Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe sizzle of the grill awakens my senses, and I can already taste the summer magic that comes with barbecuing. Get ready to elevate your next cookout with these Flavor-Packed Doritos Burgers! Imagine juicy ground beef, perfectly mixed with crushed Doritos and melty pepper jack and cheddar cheese—this unique burger experience transforms your summer grilling into something extraordinary. Not only are these burgers incredibly quick to whip up, but they also bring a fun twist that even the pickiest eaters in your family will love. Whether grilled or air-fried, they’re a must-try for anyone craving something delightfully different. Curious to see how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let’s dive in! Why Are Doritos Burgers a Must-Try? Unique: These burgers feature the delightful crunch of Doritos, adding an unexpected twist to traditional flavors. Flavor Explosion: The combination of juicy beef, spicy pepper jack, and creamy cheddar delivers an irresistible taste experience. Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy days, you can have these burgers ready for grilling in just a few simple steps. Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this gourmet twist on a classic BBQ favorite. Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings or side dishes, like grilled corn or even fresh veggies for a colorful plate! Doritos Burgers Ingredients For the Burger Mixture • Doritos – Adds a unique crunch and flavor; feel free to use your favorite variety. • Egg – Binds the ingredients together while adding a bit of protein to the mix. • Ground Beef – The heart of the burger, providing that delicious, juicy flavor. For the Cheese • Pepper Jack Cheese – Provides a spicy kick and creaminess; can be swapped with mozzarella for a milder taste. • Cheddar Cheese – Enhances richness and adds depth to each bite; alternatively, gouda works great too. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Doritos Burgers Step 1: Crush the Doritos Start by crushing the Doritos into small, fine crumbs. Place them in a sturdy zipper bag and use a rolling pin or hammer to gently smash them. This should only take a minute or two. Aim for a texture that’s crumbly yet slightly coarse. Once crushed, measure out the Doritos, ready to bring a new level of flavor to your Doritos Burgers. Step 2: Prepare the Burger Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed Doritos, and one egg. Use your hands to gently mix these ingredients until everything is well-blended but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough. Once combined, you should see specks of Doritos throughout the mixture, hinting at the flavor excitement to come. Step 3: Add the Cheese Cut the pepper jack and cheddar cheese into small 1/2-inch cubes. Gently fold these cheese cubes into the meat mixture, taking care to distribute them evenly without breaking them apart. This step infuses the Doritos Burgers with creamy, melty goodness. Be sure each patty will have bursts of cheesy flavor as you grill. Step 4: Shape the Patties Divide the burger mixture into 4-6 equal portions, depending on your preferred patty size. With clean hands, shape each portion into a flat patty, about 3/4-inch thick. Make sure the patties are uniform to ensure even cooking. You can lightly press down on the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing during grilling. Step 5: Grill or Air Fry the Patties Preheat your grill or air fryer to 375°F. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Cook the patties for approximately 10-12 minutes on medium heat, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden-brown crust and ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption. Your Doritos Burgers should be juicy and beautifully charred. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Once cooked, remove the Doritos Burgers from the grill or air fryer. Allow them to rest for a couple of minutes to let the juices redistribute. Serve on toasted burger buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or spicy mayo. The combination of crunch from the Doritos and the melty cheese in each bite creates a truly unforgettable burger experience! Make Ahead Options These Flavor-Packed Doritos Burgers are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while still delivering delicious meals! You can prepare the burger mixture—ground beef, crushed Doritos, and egg—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the ingredients, then tightly cover your bowl and refrigerate it to keep everything fresh. It’s best to fold in the cheese cubes only right before shaping the patties to ensure they remain creamy and intact. When you’re ready to serve, shape the mixture into patties and grill or air fry them as directed. With this make-ahead option, you’ll enjoy mouthwatering burgers with minimal effort, bringing joy to your summer grilling! What to Serve with Doritos Burgers Elevate your backyard barbecue with these delightful pairings that bring out the best in every juicy bite. Creamy Coleslaw: This tangy, crunchy side balances the spicy flavors of the burgers and adds a refreshing crunch. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky corn brushed with butter is a perfect summer companion that complements the savory notes of the burger. Potato Salad: A classic side with creamy dressing enhances the meal, offering a rich textural contrast to the juicy burgers. Fresh Garden Salad: Bright, crisp greens with vinaigrette add a light contrast and refresh the palate with each bite of your flavorful burgers. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and slightly sweet, they perfectly pair with burgers and provide a satisfying crunch that echoes the Doritos. Ice-Cold Beverages: Serve with homemade lemonade or iced tea to keep things cool and enhance the vibrant flavors of your cookout. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note with warm, melty cookies that resonate with comforting, nostalgic flavors. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip provides a luxe touch, blending beautifully with the spicy elements of the Doritos Burgers. Expert Tips for Doritos Burgers • Crush with Care: Ensure the Doritos are finely crushed but not powdered; larger pieces provide essential crunch without losing texture. • Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until blended to keep your Doritos Burgers tender and juicy. Overworking can lead to dense patties. • Uniform Patties: Shape patties of equal size for even cooking; this will help them cook thoroughly and reduce the risk of some being undercooked. • Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm that your burgers have reached an internal temperature of 160°F for safe eating. • Flavor Infusion: Consider adding your favorite spices or herbs to the mixture for an extra boost of flavor in your Doritos Burgers. How to Store and Freeze Doritos Burgers Fridge: Store cooked Doritos Burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their delicious flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked patties individually wrapped in plastic or parchment paper inside a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat the burgers in an air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring they retain their juicy texture. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the burger mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to shape and cook the Doritos Burgers. Variations & Substitutions for Doritos Burgers Feel free to get creative with these Doritos Burgers and customize them to suit your taste and dietary preferences! Turkey Option: Use ground turkey for a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor. The juicy texture remains while lightening up the meal. Vegetarian Twist: Swap beef for black beans or lentils, adding your favorite veggies for a hearty vegetarian burger that everyone will enjoy. Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for an extra layer of heat that will awaken your taste buds and make every bite exciting. Cheese Swap: Experiment by substituting with gouda or pepper jack cream cheese for a creamy twist that enhances the overall flavor profile. Seasoned Delights: Mixing in taco seasoning can elevate the flavor even more, transforming these burgers into a fiesta-worthy dish with every bite. Bun-Free Delight: For a keto-friendly version, serve the patties on lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb option that’s just as delicious. Sweet & Savory: Add some pineapple slices on top just before serving for a refreshing tropical touch that balances the savory elements beautifully. Garnish Ideas: Top with fresh avocado or chunky guacamole for a creamy, rich addition that brings the whole dish together, complementing the crunch of the Doritos. Whether you’re grilling up these unique Doritos Burgers for a crowd at a barbecue or making them a quick weeknight meal, consider pairing them with fun sides like a zesty slaw or a lovely potato salad. It’s all about customizing your experience—so dive in and make these burgers yours! Doritos Burgers Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right Doritos for my burgers? Absolutely! You can use any flavor of Doritos to match your taste. Regular nacho cheese is popular for a classic burger flavor, but spicy flavors like Flamin’ Hot or Cool Ranch can add a fun twist. Just ensure they’re fresh and crunchy; look for bags without dark spots or air pockets. What’s the best way to store leftover Doritos Burgers? Cooked Doritos Burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their juiciness, it’s best to allow them to cool completely before sealing them up. If you have leftover toppings, store those separately to keep everything fresh. Can I freeze uncooked Doritos Burgers? Very! To freeze uncooked patties, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw them in the fridge overnight and grill or air fry as usual. What should I do if my burgers fall apart while cooking? If you’re finding that your Doritos Burgers aren’t holding together, it could be due to not incorporating the egg thoroughly or overmixing. Ensure you mix just until combined and form the patties gently. If they’re still crumbly, a little extra egg can help bind the mixture together. Are Doritos Burgers suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Absolutely! For gluten-free diets, consider using gluten-free Doritos or substitutes like crushed corn chips. If you’re accommodating vegetarians, you can replace the ground beef with black beans or lentils, adjusting the binder as necessary. Irresistible Doritos Burgers for Your Ultimate Summer Grill These Flavor-Packed Doritos Burgers combine juicy ground beef with crushed Doritos for a unique summer grilling experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsResting Time 2 minutes minsTotal Time 24 minutes mins Servings: 4 burgersCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Burger Mixture1 cup Doritos Any variety you prefer1 large Egg To bind the mixture1 pound Ground Beef Preferably 80/20 for juicinessFor the Cheese1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese Cubed1 cup Cheddar Cheese Cubed Equipment GrillAir FryerMixing bowlzipper bagRolling PinMeat Thermometer Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Doritos BurgersCrush the Doritos into small, fine crumbs and measure out.Combine ground beef, crushed Doritos, and the egg in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently to combine.Fold in the cubed pepper jack and cheddar cheese evenly into the mixture.Shape the mixture into 4-6 equal patties, about 3/4-inch thick.Preheat the grill or air fryer to 375°F. Cook patties for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.Let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes, then serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. Nutrition Serving: 1burgerCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesConsider adding your favorite spices to the burger mixture for extra flavor. Ensure even cooking by shaping uniform patties. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!