Cheetos And Cheese: Spicy, Cheesy, And Delicious

Hot Cheetos are a crunchy corn-cheese puff snack brand made by Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo. They were invented in 1948 by Fritos creator Charles Elmer Doolin and have since become an iconic snack for those who love hot and spicy food. The original Crunchy Cheetos are still in production, but the product line has expanded to include 21 different types of Cheetos in North America alone. One of the most popular variations is Flamin' Hot Cheetos, which were developed at the company's headquarters in Texas in the late 1980s. Flamin' Hot Cheetos have a dedicated fan base who have come up with various creative ways to enjoy them, including as a topping on nacho cheese, mac and cheese, and even ice cream.

Hot Cheetos and Cream Cheese

To make this snack, simply spread cream cheese on top of your favourite Hot Cheetos flavour. For an extra indulgent treat, try using flavoured cream cheese, such as garlic and herb or jalapeño, to add an extra kick to the snack.

Hot Cheetos are a popular snack food made by Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo. They were first introduced in 1948 and have since become a cultural phenomenon, with worldwide annual sales totalling approximately $4 billion. The success of Hot Cheetos has led to the creation of various flavour variations, including Flamin' Hot Cheetos, which add a spicy kick to the classic cheese-flavoured snack.

Cream cheese, on the other hand, is a soft, mild-tasting cheese made from a mixture of cream and milk. It has a high fat content, which gives it a rich, creamy texture and a versatile flavour that can be paired with both sweet and savoury ingredients. Cream cheese is a popular ingredient in desserts, such as cheesecakes, as well as savoury dishes like bagels with smoked salmon.

The combination of Hot Cheetos and cream cheese is a unique blend of textures and flavours that has gained a dedicated following. The creamy cheese helps to temper the heat of the Cheetos, resulting in a snack that is both satisfyingly spicy and indulgently creamy. This unusual pairing is a testament to the versatility of both ingredients and their ability to elevate each other in a delicious and unexpected way.

Hot Cheetos Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapenos, minced (with seeds for spice)
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1/2 cup Velveeta or 5–6 slices American Cheese
• 2.5 cups cheddar cheese
• 2 cups pepper jack cheese
• 1 pound large elbow macaroni

Topping:

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Hot Cheetos crumbs
• 4 tbsps butter

Steps:

• Boil your macaroni according to the package to al dente while you make the sauce. Drain and set aside.
• In a saucepan, add butter and let it completely melt on medium heat. Add in garlic and jalapenos, and sauté until fragrant. Then, add in the flour and mix well (this is called the “roux”). It will become a thick paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Now add in 3 cups of milk, stirring as you do so, and let it thicken. Then, add in the half-and-half, black pepper and paprika. Heat on medium heat until everything thickens and bubbles. Taste and add salt to your preference.
• Lower the stove to a low heat. Whisk in one cup of cheese at a time until completely melted.
• Turn off the heat immediately after the cheese is melted, add in the cooked macaroni pasta and stir well.
• Pour the macaroni and cheese into an oven-safe dish and top with cheddar cheese. Broil on high until the top is browned. Then, sprinkle on panko breadcrumbs.
• While this is baking, add the Hot Cheetos to a ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to break them down into fine crumbs.
• Once the mac and cheese is done baking, sprinkle the Hot Cheetos crumbs all over the top and serve!

Tips:

• You can skip the baking if you would like – just leave out the cheese topping and instead top with Cheetos crumbs and breadcrumbs, then serve.
• For the best texture, use block cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in stuff that is meant to keep the cheese from clumping up, and it will not melt as evenly in the sauce.
• If you want to add a protein, try mixing in some cooked crumbled bacon or cooked diced chicken breast.
• For a less spicy mac, replace half the Flamin' Hot Cheetos with regular Cheetos or White Cheddar Cheetos Puffs.

Hot Cheetos in Tacos

There are a few ways to incorporate Hot Cheetos into your tacos. One option is to add crushed or whole Hot Cheetos directly into your taco as a topping. This method will give you a delightful crunch in every bite. You can also try wrapping your taco in a soft tortilla and adding Hot Cheetos inside for a surprising burst of flavour and texture.

If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even use Hot Cheetos as the base for your taco shell. The "walking taco" or "taco in a bag" is a popular choice for those on the go. Simply slice open a bag of Cheetos along the longer side, fill it with your favourite taco fillings, and top it off with cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. You can also add garnishes like jalapeno slices for an extra kick. This mess-free option is perfect for enjoying at a campfire or while tailgating for a game.

For a more indulgent option, try the Cheetos Flamin' Hot Quesatacos. This trendy Mexican birria taco features a generous amount of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The recipe includes ingredients like boneless beef chuck roast, garlic, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and of course, shredded cheese. The Cheetos are lightly crushed and added to the tortilla along with the other fillings, creating a spicy and cheesy delight.

Whether you choose to add Hot Cheetos as a topping, wrap your taco in a Cheeto-filled tortilla, or go for the full Cheeto experience with a walking taco, your taste buds are in for a treat. The combination of spicy, crunchy Cheetos and the savoury flavours of a taco is a match made in heaven. So, get creative and enjoy the delicious fusion of Hot Cheetos and tacos!

Hot Cheetos Chili Cheese Fries

Ingredients

• 1 bag of frozen french fries
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 8oz can of evaporated milk
• 1 bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos
• Chili

Optional Ingredients

• Heavy cream
• Chili oil
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Meat

Method

• Preheat the oven and cook the fries according to the temperature and time on the bag.
• Make the cheese sauce by heating condensed cheddar cheese in a small saucepan. Alternatively, follow a cheese sauce recipe, such as the one from Serious Eats, which includes shredded cheddar and evaporated milk.
• Prepare the chili.
• Once the fries are done, pour the cheese sauce over them, followed by the chili, and finally, sprinkle the Hot Cheetos crumbs on top.

Tips

• For a more uniform texture, blend the Hot Cheetos in a food processor until they become a fine powder.
• If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, add some heavy cream to thin it out.
• For a spicy kick, add some chili oil to the cheese sauce.
• For a more indulgent dish, add guacamole, sour cream, and meat.

Hot Cheetos on Ice Cream

A boutique ice cream shop in California uses Xxtra Flamin' Hot Cheetos as a dust on their vanilla ice cream. The result is a "perfect combination of delicious sweet heat" that "features Marble Slab Creamery's famous sweet cream base with Flamin' Hot Cheetos crushed and scattered throughout".

If you can't find this unique combo near you, try making it at home by topping your favourite vanilla ice cream with crushed Hot Cheetos. Simply buy a bag of Hot Cheetos and a tub of vanilla ice cream, and get sprinkling! You can also make a Hot Cheetos milkshake by blending crushed Hot Cheetos into a vanilla milkshake.

For an extra kick, try using Mexican Hot Cheetos, which are much spicier than their American counterparts.

Frequently asked questions