Yes, Cheez-It–Crusted Turkey Legs Are Happening

Just when you thought gameday snacking couldn’t get any better, Cheez-It is stepping up with a new appetizer — and it’s a big one.

Cheez-It–crusted turkey legs are headed to Camping World Stadium for the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, and a lucky few fans will get to try them on New Year’s Eve. The festive debut also marks the return of Prince Cheddward, the brand’s regal yet wonderfully unserious football mascot. After a brief retirement, he’s staging a comeback on December 31 with a feast engineered for social sharing.

So what exactly is on the menu? Juicy turkey legs coated in crushed classic Cheez-It crackers for a crunchy, unmistakably cheesy crust. (They’re priced at a cool $25.) And for anyone not traveling to Orlando, the brand has an at-home alternative: a Cheez-It–breaded chicken wing recipe that recreates the same flavor. As senior brand director, Cara Tragseiler notes, the coating “infuses every bite” with the brand’s signature 100% real cheese cracker taste.

“Snacking and sports go hand in hand, and football fans tell us year after year that Cheez-It crackers are a must-have on game day,” Tragseiler tells Food & Wine. “We see our crackers showing up on game day spreads at home, in tailgates, and more — so it’s critical to continue showing up for this snacking occasion in our eighth bowl season as a headlining sponsor.”

To complement the turkey legs, Cheez-It is serving a zesty cranberry chutney, which balances the cracker’s sharp cheddar flavor with a sweet-tart contrast. Fans can grab a bite while supplies last, and additional cracker-inspired snacks (like Cheez-It Walking Nachos and a Pimento Cheez & Bacon Burger) will be available throughout the game. Those watching from home can follow along with the brand’s chicken wing version.

A turkey leg, Tragseiler adds, is perfectly aligned with Prince Cheddward’s larger-than-life personality. The mascot first appeared in 2021, bringing a playful, self-aware energy to Cheez-It’s most recognizable snack. After announcing his retirement last year, he’s returning in a new role as court jester.

And he’s in good company: Personable brand mascots are having a moment — just ask Spidey Doughnut — and Prince Cheddward has quickly become a fan favorite. His on-field shenanigans have included zip-lining into Camping World Stadium in 2021 and generally charming college football fans with the over-the-top pageantry of his cheese kingdom. This year, he’ll preside over mascot arrivals, Cheez-It snacking, and other in-game surprises during the December 31 matchup.

Of course, Cheez-It isn’t reinventing the wheel here. Cheez-It–breaded chicken has long been popular across the internet, with recipes for wings, tenders, and air-fried nuggets circulating widely. The salted, cheesy crackers offer a savory umami punch beyond standard panko — a nostalgic, Midwestern-leaning choice for tailgates and Super Bowl watch parties. Still, pairing that coating with turkey legs gives the idea an eye-catching, over-the-top twist worthy of bowl season.

The Cheez-It–sponsored Citrus Bowl airs on ABC at 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re tuning in for the game or just looking for a fun afternoon snack, this cheesy recipe is worth a try.