Cream Cheese Bacon Doritoss

I have to admit — the first time I made these Cream Cheese Bacon Doritoss, I couldn’t stop eating them. There’s something magical about that combination of crispy Doritos, creamy cheese filling, and salty bacon bits that just hits every craving all at once. It’s crunchy, creamy, smoky, and a little over-the-top… but in the best way possible.

A Quick Peek at the Recipe

Cream Cheese Bacon Doritoss are exactly what they sound like — a snack-lover’s dream. You take crushed Doritos, mix up a luscious cream cheese filling with crispy bacon, roll them into bite-sized balls, coat them with those crunchy chips, and bake or fry them until golden perfection. Each bite gives you that creamy-cheesy center wrapped in a crunchy, flavorful shell.

Why This Recipe Is Special

This recipe takes your average party snack and turns it into something unforgettable. It’s part comfort food, part game-day finger food, and 100% indulgent. Whether you’re hosting friends, making movie-night snacks, or just spoiling yourself on a lazy weekend, these are a guaranteed hit.

I love how flexible this recipe is — you can use different Dorito flavors, swap in other cheeses, or make them spicy or mild depending on your mood. Plus, they look impressive but are ridiculously easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crunch + Cream: That contrast between the crispy Doritos coating and the soft cream cheese center is irresistible.
• Endless Flavor Options: Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, Sweet Chili Heat — pick your Doritos personality.
• Crowd Favorite: They disappear faster than anything else on the snack table.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy stuff, just everyday items that come together beautifully.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prep them early, chill, then fry or bake before serving.

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a professional kitchen for this — just a few basics:

• Mixing bowl – to blend your cream cheese mixture.
• Spatula or spoon – for mixing and shaping.
• Plastic wrap – to chill the mixture (this helps firm it up for shaping).
• Rolling pin or food processor – to crush your Doritos evenly.
• Baking sheet – if you’re baking instead of frying.
• Tongs – for safe handling while frying.
• Paper towels – for draining extra oil if you fry them.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (60 g) cooked and crumbled bacon (about 4 slices)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Coating

• 2 cups (about 150 g) Doritos, any flavor, crushed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk
• Optional: 1/4 cup (30 g) flour for extra crispiness

For Frying (optional)

• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, stir together cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. It should look thick and creamy.

Tip: If your cream cheese feels too firm, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften.

2. Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15–20 minutes. This helps firm up the mixture so it’s easier to roll.

3. Crush the Doritos

Place your Doritos in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor until they resemble coarse crumbs. Pour them into a shallow bowl.

4. Shape the Bites

Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the chilled cream cheese mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).

5. Prepare the Coating

In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. If you’re using flour, put it in a third bowl.

6. Coat Each Ball

Roll each ball in flour (if using), dip it into the egg wash, then coat it generously with crushed Doritos. Press lightly to make sure the crumbs stick well.

7. Fry or Bake

To Fry:

• Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer.
• Fry each ball for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
• Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

To Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange the coated balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp.

8. Cool Slightly and Serve

Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving — the inside will be creamy and molten.

Serving Ideas

• Game night snack: Serve with ranch, chipotle mayo, or spicy queso dip.
• Party platter: Add some celery sticks and pickles for color and crunch contrast.
• Quick lunch: Pair a few with a fresh salad or fries for a fun meal.

Variations and Customizations

• Spicy version: Use Flamin’ Hot Doritos and add diced jalapeños to the filling.
• BBQ twist: Swap bacon for shredded BBQ chicken.
• Vegetarian: Skip bacon and add finely diced bell peppers or caramelized onions.
• Extra cheesy: Mix in some mozzarella for that stretchy cheese pull.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make ahead: Prepare the balls up to the coating step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Freeze: Freeze coated balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry or bake straight from frozen (add a few extra minutes).
• Store: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispness.

Pro Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t skip chilling – Warm cream cheese won’t hold shape and will make coating tricky.
• Crush Doritos evenly – Too fine and they lose crunch; too big and they fall off.
• Seal the coating well – Gaps let the filling leak out during frying.
• Air fryer bonus – You can air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes for a lighter version.
• Mix flavors – Half Nacho Cheese, half Cool Ranch? Game changer.

Nutrition (per serving, 1 ball)

Makes: about 12–15 bites

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: ~130

Fat: 9g

Carbs: 6g

Protein: 4g

Final Thoughts

These Cream Cheese Bacon Doritoss are the kind of snack that makes people stop mid-bite and say, “Oh wow, what is this?” I love making them when I want something quick but insanely satisfying. They’re cheesy, crunchy, and full of flavor — basically happiness in snack form.