Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos

These cream cheese and bacon stuffed Doritos make a fun and irresistible party snack or appetizer. The combination of creamy filling and crunchy chips hits all the right notes for flavor and texture, turning a simple chip into something special that guests will rave about.

I first made this recipe for a casual game night and it disappeared before the first quarter was over. Now every get-together calls for these stuffed chips.

Ingredients

• Doritos: any flavor but nacho cheese works great because of its classic bold taste and sturdy texture; choose larger chips for stuffing ease
• Cream cheese: softened to room temperature for smooth blending and easy spreading
• Cheddar cheese: shredded adds sharpness and a melty texture that complements the cream cheese
• Bacon: cooked crisp then crumbled for that unmistakable smoky crunch
• Garlic powder: brings subtle savory depth without overpowering
• Onion powder: rounds out the flavors with a mild sweetness
• Fresh chives: chopped optionally for a fresh pop of color and mild oniony brightness on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Bacon

Cook the bacon until crisp using your preferred method. I like skillet cooking for even crispness. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces so it distributes easily into the filling.

Mix the Cheeses and Spices

In a medium bowl combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, garlic powder and onion powder. Stir with a spatula until smooth and all ingredients are evenly incorporated. If the cream cheese feels too firm, let it sit a bit longer or pop in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to soften.

Prepare the Doritos

Sort through the bag and pick out the largest, intact chips that will hold filling without breaking. You will need about 24 to 30 chips. Carefully gently open along one edge to create a pocket but try not to crack them completely.

Fill the Chips

Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or use a plastic zipper bag with a snipped corner. You can also use a small spoon or butter knife for filling. Fill each Dorito pocket with about one to two teaspoons of the mixture. Avoid overstuffing to keep the chips whole.

Chill the Stuffed Chips

Place stuffed Doritos single layer on a tray or plate with space between them so they don’t overlap. Refrigerate for at least twenty minutes to let the filling set and firm up, which makes them easier to handle.

Finish and Serve

Right before serving sprinkle fresh chopped chives over the chips to brighten flavors and add a pop of green. Arrange on a serving platter and serve chilled or at room temperature but try not to leave them out too long so they stay crisp.

Save

I love how the smoky bacon flavor really takes center stage in this recipe. It reminds me of parties at my friend’s house where these stuffed Doritos were always a hit and vanished quickly. Adding the chives was a last-minute touch I learned from her to brighten the richness.

Storage Tips

Store leftover stuffed Doritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They are best eaten chilled or gently brought to room temperature. Avoid storing them out on the counter as the chips will become soggy. If the chips soften a bit, you can refresh them briefly in a warm oven on low heat for a minute or two but be careful not to melt the filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping the cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick or use smoked gouda for a richer smoky flavor. For a vegetarian version omit the bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the cheese mixture for that signature smokiness. You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free spread if needed, though texture will vary.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed Doritos are perfect finger foods at casual get-togethers. Serve alongside fresh veggies or a simple green salad to balance the richness. They also pair well with dips like salsa or guacamole, especially if you choose a milder Doritos flavor to not overpower the filling. They make a tasty game day snack or potluck contribution that always disappears fast.

Save

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of Doritos work best for stuffing?

Large, intact chips work best to hold the creamy filling without breaking. Nacho Cheese flavor pairs particularly well with the smoky and creamy ingredients.

→ How should I cook bacon for the filling?

Cook bacon until crispy using your preferred method—skillet, oven, or microwave. Drain excess grease with paper towels before crumbling for best texture.

→ Can the filling be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the cream cheese and bacon filling up to a day in advance and store it chilled. Stuff chips shortly before serving to keep them crisp.

→ How do I avoid breaking the chips while stuffing?

Gently open each chip along one edge to create a pocket. Avoid overfilling and use about 1-2 teaspoons of filling per chip depending on size.

→ What garnishes enhance the flavor and presentation?

Freshly chopped chives add a pop of color and a hint of mild onion flavor. Reserving some crumbled bacon to sprinkle on top boosts texture and visual appeal.

→ Can I add a spicy element to the filling?

Yes, adding hot sauce or minced jalapeños into the filling gives a pleasant spicy kick without overpowering the creamy, smoky balance.