Cheez-It Puffs Up Pizza Night: New Pizza Flavor & Easy Recipes!

Get ready for a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your snacking and pizza nights! Cheez-It has just launched its newest innovation: Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza flavor! These aren’t your ordinary cheesy crackers; they’re light, airy, and packed with the bold, savory taste of pizza. This article dives into the delicious details of this new flavor and provides you with several fun and easy recipes to incorporate Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza into your everyday meals and snacks. Prepare to unleash your inner chef and get creative with this surprisingly versatile ingredient!

## What are Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza?

Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza are a delightful twist on the classic Cheez-It cracker. Instead of the traditional flat, crispy square, these are puffed up, creating a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth. The pizza flavor is authentic and robust, capturing the essence of a classic pizza with notes of tomato, cheese, herbs, and a hint of spice. They are baked, not fried, giving them a satisfying crunch without being overly greasy. They are also incredibly addictive, making them the perfect snack for any occasion.

### Key Features:

* **Puffed Texture:** Light and airy, providing a unique snacking experience.
* **Authentic Pizza Flavor:** A bold and savory blend of tomato, cheese, herbs, and spices.
* **Baked, Not Fried:** A healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks.
* **Convenient:** Perfect for on-the-go snacking or adding a flavorful twist to meals.

## Where to Find Them?

Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza are available at most major grocery stores and retailers nationwide. Be sure to check the snack aisle or the cracker section. You can also find them online at various retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Keep an eye out for promotional deals and discounts to stock up on this irresistible snack!

## Recipe Ideas with Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza

Now for the fun part: exploring the endless culinary possibilities with Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza! These recipes range from simple snacks to more elaborate meals, showcasing the versatility of this flavorful ingredient.

### 1. Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza Snack Mix

This is a quick and easy snack mix that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or just a casual afternoon treat.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza
* 1 cup pretzels
* 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, combine the Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza, pretzels, and mini pepperoni slices.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
3. Pour the olive oil mixture over the Cheez-It mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and slightly golden.
6. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.

**Tips & Variations:**

* Add other favorite snacks like nuts, bagel chips, or oyster crackers.
* Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
* Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
* For a sweeter twist, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the olive oil mixture.

### 2. Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza Crusted Chicken Tenders

This recipe elevates ordinary chicken tenders with a crispy and flavorful Cheez-It crust.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
* 1 cup Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza, finely crushed
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Olive oil or cooking spray

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza until finely crushed. Alternatively, place them in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin.
3. In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs mixed with milk, and crushed Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza.
4. In another bowl, mix the garlic powder and paprika. Season flour with salt and pepper.
5. Season chicken strips with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Dip each chicken strip into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the crushed Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza, ensuring it’s fully coated.
7. Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.

**Tips & Variations:**

* For extra flavor, add some grated Parmesan cheese to the crushed Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza.
* Use a different type of chicken, such as chicken thighs, for a richer flavor.
* Air fry the chicken tenders for a crispier texture. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crushed Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza for a spicy kick.

### 3. Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza Mac and Cheese

This is a decadent and comforting twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring the bold flavor of Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups milk
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 cup Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza, crushed
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until smooth.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stir in the cooked macaroni and 3/4 cup of the crushed Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza.
8. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of crushed Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza over the top.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
11. Let cool slightly before serving.

**Tips & Variations:**

* Add other cheeses, such as Gruyere or Parmesan, for a more complex flavor.
* Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables for added texture and flavor.
* Top with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
* Use different types of pasta, such as shells or rotini.
* Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a unique flavor twist.

### 4. Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and healthy meal option, packed with flavor and nutrients.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
* 1 pound ground beef or turkey
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup cooked rice
* 1 cup Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza, crushed
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* Olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Drizzle the bell pepper halves with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, crushed Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza, cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
7. Spoon the mixture into the bell pepper halves.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

**Tips & Variations:**

* Use different types of meat, such as ground chicken or sausage.
* Add other vegetables, such as corn, beans, or zucchini.
* Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
* Top with sour cream or guacamole before serving.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

### 5. Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza Pizza Bites

These easy pizza bites are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. The Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza flavor really shines in this simple recipe.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 can (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza, crushed
* Mini pepperoni slices (optional)
* Italian seasoning (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
3. Cut the dough into small squares or use a small cookie cutter to create fun shapes.
4. Place the dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each dough piece.
6. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and crushed Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza.
7. Add mini pepperoni slices, if desired.
8. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, if desired.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

**Tips & Variations:**

* Use pre-made pizza crust for an even quicker option.
* Add other toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, or olives.
* Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or Parmesan.
* Make a dessert version with Nutella and marshmallows.
* Use different flavored Cheez-Its for a variety of flavors.

### 6. Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Upgrade your grilled cheese with the unique flavor of Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 slices of bread (sourdough or your favorite kind)
* 2 slices of cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice)
* 1/4 cup Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza, crushed
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened

**Instructions:**

1. Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Place the cheddar cheese slices on top of the bread.
4. Sprinkle the crushed Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza over the cheese.
5. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
6. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Remove from skillet and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

**Tips & Variations:**

* Add a slice of tomato or some cooked bacon for extra flavor.
* Use a different type of cheese, such as Gruyere or Havarti.
* Spread a thin layer of pesto on the bread for an Italian twist.
* Serve with tomato soup for a classic pairing.

### 7. Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza Crusted Fish

A simple and tasty way to prepare white fish like cod or tilapia.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 (4-ounce) white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or similar)
* 1 cup Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza, finely crushed
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the crushed Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza and flour.
3. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each fillet in the beaten egg, then dredge in the Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

**Tips & Variations:**

* Add lemon zest to the Cheez-It mixture for a brighter flavor.
* Use panko breadcrumbs in addition to the Cheez-Its for added texture.
* Serve with tartar sauce or lemon wedges.
* Pan-fry the fish in a skillet instead of baking.

## Conclusion

Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza is more than just a snack; it’s an ingredient that can elevate your cooking to new heights. From simple snack mixes to creative main courses, the possibilities are endless. So, grab a box of Cheez-It Puff’d Pizza and get ready to unleash your culinary creativity! Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own unique ways to incorporate this flavorful snack into your favorite recipes. Happy cooking, and happy snacking!