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A person is pulling apart a breaded and fried appetizer revealing a melted, cheese-filled center above a white bowl containing similar appetizers. A green pepper is next to the bowl.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Author: Mandy Applegate
Want some spicy, cheesy bites without the hefty price tag? These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites bring all the heat and gooey goodness right to your kitchen. Make them ahead for game days, movie nights, or holidays—they’re always a hit. Give them a try, and you'll see why homemade is the way to go!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Freezing time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Copycat Texas Roadhouse, Rattlesnake Bites
Servings: 6
Calories: 240kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Pepper Jack cheese shredded
  • 2-3 jalapeños diced small
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¾ cup bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Oil for frying
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Combine the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and diced jalapeños in a bowl. Mix well, then press the mixture into tight 1-inch balls. Make sure they’re compact to hold together during frying. Place the balls on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour until they become solid.
    2 cups Pepper Jack cheese, 2-3 jalapeños
  • Prepare three bowls for coating: one with flour, another with the egg whisked together with the milk, and the last one with the breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
    ¼ cup flour, 1 egg, ½ cup milk, ¾ cup bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Take the frozen cheese balls and dip each one first in the flour, then coat them in the egg mixture, and finally roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure they’re well-covered.
  • Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy skillet. Carefully drop the coated cheese balls into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until they turn a nice golden brown color.
    Oil
  • Remove the fried bites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Freeze Before Frying: Freezing the cheese balls is a game-changer. It helps them hold their shape during frying and keeps the cheese from oozing out.
  • Oil Temperature Matters: Keep the oil at 350°F. Too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they get greasy.
  • Squeeze Tight: When forming the balls, make sure to press them tightly. This will help them stay intact when they hit the hot oil.
  • Kick It Up a Notch: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix if you like a bit more heat.
  • Work Quickly: Coat and fry the cheese balls before they have a chance to thaw completely. This keeps them firm and fry-ready.
  • Small Batches for Best Results: Fry in small batches to maintain the right oil temperature and get a consistently crispy finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 427mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 338mg | Iron: 2mg
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