Get ready to level up your snack game with these 18 ridiculously cheesy Cheetos recipes! From indulgent appetizers to creative twists on classic comfort foods, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a Cheetos fanatic or just looking for ways to incorporate the iconic orange snacks into your cooking and baking, this list is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Start with our Cheetos-crusted mac and cheese bites, which add a delightful crunch to the creamy pasta dish. Or try our spicy Cheetos chicken tenders, which pack a flavor punch. And don’t even get us started on the Cheetos-loaded nachos supreme – it’s a party in your mouth!
Cheetos-crusted mac and cheese bites
Transform your mac and cheese into bite-sized, crispy morsels coated in the unmistakable flavor of Cheetos. This unique snack is perfect for parties or a quick indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked macaroni and cheese
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup crushed Cheetos (any flavor)
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and crushed Cheetos.
3. Dip each macaroni and cheese bite into the beaten egg, then coat in the Cheetos mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Cheetos chicken tenders
Elevate your snack game with this addictive and flavorful recipe that combines the magic of Cheetos with crispy chicken tenders.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenderloins
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup Cheetos crumbs (any flavor)
– 2 large eggs
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally coat with Cheetos crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little vegetable oil.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheetos-loaded nachos supreme
Get ready to elevate your nacho game with this decadent recipe that combines the addictive crunch of Cheetos with creamy cheese, savory jalapeños, and tender chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken
– 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– 1/4 cup Cheetos crumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese, chicken, refried beans, cilantro, and jalapeño peppers evenly over the chips.
4. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle Cheetos crumbs on top.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Cheetos popcorn mix
Elevate your popcorn game with this addictive mix of crunchy, cheesy goodness. Perfect for movie nights or as a snack to curb your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of popcorn kernels
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup Cheetos crumbs
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Pop the popcorn kernels according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine the popped popcorn and grated cheddar cheese.
3. Add the Cheetos crumbs and melted butter to the bowl. Toss until the mixture is well combined and evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes (popcorn popping time)
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos elote dip
Get ready to level up your snack game with this addictive Flamin’ Hot Cheetos elote dip! This creamy, cheesy, and spicy treat is perfect for any gathering or solo indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 ounce) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until smooth.
3. Stir in cheddar cheese until well combined.
4. Fold in crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
5. Transfer mixture to a baking dish or ramekin.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheetos-crusted fried pickles
Elevate your snack game with this addictive recipe that combines the tanginess of pickles with the satisfying crunch of Cheetos.
Ingredients:
– 1 large dill pickle, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup Cheetos crumbs (any flavor)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together Cheetos crumbs, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each pickle slice into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the Cheetos mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry coated pickles for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total, depending on the number of pickle slices.
Buffalo Cheetos cauliflower wings
Elevate your snack game with these addictive cauliflower “wings” smothered in a spicy Buffalo sauce infused with the iconic flavors of Cheetos.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1/2 cup Buffalo wing sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 cup crushed Buffalo Cheetos
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss cauliflower florets with melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Remove from oven and toss with Buffalo wing sauce until well coated.
5. Sprinkle crushed Buffalo Cheetos over the top and serve hot. Garnish with green onions and blue cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheetos-stuffed jalapeño poppers
A twist on the classic jalapeño popper, these spicy treats are filled with melted Cheetos for an addictive snack.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 large jalapeños
– 1 (2.5 oz) package of Cheetos cheese puffs
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the stems of the jalapeños and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together Cheetos puffs, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each jalapeño with about 1-2 tablespoons of the Cheetos mixture.
5. Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheetos-crusted mozzarella sticks
Elevate your mozzarella stick game with this crunchy, cheesy twist! By coating mozzarella sticks in crushed Cheetos, you’ll create a snack that’s both nostalgic and innovative.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 mozzarella cheese sticks
– 1 cup crushed Cheetos
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed Cheetos and breadcrumbs.
4. Dip each mozzarella stick into the Cheeto-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated mozzarella sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and Cheetos are crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cheesy Cheetos meatloaf
This unique meatloaf recipe combines the savory flavor of ground beef with the bright, cheesy taste of Cheez-Its. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup crushed Cheez-Its
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Stir in grated cheddar cheese and crushed Cheez-Its.
4. Add egg and mix until just combined.
5. Transfer mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf shape on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos sushi rolls
A spicy twist on traditional sushi, these Flamin’ Hot Cheetos sushi rolls combine the crunch of Cheetos with the freshness of fish and veggies. Get ready for a flavorful fusion!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked sushi rice
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 sheet nori seaweed
– 1/4 cup Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup pickled ginger, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. Cut nori sheet into desired size for rolls.
3. In a small bowl, mix crushed Cheetos with water to form a paste.
4. Lay nori sheet flat and spread a thin layer of sushi rice, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
5. Place avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger slices in the middle of the rice.
6. Spread Flamin’ Hot Cheetos paste on top of fillings.
7. Roll sushi using a bamboo mat or your hands.
8. Slice into desired thickness and serve.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cheetos-crusted fish tacos
Elevate your taco game with this surprising combination of crispy fish and spicy Cheetos. This unique recipe is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to mix things up.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod), cut into small pieces
– 1 cup Cheetos crumbs
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Cheetos crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each fish piece into lime juice, then coat in the Cheetos mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble tacos with Cheetos-crusted fish, radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and sour cream (if using).
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cheetos-infused queso fundido
Elevate your queso game with this addictive and gooey Cheetos-infused queso fundido. A perfect blend of creamy cheese, crunchy Cheetos, and savory spices will have you hooked!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup crushed Cheetos
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Remove from heat and stir in crushed Cheetos.
6. Pour the queso into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until bubbly and slightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cheetos-crusted onion rings
Transform humble onion rings into a crispy, cheesy masterpiece by coating them in the unmistakable orange of Cheetos. This unique snack is sure to satisfy your cravings and spark conversation at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, sliced into rings
– 1 cup Cheetos crumbs
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Cheetos crumbs and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each onion ring into the beaten egg, then coat in the Cheetos-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheetos-topped loaded baked potatoes
Elevate your baked potato game with a crunchy and cheesy twist – Cheetos! This recipe combines the comfort of a loaded baked potato with the addictive crunch of Cheetos.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 large baking potatoes
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chives or scallions, chopped
– 1/2 cup crushed Cheetos (any flavor)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in each one using a fork.
3. Rub the potatoes with a little oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove the potatoes from the oven and top each one with shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, and crushed Cheetos.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Cheetos-crusted avocado fries
Elevate your snack game with this unique recipe that combines the creaminess of avocado with the crunchy, cheesy goodness of Cheetos. This sweet and spicy treat is perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a fun appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 cup Cheetos crumbs (any flavor)
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: additional seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut avocados into fry shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix together Cheetos crumbs and panko breadcrumbs.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the avocado fries and sprinkle with salt.
5. Roll each avocado fry in the Cheetos-panko mixture to coat evenly.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheetos-stuffed grilled cheese sandwich
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this addictive twist – Cheetos add a surprising crunch and cheesy flavor to the classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of white bread
– 1-2 tablespoons of butter, divided
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup crushed Cheetos
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese and crushed Cheetos on top of the bread.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Cheetos-crusted shrimp tempura
Elevate your snack game with this addictive recipe that combines the crunch of Cheetos with the tender sweetness of shrimp tempura. This unique treat is perfect for parties or movie nights.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup Cheetos crumbs (any flavor)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Water, for batter
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add water to the mixture, stirring until it forms a thick batter.
3. Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Roll the battered shrimp in Cheetos crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the Cheetos-crusted shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on batch size)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of cheesy, crunchy goodness with these 18 mouth-watering Cheetos recipes! From classic snacks like nachos and popcorn to creative twists on comfort food favorites like mac and cheese bites and meatloaf, these Cheetos-infused dishes are sure to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy, cheesy, or just plain fun, there’s something here for everyone. So go ahead, get your Cheetos on, and make some irresistible memories!
