Homemade Doritos

Step 2: Mix Seasonings

This was the hard part, makers, but for you I pushed myself through exhaustive "research" to perfect the Cool Ranch powder. Lots of Doritos bags were finished off in the process, and a special thanks to Carleyy for her help in the test kitchen.

With a small bowl and whisk, mix together your seasonings. These are approximate measurements - it's all about taste testing to your own preferences. But with these ingredients and ratios I got a powder that tastes just like the real thing

• 1/2 packet Hidden Valley ranch mix
• 1/4 packet cheese powder from a box of white cheddar mac n' cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• pinch paprika

This made about enough seasoning for a large bag. You'll need ~2 teaspoons of finished spices per baking sheet of chips.
 

Comments

[silvertank]

Looks yummy, but I'm afraid Hidden Valley ranch mix is full of MSG, and that gives me a smoking headache. Any alernatives?
I will try the chips recipe, as I can eat them without the ranch mix.

[BGR8FUL]

I agree with you, silvertank; I stay away from MSG, not for headache reasons, but because it's a chemical. I have just read this recipe and have not yet tried it, but I actually have a packet of Simply Organic Ranch Dressing mix in my pantry which is what I will use. You should be able to find it in most grocery stores (organic section).

[wobbler]

MSG is a chemical, as most things are. I presume you mean it's "man made" but it's actually a naturally occurring non-essential amino acid commercially produced from fermentation with yeasts or bacteria.
In addition, MSG has never, in scientific tests versus anecdotal evidence, been found to cause any adverse effects in humans, even in "MSG intolerant" people.
I would worry more about the salt (5% sodium) and the 200 calories in a 40g bag.
ref:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monosodium_glutamate
http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/calories-in-food/snacks/Tangy-Cheese-Doritos.htm
http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-doritos-toasted-corn-tortilla-chips-i83666

[jtpetway]

MSG crosses the blood brain bearer and causes Alzheimer's. It also opens the blood brain bearer to pass other harmful toxins into the brain, like micro aluminum and fluorine. Keep using it and you brain will be gone by the time you are sixty years old.
I point these things out for your own good. Live long and prosper.

[jtpetway]

Blood brain bearer should read blood brain barrior. Thanks to max_brasil for correcting my typo.

[silvertank]

I find it interesting that I cannot post a comment about MSG without having someone defend it. After all, high fructose corn syrup is just sugar, so why all the hoopla? Well, because they are not naturally occurring and our bodies weren't designed to process them. Sure, they are cheap, so corporations will dump in massive amounts; and they have stronger taste than their natural counterparts, so we consume more than we should. If the goal of this instructable is to create a Doritos-like chip, then go ahead and dump in the MSG. But I prefer to upgrade the recipe into something that favors more natural ingredients. For that, I will follow BRG8FUL's advice on the organic ranch mix.

[BGR8FUL]

I have no idea about any studies, but I DO know when my mother was being treated for migraines, her Dr. told her to stay away from MSG, Nitrites, Nitrates, etc. I know many people who get headaches from MSG. On several occasions after my mother had a horrible headache, she reviews what she ate and when reading ingredients of certain foods, she discovered MSG in the item. Personally, I don't see that as being coincidental. So, it is my personal opinion and choice to stay away from it. :o)

[Spookeriffic]

This is a good point I hadn't considered. Thanks for the tip!

[bonpierce]

Had to try this ASAP. I only had whole wheat tortillas. I loved them. Made a spicy sprinkle with salt, chili , chipotle, garlic and onion powder and red pepper.
Dang tasty! These will be a dangerous quick and easy snack.

[mwoodall1]

What's the spaghetti sauce pack for? I don't see it in the instructions.

[sm.redneck]

That is just one of the flavorings you can use...I've used the spaghetti seasoning before on some home fries...unusually delicious@@

[kazmataz]

Gave Nacho Cheese a whirl, and it called for powdered tomato along with some other things I found in the spaghetti sauce pack

[mwoodall1]

Did the Nacho cheese work out?

[kazmataz]

Still a work in progress. Couldn't quite get the right cheese flavor, but will be trying again!

[kwinsor]

you don't actually have to take the cheese from the white cheddar mac and cheese....Cabot makes a shaker that looks like a Parmesan cheese shaker and it's actually white cheddar for use on popcorn and stuff like that.=o) Love the recipe for the cool ranch though!