Deep Fried Cheez-It® Turkey Legs
Deep Fried Cheez-It® Turkey Legs

Deep Fried Cheez-It® Turkey Legs

Behold the Cheez-It®–Crusted Turkey Leg, the ultimate game-day meal celebrating the victorious homecoming of Prince Cheddward to the Cheez-It® Citrus Bowl! This tender, stadium-sized drumstick is suited up in a crunchy cheddar blitz, ready to stiff-arm hunger and deliver a first-down flavor moment. All hail Prince Cheddward, ruling the kingdom and the end zone, one bite at a time.

PRINT
PREP TIME (MIN): 35
TOTAL TIME (MIN): 60
SERVINGS 2

Ingredients

  • 2 turkey drumsticks, thawed
  • 1 quart buttermilk
  • Neutral oil, for frying
  • 4 cups Cheez-It® crackers, coarsely ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Cranberry sauce, for serving

Directions

1. Place turkey drumsticks in a large baking dish and toss to coat with buttermilk. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or up to 24 hours.

2. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350F and place a rack in the center of the oven. Let turkey drumsticks sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

3. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, bring 3 inches neutral oil to 375F.

4. Place Cheez-It® crackers in a shallow baking dish and mix with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.

5. Remove turkey drumsticks from buttermilk and season with salt and pepper. Dredge in Cheez-It® cracker mixture, then place back in buttermilk and toss to coat. Dredge again in Cheez-It® crackers, ensuring that all parts of the turkey leg are coated. Repeat with second turkey leg.

6. Once oil has reached temperature, carefully lower the turkey drumstick one at a time and fry until golden brown and crispy, 10 minutes, rotating drumsticks with tongs half way through.

7. Transfer to a sheet pan and bake in oven until drumsticks are completely cooked through (165F internal temperature), 15 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes, then serve with cranberry sauce.

This recipe uses:

Cheez-It® Original Snack Crackers

Cheez-It® Original Snack Crackers

Where To Buy

Related recipes

Cheez-It® Marshmallow Treats

Cheez-It® Marshmallow Treats

Salty, Sweet, and CHEESY! Marshmallow treats just leveled – in a Cheez-It® way. Make these delicious Cheez-It® Marshmallow treats for friends, family, and wait for the applause.

Try this recipe
Cheez-It® x Grillo’s Pickle Mozzarella Sticks

Cheez-It® x Grillo’s Pickle Mozzarella Sticks

Cheez-It® Pickle Mozzarella Sticks combine the crunch of Cheez-It® crackers with the tangy kick of pickles and the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella in one amazing bite. These are the ultimate snack for flavor lovers. Perfect for parties, game days, or anytime cravings hit.

Try this recipe
Cheez-It® Green Bean Casserole

Cheez-It® Green Bean Casserole

Try this recipe