Description

Dive into the spicy, cheesy world of Texas Roadhouse with this homemade Rattlesnake Bites recipe. A beloved appetizer that combines the fiery taste of jalapeños with the creamy, rich flavors of pepper jack and sharp cheddar cheese, all encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating. Perfect for parties, game days, or when you’re craving something deliciously spicy, these bites are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 jalapeños, seeds removed, sautéed until soft

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs

2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1–2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Dredging Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. In the third, combine Panko breadcrumbs with Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the shredded pepper jack cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and softened jalapeños until well combined.

Form and Freeze: Roll the cheese and jalapeño mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash freeze for 30-45 minutes to firm them up.

Dredge: Roll each cheese ball in the flour, dip in the buttermilk and egg mixture, then coat in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, dip again in the buttermilk mixture and a second coat of breadcrumbs.

Fry: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the balls in batches, about 6-8 at a time, until golden and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Notes

Adjusting Spice Levels: Tailor the spiciness to your taste by modifying the amount of jalapeño seeds included or by adding extra red pepper flakes.
Freezing: Uncooked Rattlesnake Bites can be frozen for up to a month. Fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Suggestion: For the best experience, serve these bites hot and crispy, accompanied by a side of cool ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Flash Freeze: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American