips on the side.
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What really makes this snack special is how the super crunchy outside contrasts with the smooth, cheesy inside. The first time I brought these to a family party, my uncle (who swears he hates processed foods) gobbled up seven before asking what was in them. You should've seen his face when I told him! But that didn't stop him from grabbing another one!
Prep Ahead Ideas
You can mix up the cheese filling two days before and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container. Just let it sit out for about 20 minutes before you start making your chip sandwiches so it's easier to spread. You can also put together the stuffed chips and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before adding the coating and frying. Just know that the chips might get a bit soft in the fridge, but they'll crisp right back up when you fry them.
Change It Up
The great thing about this snack is how easy it is to switch things up based on what you like. Want something hotter? Go with Flamin Hot Doritos and throw some chopped jalapeños in the filling. Looking for a Mexican twist? Try Cool Ranch Doritos with a filling that has corn, black beans, and taco spices. For an Italian version, grab some Sweet Tomato Doritos and fill them with mozzarella, basil, and a bit of sun dried tomato. You can come up with something new every time you make them.
What To Serve With Them
These stuffed chips taste best when they're super hot and served with a bunch of different dips. I love offering cool ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, and smooth queso on the side. To balance out how rich they are, serve them with some fresh cut veggies or a simple green salad. They're also great with Mexican food or as part of a bigger spread of snacks for watching sports.
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Whether you're throwing a sports party or just want something extra special to snack on, these stuffed Doritos will definitely wow your friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake these Stuffed Doritos instead of frying?
You bet! Pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for around 10-12 minutes until they turn golden and crunchy. Give them a light spray with cooking oil first to help them brown up nicely.
- → What Doritos flavors work best for this?
Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch are top picks, but honestly any flavor does the job. The hot ones like Flamin' Hot add some nice heat that works great with the smooth cheese inside.
- → How far in advance can I prepare these?
You can mix the filling and put together the Doritos sandwiches a day ahead, but wait to bread and fry them right before serving. This way they'll stay super crunchy when people eat them.
- → What can I substitute for bacon to make a vegetarian version?
For veggie lovers, skip the bacon and go with some smoked paprika, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or fake bacon bits. You'll still get that yummy smoky taste without the meat.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these Stuffed Doritos?
Ranch dip, sour cream with green onions, hot queso, fresh salsa, or spicy mayo all taste amazing with these. Try honey mixed with sriracha too if you want something sweet and spicy.
- → Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
For sure! Try pepper jack for some heat, gouda for smokiness, or just stick with cream cheese if you want something milder. Any cheese that melts well and tastes good with bacon will work great.