Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are crispy, cheesy jalapeño bites that are perfect as an appetizer or snack. With a flavorful blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and spicy jalapeños, they deliver a delightful kick in every bite. They’re best served hot with creamy ranch dressing.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 jalapenos (seeded and minced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil (or other neutral oil, for frying)
• Ranch dressing (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, stir together the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, jalapeños, and garlic until evenly combined.
2. Step 2: Form the cheese mixture into 10 balls by squeezing the mixture tightly with your hands. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 4 hours. (Do not skip freezing.)
3. Step 3: Pour oil into a medium saucepan to a depth of 1 inch. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). You will need to fry in batches.
4. Step 4: Prepare the breading station: place flour in one bowl, whisk eggs and milk together in another, and mix panko, smoked paprika, and salt in a third bowl.
5. Step 5: Roll each frozen cheese ball in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat with the panko mixture.
6. Step 6: Fry the bites for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese inside is melted. Remove carefully with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
• Use a sharp white cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.
• Try serving with other dipping sauces like spicy mayo or blue cheese dressing for variety.
• Make sure to freeze the cheese balls thoroughly to prevent them from melting too quickly during frying.

Storage

Store any leftover rattlesnake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the coating. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze the cheese balls up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them frozen until ready to fry for the best results.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different texture, though panko provides the best crunch.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 85 reviews

These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are crispy, cheesy jalapeno-studded fried cheese balls perfect as a savory appetizer. Combining mozzarella and white cheddar with jalapenos and garlic, coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, they offer a melty, spicy bite served best with ranch dressing. Perfect for parties or snacking.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 10 cheese bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Breading Station

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frying

• Vegetable oil or other neutral oil, for frying (enough to fill saucepan 1 inch deep)
• Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

1. Mix Cheese and Jalapenos: In a large bowl, stir together shredded mozzarella, white cheddar, minced jalapenos, and garlic until evenly combined, creating a flavorful cheese mixture.
2. Form and Freeze Cheese Balls: Using your hands, squeeze the cheese mixture tightly into 10 small balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze solid for 4 hours to ensure they hold shape during frying.
3. Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a medium saucepan to a depth of 1 inch. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F, preparing for frying the cheese bites.
4. Prepare Breading Station: Set up three bowls: one with flour, another whisked eggs and milk, and a third combining panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and salt for seasoning.
5. Bread the Cheese Balls: Remove the frozen cheese balls from the freezer and roll each first in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko mixture.
6. Fry the Bites: Carefully add the breaded cheese balls to the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown with a crispy exterior and melty cheese inside. Remove with tongs or slotted spoon and drain on wire rack or paper towels.
7. Serve: Serve the rattlesnake bites immediately, accompanied by ranch dressing for dipping, to enjoy their hot and gooey texture.

Notes

• Freezing the cheese balls thoroughly before frying is essential to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
• You can adjust the amount of jalapenos depending on your spice preference.
• Using white cheddar gives the bites a sharp flavor; you can substitute for yellow cheddar if desired.
• Make sure the oil temperature stays around 350°F for best frying results and to avoid greasy bites.

Keywords: Texas Roadhouse, Rattlesnake Bites, copycat recipe, fried cheese balls, jalapeno bites, appetizer, snack, cheese appetizer