RITZ Spinach-Mozzarella Sticks

RITZ Spinach-Mozzarella Sticks

Prep time30 min
Total time1hr 30min
Servings16 servings, 2 mozzarella sticks (55 g) and 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) sauce each.
Ingredients
  • ¾ cup tightly packed baby spinach leaves
  • 1 Tbsp. water
  • 1 pkg. (250 g) brick cream cheese, softened
  • 1 pkg. (250 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ cup light mayonnaise
  • ½ cup roasted red peppers
  • 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 40 Ritz Crackers, finely crushed
  • 4 cups oil
Preparation
  • Place spinach in microwaveable bowl. Add water; cover with wax paper. Microwave on HIGH 30 to 45 sec. or just until spinach starts to wilt; cool.
  • Chop spinach; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese, mozzarella and garlic powder; mix well. Spread onto bottom of parchment-lined 8-inch square pan.
  • Freeze 30 min. Meanwhile, blend mayonnaise, peppers and lemon juice in blender until well blended. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Beat eggs in shallow dish until blended. Place flour in separate shallow dish, then place cracker crumbs in third dish.
  • Use parchment handles to transfer cheese mixture to cutting board; cut cheese mixture in half, then cut each half crosswise into 16 sticks.
  • Heat oil in deep fryer to 350°F. Meanwhile, dip cheese sticks, one at a time, in flour, then eggs, then cracker crumbs, turning to evenly coat each cheese stick with each ingredient.
  • Add cheese sticks, in small batches, to hot oil; cook 30 to 40 sec. or until golden brown. Remove from oil with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cool slightly.
  • Serve with roasted red pepper sauce.
Recipe Tips
  • Snack Mindfully
    Stay in the moment and focus on what you’re eating for a satisfying experience with a portion of your snack.
  • Make Ahead
    These fun-to-eat cheese sticks can be partially prepped ahead of time. Coat cheese sticks with ingredients as directed. Wrap tightly, then place in single layer in freezer-weight resealable plastic bag. Freeze up to 1 week before frying and serving as directed. No need to thaw before frying the cheese sticks in the hot oil.
  • How to Reheat Cheese Sticks in the Oven
    Cool, then refrigerate any leftover cheese sticks. When ready to serve, heat oven to 350°F. Place cheese sticks in single layer on parchment-covered baking sheet. Bake 5 min. or until heated through.

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories240
 % Daily Value*
Fat 20g 
   Saturated 6g 
Cholesterol 55mg 
Sodium 300mg 
Carbohydrate 9g 
   Dietary fiber 0g 
   Sugars 2g 
Protein 6g 
Vitamin A15 %DV
Vitamin C6 %DV
Calcium10 %DV
Iron4 %DV
Potassium70 %DV
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