Best Cheetos Copycat Recipes

CHEETOS - COPYCAT RECIPE - (3.4/5)

Steps:

• Make the cheese curls: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, salt, and garlic powder at medium-low speed for 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the flour, cornmeal, and shredded cheese. Stir together at low speed until a firm dough forms. Shape into a disc and place on a large sheet of plastic wrap; wrap tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat liners. Pinch off small pieces of the chilled dough and gently roll between your palms and fingers to form lumpy logs roughly 2 to 2 1/2 inches long and 1/4 to 1/2 inch across. Place on the prepared baking sheets-you can space them fairly close together because they won't puff up while baking. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pieces are no longer shiny and are just beginning to brown around the edges. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Add the coating: Place the cheese powder, buttermilk powder, salt, and cornstarch in a spice grinder or mini food processor and whir for 10 to 15 seconds to blend evenly. Transfer to a large zip-top bag. Add the cooled Cheetos, seal, and shake gently to coat evenly. Store the coated cheese curls at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.

COPYCAT CHEETOS CHICKEN FRIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
• Add the cheese puffs to a food processor and grind to fine crumbs.
• In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, 1/4 cup of the cheese puff crumbs, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper with your hands until combined. Press the chicken mixture into the baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake until the chicken is cooked, 7 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly, then turn out onto a cutting board and cut into 4-by-1/2-inch sticks.
• Meanwhile, fill a heavy skillet or a Dutch oven halfway with oil. Heat over medium-high heat until a deep-frying thermometer registers 350 degrees F.
• Put the flour, eggs and remaining cheese puff crumbs in separate shallow dishes. Season the flour with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Dip each chicken stick first in the flour, then in the egg, then in the crumbs.
• Add the sticks to the hot oil a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd. Fry, turning frequently, until crispy, about 1 minute. Remove to a paper-towel lined plate. Serve warm with ranch dressing.