Dorito Meatballs
Dorito Meatballs are a fun twist on classic meatballs with a crispy, cheesy Dorito coating that adds a pop of flavor and crunch. These little bites are packed with hearty…
Tip: save now, cook later.Dorito Meatballs are a fun twist on classic meatballs with a crispy, cheesy Dorito coating that adds a pop of flavor and crunch. These little bites are packed with hearty ground meat and spices, then rolled in crushed Doritos for an extra layer of yum that everyone loves. They’re perfect for snack time, game day, or whenever you want something a bit different and tasty.
I love making these because they’re super easy to put together and bring a playful, bold taste that’s a crowd-pleaser. Using Doritos as a coating gives the meatballs a nice crunch and a little bit of that signature cheesy kick. I usually keep some extra Doritos on hand to sprinkle over the top right before serving—it adds a great texture and makes them look even more inviting.
These meatballs go great with a simple dipping sauce, like ranch or a spicy salsa, but they’re totally delicious on their own too. I like to serve them on a platter with some veggies or as sliders with buns for a fun appetizer or party treat. They always bring smiles and a few satisfied “wow, this is good!” comments from family and friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef (or beef and pork): I find using a mix of beef and pork gives the meatballs extra juiciness. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken instead.
Doritos: Nacho cheese flavor works best for that bold taste. If you can’t find Doritos, crushed cheese-flavored tortilla chips or Cheetos make great substitutes.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs. You can swap with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if needed.
Parmesan cheese: It adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or even a bit of shredded cheddar for some extra cheesiness.
Barbecue sauce: This coats the meatballs for saucy, tangy flavor. If BBQ isn’t your thing, you can use buffalo sauce, ketchup with a little hot sauce, or a honey mustard glaze.
How Can You Get a Crispy Dorito Coating That Sticks Well?
Getting the Dorito coating to stick nicely and crisp up is key to this recipe’s fun texture. Here’s what helps:
- Coat the meatballs first with barbecue sauce while they’re still warm from baking — this sticky layer is the “glue” for the crushed Doritos.
- Use finely crushed Doritos so they cover evenly and stick better.
- Press the crushed chips gently onto the meatballs for good coverage.
- Give them a quick bake after coating — about 5 minutes at 400°F — to help the crust set and get crispy.
These steps help you get that perfect, crunchy Dorito shell that makes these meatballs stand out. It’s a simple trick but really transforms texture and flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for cooking the meatballs evenly in the oven without extra oil.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – helps keep the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – a large one to combine all your ingredients comfortably.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the spices and liquids just right.
- Food processor or a sturdy plastic bag and rolling pin – for crushing the Doritos finely and evenly.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon – useful for turning the meatballs and coating them evenly in sauce and crumbs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter, leaner meatball option.
- Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack inside the meatballs for a melty cheesy center.
- Mix in finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to boost the heat level.
- Try using different Dorito flavors like Cool Ranch for a tangy twist.
How to Make Dorito Meatballs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup crushed Doritos chips (nacho cheese flavor works great)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (or your favorite glaze)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to bake and finish. In total, you’ll spend about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, including the final bake to crisp up the Dorito coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Meat Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder just until combined.
2. Form and Bake the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them spaced out on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until cooked through and browned.
3. Crunchy Dorito Coating:
While meatballs bake, crush the Doritos into fine crumbs. When meatballs are done, toss them in barbecue sauce to coat completely. Then roll or sprinkle them in the crushed Doritos, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well.
4. Final Bake and Serve:
Return the coated meatballs to the baking sheet and bake for another 5 minutes to set the coating. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy warm, perhaps with ranch or a spicy dipping sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen meatballs, thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before coating with barbecue sauce and crushed Doritos. Then, bake them as directed to crisp up the coating.
What Can I Substitute for Doritos?
If you don’t have Doritos, crushed cheese-flavored tortilla chips, Cheetos, or even seasoned breadcrumbs work well as a crispy coating alternative.
How Should I Store Leftover Dorito Meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the coating crispy.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the meatballs fully, then refrigerate or freeze them. Reapply barbecue sauce and crushed Doritos before reheating to refresh the crispy coating.