
When it comes to snack foods, few are as iconic as the bright orange, crunchy goodness of Doritos. Whether you’re hosting a game night, indulging in a solo snack, or preparing a fun meal, Doritos are always a crowd-pleaser. But have you ever considered making your own homemade nacho cheese Doritos? Yes, that’s right – you can enjoy the bold flavor and crispy crunch of your favorite snack without the store-bought bag.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make flour tortilla chips, homemade Dorito taco shells, and the beloved nacho cheese Doritos from scratch. We’ll also share tips on how to make homemade Cool Ranch Doritos, other Dorito chips recipes, and even how to make homemade potato chips and Sun Chips.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get started on your homemade nacho cheese Doritos, here’s a list of simple ingredients you’ll need:
For the Homemade Tortilla Chips:
- 6 large flour tortillas (you can use corn tortillas for a more authentic texture, but flour gives a great crunch for Doritos)
- 2 cups of vegetable oil (or enough to deep-fry)
- Salt, to taste
For the Nacho Cheese Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon of cheddar cheese powder (this can be found in stores or online, or you can make your own)
- 1 tablespoon of powdered milk
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon of sugar (to balance the flavors)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Doritos Chips

Step 1: Cut Your Tortillas into Triangles
The first step in creating your own homemade Doritos chips is cutting the tortillas into the shape of Doritos. Start by stacking your tortillas and cutting them into 6 to 8 wedges. The classic Dorito shape is a triangle, so you’ll want to aim for that. If you’re in the mood for experimenting, you could also try making different shapes, but the triangles are a Dorito signature!
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Next, you’ll need to heat your oil for deep frying. Pour 2 cups of vegetable oil into a large frying pan or pot and heat it over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach around 350°F (175°C). To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil. If it starts bubbling and floating immediately, you’re good to go.
Step 3: Fry the Tortilla Chips
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tortilla triangles to the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the chips to cook unevenly. Fry the tortilla chips for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown and become crisp. Once done, remove the chips from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Nacho Cheese Seasoning
While your homemade Doritos chips are cooling, you can prepare the nacho cheese seasoning. In a small bowl, combine the cheddar cheese powder, powdered milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and sugar. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring you have a uniform seasoning mix.
Step 5: Coat the Chips with the Nacho Cheese Seasoning
Once your tortilla chips have cooled slightly, it’s time to give them that signature Doritos flavor. Place the chips into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the nacho cheese seasoning over them. Toss the chips gently to ensure they’re evenly coated. For a stronger flavor, you can add more seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Homemade Nacho Cheese Doritos!
Your homemade nacho cheese Doritos are now ready to enjoy! Serve them as a snack, with your favorite dips, or even as a base for nachos. The crunchy texture and bold cheesy flavor are sure to make this homemade version of the iconic snack your new favorite.

How to Make Doritos Taco Shells
Looking to take your homemade nacho cheese Doritos to the next level? Why not try making homemade Dorito taco shells? These delicious shells are perfect for taco night and add a fun, cheesy twist to your tacos.
To make homemade Dorito taco shells, simply follow the same process as the tortilla chips, but instead of cutting your tortillas into triangles, cut them into smaller circles that will fit your taco shell mold. Fry the tortillas as usual, and once they’re crisp, form them into taco shell shapes. After coating with your nacho cheese seasoning, they’re ready for your favorite taco fillings!
How to Make Homemade Cool Ranch Doritos
If you love the tangy and herby flavor of Cool Ranch Doritos, you can make your own version at home with a few simple tweaks. Instead of the nacho cheese seasoning, you’ll create a tangy ranch-inspired seasoning.
Cool Ranch Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of dill weed
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of powdered milk
Follow the same process as the nacho cheese Doritos: fry the chips and then toss them with the Cool Ranch seasoning. The result is a fresh and zesty homemade snack.
How to Make Homemade Potato Chips
If you’re looking to diversify your snack game, homemade potato chips are another great option. Homemade potato chips are easy to make and are the perfect base for your own seasoning blends.
Ingredients for Homemade Potato Chips:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even vinegar
Instructions:
- Slice the potatoes thinly using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife.
- Soak the potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat them dry.
- Heat the oil in a pan or fryer to 350°F.
- Fry the potato slices in batches until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Season with salt or any of your favorite seasonings while the chips are still hot.
Now you have the perfect base for your own homemade potato chips that you can customize with any seasoning blend, whether that’s classic salt and vinegar or a tangy BBQ mix.

Sun Chips Recipe
If you’re craving a healthier alternative to traditional chips, homemade Sun Chips are a great option. These chips are made from whole grains, providing a tasty, crunchy snack that’s also a bit better for you.
Ingredients for Homemade Sun Chips:
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- ½ cup of water
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Add olive oil and water to the flour mixture, stirring until it forms a dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into small squares or shapes.
- Place the chips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the chips cool, then season with salt or your favorite spices.
Now you’ve got homemade Sun Chips – a delicious, crunchy, and wholesome alternative!
Conclusion
Making your own homemade Doritos, whether it’s nacho cheese, Cool Ranch, or even tortilla chips, is surprisingly simple and a fun way to enjoy your favorite snack at home. You can experiment with various seasonings, customize the chips to your liking, and enjoy a fresh, crunchy treat every time.
From homemade nacho cheese Doritos to Dorito taco shells and even homemade potato chips and Sun Chips, these recipes are perfect for anyone who loves a snack with flavor, crunch, and a touch of creativity. Whether you’re serving these chips at a party or just enjoying them for yourself, making chips from scratch is always a satisfying and rewarding experience.
Next time you crave that cheesy, crunchy Dorito goodness, remember that homemade is always better! Happy snacking!