Save
Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos are the party snack you will want to make for every big game night or Friday gathering. Crispy Doritos turn into tiny pockets of creamy cheesy bacon goodness with barely any work. They always disappear fast and are just fancy enough to get everyone talking.
Every time I set these out at a get together people ask for the recipe before they have even finished their first stuffed chip. The first time I made them was for a movie night and now my friends insist I bring them every single time.
Ingredients
- Bag of Doritos: any flavor Pick large unbroken chips for best results
- Cream cheese: softened This is the key to rich creamy filling let it sit out to soften for easy mixing
- Cheddar cheese: shredded Opt for sharp yellow cheddar for the best flavor choose a block and freshly grate if you can
- Bacon: cooked and crumbled Use thick cut bacon for extra texture cook until very crisp then blot off excess grease
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory punch make sure your powder is fragrant and fresh
- Onion powder: Rounds out the filling look for a fine fresh powder for even flavor
- Chives: chopped optional Delivers a hint of freshness and makes the finished platter look gorgeous
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- Cook bacon until very crisp using a skillet oven or microwave then transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain completely. Once cool crumble into small pieces and set aside. Crisp bacon means no soggy filling.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling:
- Combine softened cream cheese cheddar crumbled bacon garlic powder and onion powder in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well with a spatula until smooth creamy and bacon bits are scattered throughout. If the mixture feels too stiff let it rest at room temperature or briefly microwave for a few seconds.
- Prep Doritos Chips:
- Pick out the biggest and most unbroken Doritos from the bag. Gently pry each chip open on one edge to form a pocket wide enough to fit a spoon or piping tip. Move slow so the chips do not snap.
- Fill the Chips:
- Spoon or pipe about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture into the pocket of each chip. You can use a piping bag or a sturdy zip top bag with the corner cut off. Avoid overfilling or the chip may break.
- Chill the Stuffed Chips:
- Arrange stuffed chips in a single layer on a tray. Pop the tray in the refrigerator to chill for at least 20 minutes. This step helps the cheese set and keeps the chips crisp during serving.
- Finish and Serve:
- Right before serving sprinkle chopped chives over the stuffed Doritos. Lay them out on a serving platter. Serve cold or let them warm up just slightly but not too long or the chips start to wilt.
Save
If you are new to this snack do not skip the bacon. Its smoky crunch turns each bite into something unforgettable and special. The best memory I have with this recipe is my kids helping to fill the chips and giggle when they sneak a bite of the warm bacon straight from the pan.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover stuffed Doritos in a sealed container in the refrigerator. For the crunchiest texture do not stuff the chips more than two hours before serving. The filling can be made a full day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Always assemble right before your guests arrive.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack if you want extra kick. Turkey bacon works for a lighter version though the flavor will be less rich. For a vegetarian version use veggie bacon bits and a drop of liquid smoke in the filling. You could even add diced jalapeños for those who love heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve them alongside crunchy raw veggies or a platter of fresh salsa for a colorful party spread. They are delicious with cold beer or any bubbly drink. For a casual dinner you can turn them into a main by pairing with a crisp salad.
Save
A Little History on Doritos Snacks
Doritos have been a favorite in American kitchens since the 1960s. Their bold flavor and crunchy texture make them perfect not just as chips but as an ingredient in all sorts of creative snacks. Stuffed chips like these are a modern party trend that brings together nostalgia and new textures in one bite.
Recipe Questions
- → What Doritos flavors work best?
Nacho Cheese flavored Doritos complement the creamy filling especially well, but feel free to experiment with other varieties such as Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili to suit your taste.
- → Can the filling be made ahead?
Yes, the cheese and bacon filling can be prepared up to a day in advance and chilled in the refrigerator. Wait to stuff the Doritos until you're ready to serve for the best texture.
- → How do I prevent chips from breaking when filling?
Choose larger, intact chips and gently open a pocket with your fingers. Use a piping bag or small spoon to fill carefully and avoid overstuffing the chips, which can cause them to split.
- → Can I make them spicier?
Certainly! Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or finely minced jalapeños with the filling to add an extra kick.
- → How long can stuffed Doritos sit out?
For best results, serve them chilled or soon after removing from the fridge. They can sit at room temperature for up to 45 minutes before losing their crunch.
- → What toppings add extra flavor?
Garnish with fresh chives or reserve some bacon bits for a finishing touch. A sprinkle of smoked paprika also works well.