These crunchy, cheesy mozzarella sticks feature string cheese wrapped in a crispy coating of crushed Doritos chips for an explosion of flavor that elevates the classic appetizer. The combination of gooey melted cheese and the bold, zesty crunch of Doritos creates an irresistible contrast of textures and tastes. Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, these crowd-pleasing snacks are perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a fun, indulgent treat with a unique twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires just 4 simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store
- No special equipment needed—just a freezer and an oven or air fryer
- Preparation takes only 15 minutes with minimal hands-on work
- Customizable with different Doritos flavors to suit your taste preferences
- Delivers restaurant-quality results at a fraction of the cost
Ingredients Section
For the Mozzarella Sticks
String cheese sticks – Provide the perfect melty, stretchy cheese interior that pulls apart beautifully
Doritos tortilla chips – Create an incredibly crunchy, flavorful coating with built-in seasoning
All-purpose flour – Acts as the first coating layer that helps the egg wash adhere to the cheese
Eggs – Form the essential binding layer that ensures the crushed Doritos stick to the cheese
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
Marinara sauce – Offers a classic tangy complement to the rich, cheesy sticks
Ranch dressing – Provides a creamy, cooling contrast to the bold Doritos flavor
Salsa – Adds a fresh, spicy element that enhances the nacho cheese notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cheese
First, unwrap all your string cheese sticks and cut them in half crosswise to create shorter pieces that are perfect for dipping. This step creates the ideal size for appetizers and ensures the cheese will melt properly without leaking out during cooking.
Setting Up the Coating Station
Create an assembly line with three separate shallow dishes: one containing flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and a third with finely crushed Doritos chips. This organized setup will make the coating process quick, efficient, and less messy.
Coating the Cheese Sticks
Working with one cheese piece at a time, dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat all sides, then dip into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to ensure the chips adhere completely to the surface for maximum crunch and flavor.
Freezing Before Cooking
Place the coated cheese sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch, and freeze for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This crucial step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking, ensuring your mozzarella sticks hold their shape and don’t leak.
Cooking to Perfection
Bake the frozen sticks in a preheated oven or air fryer until the coating is crispy and golden, and the cheese inside is just beginning to melt. Careful timing is key—you want the exterior perfectly crunchy while ensuring the cheese inside is melted but not oozing out of the coating.
Pro Tips
- Double-coat the cheese sticks (repeat the egg and Doritos steps) for an extra crunchy exterior that’s less likely to crack during cooking
- For finely crushed Doritos, use a food processor or place chips in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin
- Keep the cheese cold until the last possible moment to prevent premature melting
- If you notice any spots where the cheese is visible through the coating, patch with a bit more beaten egg and crushed Doritos
- Let the mozzarella sticks rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking for the perfect temperature and texture
Storage Tips
These Doritos mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed immediately after cooking when the contrast between the crispy exterior and melty interior is at its peak. However, you can prepare and freeze the uncooked sticks up to 2 weeks in advance—simply place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you have leftovers (though that’s rarely the case!), refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make the coating soggy and the cheese rubbery.
Customizing Your Mozzarella Sticks
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Experiment with different Doritos flavors—try Cool Ranch for a tangy twist, Spicy Sweet Chili for an Asian-inspired version, or Flamin’ Hot for extra heat. You can also personalize the cheese by using pepper jack string cheese for additional spice or mozzarella sticks stuffed with herbs. For a more substantial appetizer, consider wrapping the cheese in a thin slice of deli ham or prosciutto before coating. Create a special dipping sauce by mixing marinara with pesto, or blend ranch dressing with hot sauce for a spicy kick. For a lower-carb option, try using crushed pork rinds mixed with Doritos seasoning instead of chips.
The Perfect Cheese-Pull Trick
The key to achieving that Instagram-worthy cheese pull lies in the temperature control throughout preparation and cooking. Start with cold cheese straight from the refrigerator, and maintain that temperature during the coating process by working quickly. After coating, freeze the sticks for at least 30 minutes but ideally 1-2 hours—this prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking. When baking or air frying, watch carefully for the moment when the coating turns golden brown but before the cheese begins to leak. Remove from heat and let rest exactly 60 seconds before serving—this brief cooling period allows the melted cheese to achieve the perfect stretchy consistency without becoming too runny. For the ultimate cheese-pull photo, hold the mozzarella stick about 6 inches above the plate and slowly pull apart.
Common Questions
Can I use regular block mozzarella instead of string cheese? Yes, you can cut block mozzarella into sticks approximately the same size as string cheese. However, string cheese naturally pulls apart better and has a lower moisture content, making it less likely to leak during cooking.
Why do my mozzarella sticks burst open during cooking? This usually happens if they weren’t frozen long enough before cooking or if the cooking temperature is too high. Make sure to freeze for at least 30 minutes and consider lowering your cooking temperature by 25 degrees.
Can I make these in an air fryer? Absolutely! Air fryers work wonderfully for mozzarella sticks. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-6 minutes, checking halfway through to prevent over-melting.
How finely should I crush the Doritos? Aim for a texture similar to panko breadcrumbs—fine enough to adhere well to the cheese but with some visible pieces for texture and color. Too fine will lose the crunch, too coarse won’t adhere properly.
Can I make these ahead for a party? Yes, prepare them completely up to the freezing step. Keep them frozen until ready to cook, then bake them just before serving. They can remain frozen for up to 2 weeks if stored properly.
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks
- 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 2 cups (about 6 oz/170g) Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the Optional Dipping Sauces
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup (120ml) ranch dressing
Instructions
- Begin by unwrapping the string cheese sticks and cutting each one in half crosswise to create 12 pieces total. This shorter length helps prevent excessive cheese leakage during cooking and creates the perfect bite-sized appetizer.
- Place the Doritos in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed, or alternatively, place them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin until they reach a texture similar to panko breadcrumbs—not too fine, but small enough to adhere well to the cheese.
- Set up your coating station with three shallow dishes: in the first, combine the flour, salt, and pepper; in the second, beat the eggs until smooth; and in the third, place the crushed Doritos. Having everything organized before you start handling the cheese helps keep the process neat and efficient.
- Working with one piece of cheese at a time, first coat it completely in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. The flour creates a dry surface that helps the egg adhere better to the cheese.
- Next, dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated on all sides. Let any excess egg drip off before moving to the next step to prevent your Doritos coating from becoming soggy.
- Roll the egg-coated cheese in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere to all surfaces. For an extra crunchy coating, you can repeat the egg and Doritos steps for a double layer.
- Place the coated cheese sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they don't touch each other. Freeze for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This freezing step is crucial—it ensures the cheese doesn't melt too quickly during cooking.
- When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or an air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If baking, lightly spray the frozen sticks with cooking oil for enhanced crispiness.
- Bake the frozen mozzarella sticks for 8-10 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy, or air fry for 5-6 minutes, turning halfway through. Watch closely during the last few minutes to prevent cheese from leaking.
- Remove from the heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the melted cheese to set slightly while maintaining its perfect stretchy consistency.
Notes
- If you notice any "bald spots" where the cheese is visible after coating, patch them with a bit more egg and Doritos to prevent leakage
- Keep the cheese cold throughout the entire preparation process for the best results
- For variety, provide multiple dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, and salsa
- Make a meal by serving these mozzarella sticks with a fresh green salad to balance the richness