Get ready to take burger night to a legendary new level with these bold and crunchy Doritos Burgers. This irresistible mash-up combines juicy ground beef, melty pockets of pepper jack and cheddar, and that unmistakable Doritos flavor all packed into one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weekend BBQ, a game-day treat, or just to satisfy a serious snack attack, Doritos Burgers will light up your table with color, crunch, and serious flavor. Trust me—once you try this, you’ll find yourself craving that cheese-studded, chip-crusted goodness all over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients create such a showstopper. Each one plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of Doritos Burgers—don’t skimp on anything, because together they pack a punch!

Doritos (112 g, crushed): These create a crunchy coating and infuse the burger with salty, cheesy flavor in every bite.
Egg (1): Acts as the binder, making sure everything holds together beautifully during cooking.
Pepper Jack Cheese (2 oz, cubed): Adds a creamy, spicy bite that melts into gooey pockets throughout the burger.
Cheddar Cheese (2 oz, cubed): Brings classic sharp, cheesy richness that pairs perfectly with the Doritos.
Ground Beef (1 lb): The star of the show, giving these burgers their hearty, juicy base and satisfying meaty flavor.

How to Make Doritos Burgers

Step 1: Crush Your Doritos

Start by grabbing your favorite flavor of Doritos (I always opt for classic Nacho Cheese for that nostalgic punch). Pour them into a zip-top bag, and let out some steam—use a rolling pin or your hands to crush them into fine crumbs. This creates the signature crispy coating, and measuring after crushing ensures you get just the right amount of crunch.

Step 2: Mix the Meat and Doritos

Place the ground beef into a large mixing bowl, and add your freshly-crushed Dorito crumbs and the egg. The egg does double duty, binding everything together and helping the chips adhere to the meat for max flavor and texture. Mix everything thoroughly, but try not to overwork it—this keeps your Doritos Burgers tender and juicy.

Step 3: Prep the Cheeses

Take your pepper jack and cheddar cheeses and cut them into ½-inch cubes. Little cheese cubes melt differently than shredded cheese, creating gooey surprises in every bite. Trust me, these melty cheese pockets take your burgers right over the top!

Step 4: Add Cheese to the Burger Mixture

Gently fold those cheese cubes into the burger mixture. Take care not to break up the cheese too much—you want to keep those big, melty bites intact. Stir until they’re evenly distributed, so every burger gets its fair share of cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Shape the Patties

Divide the burger blend into four to six equal portions, depending on how large you want your burgers. Using your hands, form each into a patty—press gently, you don’t want to compact them too much. A little unevenness just means more crispy edges!

Step 6: Cook—Grill or Air Fry

Now for the fun part! Pop your patties onto a preheated grill for classic smoky flavor, or use the air fryer for extra convenience. In the air fryer, cook them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the cheese is irresistibly melty. Be prepared: your kitchen will smell amazing and people will start drifting in, eager for a taste.

How to Serve Doritos Burgers

Garnishes

Pile high with fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, red onion rings, or pickles—whatever you adore! I love adding a dollop of chipotle mayo or spicy ketchup to really amp up the flavor. A final flourish of extra crushed Doritos on top adds a fun, crunchy finish that signals these are no ordinary burgers.

Side Dishes

Doritos Burgers pair perfectly with all your burger-night favorites—crisp French fries, onion rings, or even a fresh corn salad. If you want to double down on fun, serve with a side of extra Doritos for dipping in zesty salsa or queso. There are no rules—only cheesy creativity!

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a crowd? Try making slider-sized Doritos Burgers for easy party bites. Or, build a burger bar with different Doritos flavors (think Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili) and a rainbow of toppings, so everyone can customize their own masterpiece. Get playful with your plating, stacking up burgers on colorful platters for maximum eye appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (it’s a big if!), let the Doritos Burgers cool completely before wrapping them in foil or placing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for a quick lunch reheat or slicing over a salad the next day.

Freezing

These burgers freeze like a dream! Once cooled, wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap and pop into a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Just be sure to label the bag with the date and contents—you’ll thank yourself later.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat the Doritos Burgers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or give them a quick spin in the air fryer to bring back a bit of that signature crunch. Avoid the microwave if you can—the chips stay crispier with dry heat!

FAQs

Can I use other Doritos flavors for Doritos Burgers?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or any limited edition flavor you love. Each brings its own unique twist to the burgers and keeps things exciting for repeat cooks.

What kind of cheese works best if I don’t have pepper jack?

If pepper jack isn’t your style (or you don’t have it on hand), swap in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a more mellow melt. You can even go spicy with a bit of jalapeño cheddar for extra kick!

Can I make Doritos Burgers with ground chicken or turkey?

You sure can! Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter take—just remember that leaner meats may need a splash of milk or extra egg to keep the patties moist and tender.

Can I bake these burgers instead of grilling or air frying?

Yes, baking is another solid option. Place patties on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until cooked through and bubbly with cheese.

Do I need to add any extra seasoning?

The Doritos themselves bring a blast of seasoned cheese flavor, but if you’d like more punch, try a sprinkle of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of black pepper in the meat mixture before forming the patties.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely magical about biting into one of these Doritos Burgers—the crunch, the gooey cheese, the juicy beef—it’s comfort food on a whole new level. Grab a bag of Doritos and give these a whirl the next time your burger craving hits; I’m convinced they’ll become a new favorite at your table!