Introduction
If you love bold flavors, sizzling grills, and high-impact comfort food, this cheese-stuffed Dorito burger is about to become your new favorite recipe. Inspired by backyard cookouts and crave-worthy street food, this burger blends a juicy, cheese-filled patty with a crispy Dorito crust for the perfect crunchy bite. Whether you're hosting friends or firing up the grill for a weekend treat, this Dorito burger packs serious flavor and delivers a fun twist on the classic cheeseburger.
With simple ingredients and quick prep, even beginner grillers can achieve incredible results. Follow the recipe below to create a burger that’s smoky, crunchy, cheesy, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 cup crushed Doritos (any flavor)
- 4 oz block cheddar or mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (optional, helps bind)
For Assembly
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Your favorite burger sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cut the cheese block into small cubes.
- Set aside in the refrigerator to keep firm until use.
Step 2: Make the Patties
- Add ground beef, spices, and crushed Doritos to a bowl.
- Mix until evenly combined without overworking the meat.
- Divide into 4 equal portions.
Step 3: Stuff the Burgers
- Flatten each portion into a thin patty.
- Place cheese cubes in the center.
- Fold meat around the cheese and form a tight patty.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
- Heat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill the Patties
- Cook patties for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Avoid pressing down to keep cheese inside.
- Remove once cooked and juices run clear.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
- Toast buns on the grill for 1 minute.
- Layer lettuce, patty, tomatoes, pickles, and sauce.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty.
Tips
For the perfect cheese-stuffed Dorito burger, the key is balancing structure with flavor. Using colder cheese makes stuffing easier and reduces leakage while grilling. You can also refrigerate your formed patties for 10–15 minutes before grilling to help them hold shape. Crushing the Doritos finely creates better texture and blends more evenly with the beef. If you prefer a smokier finish, choose smoked cheese or add a touch of chipotle powder to the meat.
- Use 80/20 beef for juiciness.
- Seal patties well to keep cheese inside.
- Let burgers rest 2 minutes before serving.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor flavors to your preferred spice level or favorite chip variety. Swapping the cheese type or Dorito flavor gives the burger a completely new personality, from fiery to smoky to ultra-cheesy. Below are a few simple variations to experiment with.
- Use Flamin’ Hot Doritos for a spicy kick.
- Stuff with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
- Swap beef for ground turkey.
- Add jalapeños inside the patty.
- Use Cool Ranch Doritos for a tangy twist.
Best pairings
This Dorito-stuffed burger pairs beautifully with bold sides and refreshing drinks. Because of the rich, cheesy center and crunchy exterior, consider pairing it with lighter sides or bright flavors that balance the richness. Whether you’re grilling for family or hosting a crowd, these pairings enhance the full experience.
- Grilled corn with lime butter
- Classic coleslaw
- Sweet potato fries
- Ice-cold craft beer or citrus soda
- Avocado ranch dip on the side
Conclusion
The cheese-stuffed Dorito burger brings together everything great about grilling: bold flavor, satisfying crunch, and that irresistible melty center. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing recipe that turns a classic burger into an unforgettable centerpiece for any cookout.
Whether you follow the original recipe or explore the variations, this burger guarantees big flavor with minimal effort. Fire up the grill and enjoy the ultimate crunchy, cheesy, smoky delight.