Cheez-It X Moe’s Southwest Grill: Irresistible Recipe Collabs You Need to Try!

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds! Two iconic brands, Cheez-It and Moe’s Southwest Grill, have joined forces to create a flavor explosion that’s taking the culinary world by storm. This isn’t just a snack collaboration; it’s a full-blown recipe revolution, bringing the cheesy, crunchy goodness of Cheez-It together with the bold, zesty flavors of Moe’s. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some incredibly delicious and easy-to-make recipes that perfectly blend these two powerhouses. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these Cheez-It and Moe’s Southwest Grill collaborations will add a playful and delicious twist to your meals.

Why This Collaboration Works So Well

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s explore why this collaboration is such a brilliant idea. Cheez-Its are known for their sharp, cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch. Moe’s Southwest Grill is famous for its fresh ingredients, customizable options, and bold, Southwestern-inspired flavors. The combination of these two creates a symphony of textures and tastes that’s both familiar and exciting.

* **Flavor Contrast:** The cheesy, savory notes of Cheez-It complement the spicy, zesty flavors of Moe’s Southwest Grill perfectly.
* **Texture Play:** The crunchy texture of Cheez-It adds a delightful contrast to the soft, creamy, and sometimes saucy elements of Moe’s dishes.
* **Customization:** Both brands encourage creativity and customization, making it easy to adapt these recipes to your own preferences.
* **Fun and Nostalgic:** Cheez-Its evoke a sense of childhood nostalgia, while Moe’s brings a vibrant, modern twist. Together, they create a playful and approachable culinary experience.

Recipe 1: Cheez-It Crusted Chicken Burrito Bowl

This recipe takes the classic burrito bowl to a whole new level by adding a crispy, cheesy Cheez-It crust to tender chicken. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 2 cups Cheez-It crackers, finely crushed (about 1 box)
* 1 tbsp chili powder
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 2 cups cooked rice (Moe’s Cilantro Lime Rice recipe recommended, see below)
* 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
* 1 cup shredded lettuce
* 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
* 1/4 cup red onion, diced
* Moe’s Southwest Ranch dressing (or your favorite ranch dressing)
* Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapenos

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine flour, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
2. **Crush the Cheez-Its:** Place the Cheez-It crackers in a food processor and pulse until they are finely crushed. Alternatively, you can place them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. **Create the Cheez-It Crust:** In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine the crushed Cheez-Its with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. **Coat the Chicken:** Dip each floured chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then dredge it in the crushed Cheez-It mixture, pressing gently to ensure the Cheez-Its adhere to the chicken.
5. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Cheez-It crusted chicken pieces to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the Cheez-It crust is golden brown and crispy.
6. **Assemble the Burrito Bowl:** In a bowl, layer the cooked rice, black beans, corn, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion.
7. **Add the Chicken:** Top the bowl with the Cheez-It crusted chicken.
8. **Dress it Up:** Drizzle with Moe’s Southwest Ranch dressing (or your favorite ranch dressing). Add any additional toppings you like, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or jalapenos.
9. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!

Moe’s Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe (Optional)

To make this burrito bowl even more authentic, use Moe’s signature Cilantro Lime Rice. Here’s how:

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups long-grain rice
* 4 cups water
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* Juice of 2 limes
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1/2 tsp salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Rice:** Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. **Simmer:** Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the water is absorbed.
4. **Fluff and Season:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
5. **Add Cilantro and Lime:** Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Mix well.

Recipe 2: Cheez-It Encrusted Quesadillas with Moe’s Queso

Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal, and this Cheez-It version adds a fun and flavorful twist. The crunchy Cheez-It crust pairs perfectly with the gooey cheese and the creamy Moe’s Queso.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 large flour tortillas
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* 1 cup Cheez-It crackers, finely crushed
* 2 tbsp butter, melted
* Moe’s Queso (recipe below, or store-bought)
* Optional fillings: cooked chicken, black beans, corn, bell peppers, onions

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cheez-It Crust:** Place the Cheez-It crackers in a food processor and pulse until they are finely crushed. Alternatively, you can place them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
2. **Assemble the Quesadillas:** Lay out the tortillas on a flat surface. Sprinkle half of the cheese on one half of each tortilla. Add any optional fillings you like, such as cooked chicken, black beans, corn, or bell peppers.
3. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the fillings.
4. **Fold the Tortillas:** Fold the tortillas in half, pressing gently to seal.
5. **Coat with Cheez-Its:** Brush the top of each quesadilla with melted butter. Sprinkle generously with the crushed Cheez-Its, pressing gently to ensure they adhere to the tortilla.
6. **Cook the Quesadillas:** Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the quesadillas in the skillet, Cheez-It side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the quesadilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve immediately with Moe’s Queso for dipping.

Moe’s Queso Recipe (Copycat)

While you can buy Moe’s Queso at their restaurants, here’s a copycat recipe you can make at home:

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
* 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 1/4 tsp garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp cumin

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the Velveeta cheese, diced tomatoes and green chilies, milk, cilantro, garlic powder, and cumin.
2. **Melt the Cheese:** Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn the cheese.
3. **Serve:** Serve warm with the Cheez-It encrusted quesadillas, tortilla chips, or as a topping for your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.

Recipe 3: Cheez-It Taco Salad with Moe’s Southwest Vinaigrette

This taco salad is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy the Cheez-It and Moe’s Southwest Grill collaboration. The crunchy Cheez-Its add a satisfying texture to the salad, while the Moe’s Southwest Vinaigrette brings a zesty and refreshing flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef or turkey
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1 head of lettuce, shredded
* 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup Cheez-It crackers, coarsely crushed
* 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
* 1/4 cup red onion, diced
* Moe’s Southwest Vinaigrette (recipe below, or your favorite vinaigrette)
* Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapenos

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Meat:** In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until it is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Season the Meat:** Add the taco seasoning to the cooked meat and stir well. Add 1/2 cup of water and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
3. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, black beans, corn, shredded cheddar cheese, crushed Cheez-Its, chopped tomatoes, and red onion.
4. **Add the Meat:** Top the salad with the seasoned meat.
5. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle with Moe’s Southwest Vinaigrette (or your favorite vinaigrette). Add any additional toppings you like, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or jalapenos.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve immediately and enjoy the crunchy, flavorful taco salad!

Moe’s Southwest Vinaigrette Recipe (Copycat)

This vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the Cheez-It taco salad. It’s tangy, zesty, and full of Southwestern flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. **Whisk or Shake:** Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. Alternatively, you can place the ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake vigorously until emulsified.
3. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more lime juice for a tangier flavor, or more honey for a sweeter flavor.
4. **Store:** Store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Recipe 4: Cheez-It Crusted Stuffed Bell Peppers with Moe’s Salsa

This recipe brings a Southwestern twist to classic stuffed bell peppers. The Cheez-It crust adds a delightful crunch, while the Moe’s salsa provides a burst of fresh flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise and seeded
* 1 pound ground beef or turkey
* 1 cup cooked rice
* 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup Cheez-It crackers, finely crushed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Moe’s Salsa (recipe below, or store-bought)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bell Peppers:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bell pepper halves in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes, or until slightly softened.
2. **Cook the Meat:** In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until it is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. **Sauté Aromatics:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. **Season the Meat:** Add the taco seasoning to the cooked meat and stir well. Add 1/2 cup of water and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
5. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, cooked rice, black beans, corn, and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. **Crush the Cheez-Its:** Place the Cheez-It crackers in a food processor and pulse until they are finely crushed. Alternatively, you can place them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
7. **Stuff the Bell Peppers:** Remove the bell peppers from the oven and fill each half with the meat and rice mixture. Top each stuffed bell pepper with the crushed Cheez-Its.
8. **Bake:** Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Cheez-It crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
9. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Cheez-It crusted stuffed bell peppers warm with Moe’s Salsa.

Moe’s Salsa Recipe (Copycat)

This salsa is fresh, flavorful, and the perfect topping for the stuffed bell peppers.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
* 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño (if using), garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
2. **Mix Well:** Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined.
3. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the salsa and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more lime juice for a tangier flavor, or more jalapeño for a spicier flavor.
5. **Serve:** Serve chilled with the Cheez-It crusted stuffed bell peppers, tortilla chips, or as a topping for your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.

Tips and Tricks for Success

* **Crush the Cheez-Its Finely:** For the best results, make sure the Cheez-It crackers are finely crushed. This will ensure they adhere to the food and create a crispy crust.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** When cooking the Cheez-It crusted chicken or quesadillas, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
* **Adjust the Spiciness:** If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of chili powder or jalapeño in the recipes. You can also use mild diced tomatoes and green chilies.
* **Get Creative with Fillings:** Feel free to experiment with different fillings for the quesadillas and stuffed bell peppers. Some other great options include mushrooms, spinach, and different types of cheese.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of the ingredients, the better the final result will be. Use fresh vegetables, high-quality cheese, and flavorful spices.
* **Make it a Party:** These Cheez-It and Moe’s Southwest Grill collaboration recipes are perfect for parties and gatherings. Set up a taco bar or quesadilla station and let your guests customize their own creations.

Other Delicious Cheez-It and Southwest Inspired Ideas

While the recipes above are a great starting point, here are some other ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

* **Cheez-It Crusted Fish Tacos:** Use crushed Cheez-Its as a coating for fish fillets and serve them in tacos with Moe’s salsa and slaw.
* **Cheez-It Nachos:** Top tortilla chips with melted cheese, black beans, corn, jalapenos, and crushed Cheez-Its. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Cheez-It Stuffed Jalapenos:** Fill jalapenos with cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, then coat them with crushed Cheez-Its and bake until golden brown.
* **Cheez-It Chicken Fingers:** Substitute crushed Cheez-Its for breadcrumbs in your favorite chicken finger recipe.
* **Cheez-It Queso Dip:** Add crushed Cheez-Its to your favorite queso dip for a crunchy and cheesy topping.
* **Moe’s Southwest Inspired Cheez-It Snack Mix:** Combine Cheez-Its with your favorite nuts, pretzels, and spices, then bake for a warm and savory snack mix.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Cheez-It and Moe’s Southwest Grill is a match made in culinary heaven. These recipes are a fun and delicious way to combine the cheesy, crunchy goodness of Cheez-It with the bold, zesty flavors of Moe’s. Whether you’re making a Cheez-It crusted chicken burrito bowl, Cheez-It encrusted quesadillas, or a Cheez-It taco salad, these recipes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, get creative in the kitchen and experiment with these delicious combinations. Don’t be afraid to adjust the recipes to your own preferences and have fun with it! The possibilities are endless when you combine the iconic flavors of Cheez-It and Moe’s Southwest Grill. Happy cooking!

Enjoy these amazing recipes and share your own Cheez-It and Moe’s Southwest Grill creations! We can’t wait to see what you come up with!