Doritos Burgers are about to become your new obsession! Imagine juicy ground beef mingling with boldly flavored Doritos and pockets of gooey, melty cheese—all packed into a burger patty that’s anything but ordinary. Each bite is loaded with crunch, spice, and a touch of nostalgia, as the classic snack chips bring a playful twist to your favorite comfort food. Whether you’re grilling out or craving a fun dinner, these burgers have the power to turn an everyday meal into something truly memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together Doritos Burgers is surprisingly simple—it only takes a handful of pantry staples and a bag of everyone’s favorite chips! Each ingredient in this recipe has a mission: the Doritos offer bold flavor and crunch, while cubes of cheese melt right inside the patty for irresistible bites. Let’s break down every component so you nail those signature Doritos Burgers vibes.

Doritos, crushed into crumbs: These will add crunch and infuse spicy, cheesy flavor right into every burger patty.
Egg: Acts as the binder that holds everything together, giving the burgers a perfect, juicy structure.
Pepper jack cheese, cubed: Delivers pockets of spicy, melty goodness and elevates the flavor profile.
Cheddar cheese, cubed: Balances the pepper jack with creamy, sharp cheesiness in every bite.
Ground beef: The star of the show, providing that classic burger base we all crave.

How to Make Doritos Burgers

Step 1: Crush the Doritos

Start your Doritos Burgers adventure by crushing up those chips into small, even crumbs. You can toss them in a sturdy zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy jar—aim for small, sand-like pieces so they mix smoothly into the meat. Crushing them ahead of time ensures you measure accurately and get bold flavor in every single bite.

Step 2: Mix the Burger Base

Place the ground beef right into a mixing bowl, and add the crushed Dorito crumbs along with the egg. Use your clean hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until it’s just integrated—the goal is to blend the flavors without overworking the beef, which keeps your Doritos Burgers incredibly juicy.

Step 3: Cube the Cheese

Cut both the pepper jack and cheddar cheeses into half-inch cubes. Taking the time to use cubes (rather than shredded cheese) means you’ll bite into luscious, melty pockets of cheese inside each burger, rather than having it all melt out or disappear into the mix.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Gently fold the cheese cubes right into the burger mixture. Try to distribute them as evenly as possible throughout, so every patty is studded with melty, cheesy surprises. Be careful not to overmix—just a gentle fold will do!

Step 5: Shape the Patties

Now, portion the mixture into four to six equal chunks, depending on how hearty you want your Doritos Burgers to be. With damp hands, shape each portion into a thick, even patty. Press lightly so everything holds together, but don’t compact them too much or you’ll lose that tender texture.

Step 6: Grill or Air Fry

If you’re grilling, get your grill nice and hot and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until cooked through and the cheese is bubbling. For air-frying, place them in your basket at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The Doritos coating turns golden and crispy, and the cheese gets perfectly melty within.

How to Serve Doritos Burgers

Garnishes

Doritos Burgers love bold toppings! Dress them up with fresh lettuce, thick tomato slices, red onion, and even extra Doritos chips for crunch. A dollop of chipotle mayo or creamy ranch also pops against the cheesy, spicy flavors, while pickled jalapeños really turn up the excitement.

Side Dishes

Keep the fun going with zesty sides like elote-style corn on the cob, crisp coleslaw, or a basket of sweet potato fries. Chips and salsa are a no-brainer, and a cold, tangy potato salad plays well with the richness of your burgers. These Doritos Burgers love company!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Doritos Burgers high on toasted brioche buns, or try them “patty melt” style with Texas toast. For game-day vibes, slice each burger into quarters and skewer with pickle slices for easy party bites. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve as mini sliders with a different cheese cube in each.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Doritos Burgers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The chips might soften a bit, but the burgers stay flavorful and cheesy. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing to keep the texture happy.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the uncooked patties! Form them as directed, place on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Use within a month for the best taste and crunch. No need to thaw—just pop them straight into the oven or air fryer!

Reheating

To reheat Doritos Burgers, pop them in a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. The cheese gets gooey again and the coatings crisp up nicely. Skip the microwave if you can; it tends to make the chips a little soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of Doritos?

Absolutely! Spicy Nacho, Cool Ranch, or even Flamin’ Hot all give Doritos Burgers their own distinct personality. Mix up the flavors and discover your favorite combo.

Can I make Doritos Burgers with ground chicken or turkey?

Yes, these burgers work well with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter take. Just make sure to add a bit more seasoning since leaner meats can be milder.

Do I need extra seasoning in the patties?

The Doritos bring plenty of punch, but you can always add black pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika if you want more layers of flavor.

What’s the best way to keep the cheese from oozing out?

Make sure your cheese cubes are tucked into the center of the patties and the meat mixture is well-sealed around them. This keeps most of the melty goodness right where you want it!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely—just choose gluten-free Doritos and double-check the cheese labels. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something wildly fun and satisfying about Doritos Burgers—they always spark a smile and, honestly, a little bit of burger envy. If you’re looking to bring some new energy to your burger night or wow your friends at the next cookout, give this recipe a spin. I can’t wait for you to taste the crunch and gooey cheese combo—it’s comfort food magic!