Looking for a game-changing snack that combines crispy Doritos, savory bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese? Look no further than these Bacon Dorito Balls! Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a tasty treat anytime, these Dorito-crusted meatballs deliver a unique blend of flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for more.
These meatballs are an irresistible combination of flavors – crispy Doritos, juicy ground beef, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and zesty green onions. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer, a unique twist on your classic meatball recipe, or something that’ll knock your guests’ socks off, these Bacon Dorito Balls are the perfect choice.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these Bacon Dorito Balls in your own kitchen. From the ingredients to the preparation steps, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in a few tips and tricks to help you achieve the best possible results every time you make this recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Dorito Balls
What makes these Bacon Dorito Balls so special? Let’s break it down:
1. Unique Flavor Combo
The mixture of crispy Doritos with savory bacon and ground beef creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The sharp cheddar cheese and the zesty green onions elevate the taste even further, while the perfect combination of spices ensures that every ball is bursting with flavor.
2. Crispy Texture
The Dorito coating on these meatballs gives them a crispy, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy interior. Every bite is a satisfying mix of crunchy and tender, which makes these meatballs so much more than just a regular snack.
3. Quick and Easy
These meatballs come together quickly, making them an excellent option for a last-minute appetizer or meal. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these Bacon Dorito Balls in less than 30 minutes!
4. Kid-Friendly
Kids and adults alike will love these meatballs. The bold flavor of the Doritos and the familiar taste of bacon and cheese make them a hit for everyone. Plus, they’re bite-sized, making them perfect for little hands to grab!
5. Versatile
While perfect as an appetizer or snack, these Bacon Dorito Balls can also be served as part of a main course. Serve them alongside some creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, or even over a bed of rice or pasta for a full meal.
Ingredients for Bacon Dorito Balls
Before you get started, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for these delicious Bacon Dorito Balls. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (your favorite flavor): The star of the show! These chips give the meatballs their signature crispy exterior and bold flavor. Choose a flavor you love – classic Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, or even a spicy variety for extra heat.
- 1 lb ground beef: Ground beef is the base for these meatballs. Use lean ground beef for a juicy, tender texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The cheese adds creaminess and richness, complementing the crunchy Dorito crust.
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Bacon adds that savory, smoky goodness that makes these meatballs irresistible. Make sure the bacon is cooked until crispy for the best texture.
- 1/4 cup diced green onions: Green onions add a fresh, zesty flavor that balances out the richness of the beef and cheese.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A hint of garlic gives these meatballs a savory depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder complements the garlic and adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Paprika gives the meatballs a touch of smokiness and color.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and ensures the meatballs are well-seasoned.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds just the right amount of heat and complements the savory ingredients.
- 1 large egg: The egg binds all the ingredients together and helps the meatballs hold their shape.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Flour helps with the texture and ensures that the Doritos will stick to the meatballs when frying.
- 1/2 cup milk: Milk adds moisture to the meat mixture and ensures the meatballs are juicy and tender.
- Cooking spray or oil (for frying): You’ll need a little bit of cooking spray or oil to fry the meatballs and give them that crispy exterior.
Directions for Making Bacon Dorito Balls
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to make the best Bacon Dorito Balls ever.
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray for easy cleanup. This will ensure the meatballs bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Add the Egg and Mix Again
Crack 1 large egg into the bowl and mix again. The egg will help bind all the ingredients together and ensure the meatballs hold their shape during cooking. If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of milk, but it should be moist enough to hold together easily.
4. Shape the Meatballs
Scoop out a spoonful of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat this step until all the meat mixture is used up. This recipe will yield about 12-16 meatballs, depending on the size.
5. Coat the Meatballs in Doritos
In a shallow dish, place the crushed Doritos. Roll each meatball in the crushed Doritos to coat it evenly, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick well. The Doritos will form a crispy crust that gives these meatballs their signature crunch and flavor.
6. Fry the Meatballs
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a little oil or cooking spray. Fry the Dorito-coated meatballs for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once all the meatballs are cooked, place them on a serving platter. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, bacon-filled deliciousness! These meatballs are perfect on their own or with a dipping sauce like ranch or salsa for extra flavor.
Additional Tips for Perfect Bacon Dorito Balls
To make sure you get the best results when making these Bacon Dorito Balls, here are a few helpful tips:
Use the Right Ground Beef
The best meatballs are made with lean ground beef. Ground beef that’s too fatty can result in greasy meatballs, so look for ground beef with about 10-15% fat content for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
Experiment with Dorito Flavors
The best part about these meatballs is that you can choose whatever flavor of Doritos you like! Classic Nacho Cheese is always a winner, but you can also use Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or even a bold flavor like Flaming Hot for an extra kick.
Bake Instead of Frying
For a healthier option, you can skip the frying and bake the meatballs instead. Simply place the Dorito-coated meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden and cooked through. This will save you time and reduce the amount of oil used.
Add More Spice
If you love spicy food, feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for an extra layer of heat. It’s a great way to customize the flavor to your liking.
Nutritional Information
These Bacon Dorito Balls are undeniably delicious, but they’re also quite satisfying. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (about 3 meatballs):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
The combination of beef, cheese, bacon, and Doritos makes these meatballs a hearty and flavorful snack or meal, with a good balance of protein and fats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make Bacon Dorito Balls Ahead of Time?
Yes, these meatballs can be made ahead of time! You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you’d like to make them even further in advance, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, simply fry or bake them as usual.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It’s leaner and still provides a great texture. Just be sure to choose ground turkey thigh for a bit more flavor and moisture, as ground turkey breast can be too dry.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Dorito Lovers
These Bacon Dorito Balls are a must-try for anyone who loves the bold, cheesy crunch of Doritos and the smoky richness of bacon. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding your family, or simply craving a tasty snack, these meatballs will hit the spot. They’re quick, easy, and packed with all the flavors you crave. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make these unforgettable Bacon Dorito Balls!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips
- Creamy Meatballs with Crispy Bacon
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs: The Ultimate Recipe
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Cheesy Bacon Dorito Balls: Perfect for Appetizers or Snacks
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Bacon Dorito Balls are the perfect combination of crispy Doritos, savory bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese. A crowd-pleasing snack that’s simple to make, these meatballs are great for parties, game days, or a quick delicious dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (your favorite flavor)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- Cooking spray or oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the egg and mix until fully combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Scoop out a spoonful of the mixture and roll into balls, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Coat the Meatballs: Place crushed Doritos in a shallow dish and roll each meatball in the Doritos to coat evenly. Press lightly to ensure crumbs stick well.
- Fry the Meatballs: Heat oil or cooking spray in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Place the Bacon Dorito Balls on a platter. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any flavor of Doritos for a personalized touch.
- For a spicier version, add some cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
- These meatballs freeze well if you want to make them ahead of time! Just fry and freeze, then reheat as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (approx.)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Bacon Dorito Balls, Dorito meatballs, cheesy Dorito balls, crispy Dorito snack, bacon-filled meatballs, party snacks, savory meatballs, quick appetizers, easy snack recipe, Dorito crusted meatballs