Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Shape and bread the cheese balls, then freeze until ready to fry. This makes them perfect for parties or quick snacks—just add a few minutes to the fry time from frozen.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Choose neutral oils with high smoke points, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. Olive oil isn’t recommended, as it can burn at frying temperatures.

How do I keep them from falling apart when frying?

Squeeze the cheese balls very tightly when shaping, chill thoroughly before breading, and try not to handle them much once coated. Double-dipping in egg and crumbs also helps create a sturdier crust.

Can these be baked or air fried instead of deep fried?

Yes! For a lighter version, bake at 400°F on a greased sheet until golden or use the air fryer at 390°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be a touch less decadent but still delicious.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

Description

Enjoy the popular Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites at home! These savory appetizers combine spicy jalapenos, creamy pepper jack cheese, and a crunchy seasoned breadcrumb coating for a delicious bite-sized snack that’s perfect for parties, game day, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cheese Filling

- - 2 (8 oz) blocks Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
  - 2–3 jalapenos, diced (adjust based on desired heat)

Breading

- - 1/2 cup flour
  - 1 egg
  - 1 cup milk
  - 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
  - 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  - 1 tsp paprika
  - 1 tsp garlic powder

For Frying

- Oil, for frying

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Instructions

Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and diced jalapenos. Mix thoroughly to ensure the jalapenos are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
Shape the Bites: Take small handfuls of the cheese mixture and squeeze tightly to shape into balls approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Compress well to help them hold their shape while frying.
Freeze the Cheese Balls: Place the cheese balls on a cookie sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. This step firms them up, making them easier to bread and fry.
Preheat Fryer: While the cheese balls are chilling, preheat your deep fryer (or a heavy pot with oil) to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Breading Stations: Place flour in one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together egg and milk. In a third bowl, mix bread crumbs with cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Bread the Cheese Balls: Remove the chilled cheese balls from the freezer. Coat each ball first in the flour, then dip into the egg and milk mixture, and finally roll in the seasoned bread crumbs, ensuring each ball is completely covered.
Fry the Bites: Fry the breaded cheese balls in batches for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve: Serve the rattlesnake bites hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or spicy mayo, and enjoy!

Notes

Shredding your own cheese from blocks helps the bites hold together better compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Adjust the number of jalapenos according to your preferred spice level.
Be sure to compress the cheese balls tightly, or they may fall apart during frying.
Serve immediately for the best melty cheese texture inside.
These bites are great for parties and can be made ahead and frozen before frying.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bite
Calories: 62
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 76mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg