Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Cool Ranch Doritos Cheese Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 6
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pressure Cooking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cool Ranch Doritos Cheese Soup is a creamy, cheesy delight infused with the iconic tangy and zesty flavor of Cool Ranch Doritos chips. This comforting soup combines melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with spices and crunchy crushed Doritos for a rich, addictive dish perfect for cozy meals or party appetizers.
Ingredients
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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1 cup crushed Cool Ranch Doritos chips (plus extra for garnish)
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1 cup milk or cream
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, extra crushed Doritos
Instructions
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Make Roux: Stir in flour and cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
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Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk or cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until thickened.
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Add Cheese: Gradually stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
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Season: Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; stir well.
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Add Doritos: Fold in crushed Cool Ranch Doritos, reserving some for garnish. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
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Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with sour cream, sliced green onions, and extra crushed Doritos if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.Add cooked shredded chicken or ground beef for protein.Vegetables like corn, black beans, or tomatoes can be added for extra nutrition.For vegan adaptations, use dairy-free cheese, plant milk, and vegetable broth.Adjust thickness by varying flour amount or reducing liquid
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Unique Flavor: Brings the bold, tangy taste of Cool Ranch Doritos into a creamy soup.
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Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and cooks quickly.
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Comforting and Filling: Rich, cheesy, and perfect for cooler days or casual meals.
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Great for Parties: Serve as a fun appetizer or dip alternative.
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Customizable: Add veggies, proteins, or extra spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 cups chicken broth
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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1 cup crushed Cool Ranch Doritos chips
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1 cup milk or cream
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, extra crushed Doritos
Directions
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
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Make Roux: Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
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Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk or cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until thickened.
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Add Cheese: Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
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Season: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Add Doritos: Fold in crushed Cool Ranch Doritos, reserving some for garnish if desired. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with sour cream, sliced green onions, and extra crushed Doritos.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
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Protein Boost: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or ground beef.
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Vegetable Add-Ins: Add corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes.
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Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk with vegetable broth.
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Thicker Soup: Add more flour or reduce liquid for a thicker consistency.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add extra milk if the soup thickens too much.
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Freezing: Not recommended due to cheese texture changes.
FAQs
Can I use regular Doritos instead of Cool Ranch?
Yes, but the flavor will be different; Cool Ranch gives the signature tangy taste.
What types of cheese work best?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt well and complement the Cool Ranch flavor.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry and ensure broth is gluten-free.
Is this soup spicy?
It has mild spice from chili powder; adjust with jalapeños for more heat.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but add Doritos just before serving to maintain crunch.
Can I freeze leftover soup?
Freezing is not recommended as cheese can separate.
How do I keep the soup creamy?
Stir frequently while reheating and add milk if needed.
Can I add other toppings?
Sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or shredded cheese work well.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, but adjust spice levels to suit children’s preferences.
Can I use shredded cheese from a bag?
Freshly shredded cheese melts better, but pre-shredded can be used.
Conclusion
Cool Ranch Doritos Cheese Soup is a fun and flavorful take on traditional cheese soup, infusing the beloved Cool Ranch chip flavor into a creamy, cheesy bowl. Quick to prepare and sure to satisfy, it’s a perfect comfort food with a twist that’s great for family dinners, game days, or casual get-togethers.
