Cheez-It® Crusted Mozzarella Sticks

Cheese Pull time! Savor the gooey goodness of mozzarella sticks coated in a crispy Cheez-It® crust, baked until perfectly melted and golden, and served with marinara dipping sauce.

PREP TIME (MIN): 25

TOTAL TIME (MIN): 40

SERVINGS 16

Ingredients

2 cups Cheez-It® Crackers
8 sticks mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half horizontally
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
Canola or vegetable oil, for frying
Marinara sauce, for serving

Directions

1. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse Cheez-It® Crackers until they are finely ground, 20-30 pulses.

2. Mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, whisk eggs. In a third shallow bowl, add pulsed crackers.

3. One stick at a time, dredge through flour mixture, tapping off any excess, then dredge through eggs, then finally toss in Cheez-It® crumbs, ensuring the stick is completely enclosed. Transfer to a sheet pan or plate.

4. Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350F. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, gently lower sticks into hot oil using a spider. Let cook until Cheez-It® crumbs are lightly golden brown, 2 minutes. Remove with a spider and transfer to a paper-towel-lined sheet.