Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love spicy, cheesy appetizers, these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are perfect for you. These crispy, golden bites are packed with melted cheese and jalapeños, delivering a flavorful kick in every bite. Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend)
- Jalapeños, finely chopped
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Oil for frying
- Ranch or your favorite dipping sauce
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat each cheese ball in flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and then roll it in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F.
- Fry the cheese bites in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
- Baked Option: Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes instead of frying.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Different Cheese Mix: Swap pepper jack for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked bites for up to 2 months. Fry or bake straight from frozen.
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for a few minutes until crispy.
FAQs
What are Rattlesnake Bites made of?
They are cheese-stuffed jalapeño bites that are breaded and fried until crispy.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and freeze them before frying for an easy make-ahead snack.
What dipping sauce goes best with these?
Ranch dressing is a classic choice, but spicy mayo or queso dip also works great.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to freeze the bites before frying and coat them well with breadcrumbs.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through.
What kind of cheese works best?
A combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar or pepper jack works best.
How spicy are these?
The spice level depends on the jalapeños; remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Can I add meat to these?
Yes, crumbled bacon or cooked sausage makes a great addition.
Do these taste like the Texas Roadhouse version?
Yes, this copycat recipe closely replicates the flavors of the original!
Conclusion
These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are an irresistible appetizer perfect for any occasion. With their crispy coating and creamy, spicy filling, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them out and enjoy a restaurant-style treat at home!
PrintCopycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Yield: About 20 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy, cheesy bites are loaded with pepper jack cheese and diced jalapeños, just like the famous Texas Roadhouse appetizer. Deep-fried to golden perfection, they’re the perfect spicy, melty snack for game days, parties, or just because!
Ingredients
- :
- 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- :
- Make the cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded pepper jack cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
- Shape into balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 30-60 minutes to firm up.
- Set up the breading station: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs with milk. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the bites: Roll each cheese ball in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, dip it back into the egg and breadcrumbs for a second layer.
- Fry to perfection: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bites in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot: Enjoy with ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- :
- For extra heat, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For baking or air-frying: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Freeze for later: Store uncooked bites in a freezer bag for up to a month. Fry straight from frozen!
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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