Cheesy Doritos Mozzarella Sticks
Cheesy Doritos Mozzarella Sticks
#### Ingredients:
– **1 cup crushed Doritos** (Choose your favorite flavor, such as Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, or Spicy Sweet Chili for a twist)
– **8 sticks of mozzarella cheese** (You can use pre-packaged string cheese or cut a block of mozzarella into sticks)
– **2 large eggs**, beaten
– **1 cup all-purpose flour**
– **1 cup breadcrumbs** (Panko breadcrumbs can add extra crispiness)
– **Vegetable oil for frying** (Enough to cover the mozzarella sticks in a deep fryer or a large, deep pan)
#### Directions:
1. **Prepare the Coating:**
– Set up your coating station with four shallow dishes or bowls. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, pour the breadcrumbs. In the fourth dish, place the crushed Doritos.
2. **Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:**
– Start by rolling each mozzarella stick in the flour, making sure to cover it entirely. Shake off any excess flour.
– Next, dip the flour-coated mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
– After the egg wash, roll the stick in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to ensure the Doritos adhere to the stick.
– For an extra crunchy layer, you can double-dip the mozzarella stick by repeating the egg wash and Doritos coating steps.
3. **Chill the Mozzarella Sticks:**
– Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze the sticks for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the coating set and prevents the cheese from oozing out during frying.
4. **Heat the Oil:**
– In a deep fryer or a large, deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the mozzarella sticks. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil maintains the correct temperature.
5. **Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:**
– Carefully lower a few mozzarella sticks into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the oil temperature to drop.
– Cook each stick until golden brown and crispy, which should take about 1-2 minutes per side. Watch closely to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
6. **Drain the Mozzarella Sticks:**
– Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the mozzarella sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. **Serve:**
– Serve your Cheesy Doritos Mozzarella Sticks hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo are great options.
#### Nutrition Information:
– **Calories:** Approximately 220 kcal per serving
– **Servings:** 8 servings
#### Cooking Tips:
– **For Extra Crunch:** Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs to add an additional layer of crunchiness to your mozzarella sticks.
– **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the mozzarella sticks in advance and keep them frozen until you’re ready to fry them. They can be frozen for up to a month in an airtight container.
– **Safety Tip:** Be cautious while frying and maintain the oil temperature to avoid splattering or burning.
Enjoy your Cheesy Doritos Mozzarella Sticks as a fun appetizer or snack!