The Perfect Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Recipe at Home

Crispy, cheesy texas roadhouse rattlesnake bites spark memories of spontaneous gatherings with close companions.

Jalapeño peppers packed with cream cheese create an irresistible appetizer that instantly energizes any meal.

Spicy ingredients combine in a dance of flavors that catch everyone’s attention.

Sharp cheddar and jalapeños blend perfectly to deliver a kick of excitement.

Unexpected combinations often produce the most memorable culinary experiences, making this recipe a conversation starter.

Restaurants rarely share such delectable secrets, but now you can recreate this popular appetizer at home.

Let’s dive into making these addictive bites that will leave everyone craving more.

What Makes Rattlesnake Bites A Hit

• Burst with Flavor: Packed with spicy jalapeños and two types of zesty cheese, these bites deliver an explosive taste experience that will make your taste buds dance.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Perfect for game nights, parties, and family gatherings, these crispy cheese balls will have everyone reaching for more and asking for the recipe.
• Easy Impressive Cooking: Despite looking professionally made, this recipe is beginner-friendly with simple steps and minimal cooking skills required, letting home cooks shine in the kitchen.
• Customizable Heat Level: By adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes and jalapeños, you can control the spice intensity to suit different palate preferences, making it adaptable for everyone.

What’s In Rattlesnake Bites

• Pepper Jack Cheese: Spicy and melty cheese for a kick.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Rich and tangy cheese for depth.
• Jalapeños: Soft and zesty peppers for heat.

• All-Purpose Flour: Light coating for the cheese balls.
• Buttermilk: Tangy liquid for dipping.
• Eggs: Binding agent for the breading.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs.
• Slap Ya Mama Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spice blend for extra flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for deep frying.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess oil.

How To Make Rattlesnake Bites

Step 1: Prepare Dredging Station

Set up three shallow dishes.

In the first dish, add all-purpose flour.

In the second dish, whisk buttermilk and eggs together.

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Step 2: Create Cheese Filling

• Shredded pepper jack cheese
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Softened jalapeños

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Shape Cheese Balls

Roll the cheese and jalapeño mixture into small, compact bite-sized balls.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Put the sheet in the freezer for 30-45 minutes to help the balls firm up.

Step 4: Coat Cheese Balls

• First, roll in flour
• Next, dip in buttermilk and egg mixture
• Finally, coat with seasoned breadcrumb mixture

For extra crispiness, repeat the buttermilk and breadcrumb coating.

Step 5: Fry Rattlesnake Bites

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.

Carefully fry the cheese balls in small batches of 6-8 pieces.

Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bites onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the hot Rattlesnake Bites to a serving plate.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or spicy aioli.

Pro Tips For Rattlesnake Bites

• Chilling the cheese balls before dredging helps them maintain their shape and prevents cheese from leaking during frying.
• Give the cheese balls a second dip in buttermilk and breadcrumbs to create an extra crispy, golden exterior that'll make everyone's mouth water.
• Maintain medium-high heat around 350°F to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, using a thermometer for precision.
• Adjust the Slap Ya Mama seasoning and red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, making these bites perfect for mild or spicy lovers.
• Enjoy the rattlesnake bites right after frying when they're crispy on the outside and gooey with melted cheese on the inside.

Store And Reheat Rattlesnake Bites

• Store leftover rattlesnake bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them crisp and fresh in the refrigerator.
• Pack cooled bites in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Arrange bites on a baking sheet, bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy, restoring their original crunch.
• Warm chilled bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they return to their delightful crispy texture without excess oil.

What To Pair With Rattlesnake Bites

• Spice Up the Pairing: Jalapeño margaritas complement the heat and cheesy flavor of Rattlesnake Bites, creating a zesty Tex-Mex cocktail experience that matches the appetizer's bold personality.
• Cool Down the Burn: Creamy ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce provides a smooth, tangy counterpoint to the spicy cheese balls, balancing the intense jalapeño and pepper kick.
• Brew Perfect Harmony: Crisp, hoppy IPAs or light Mexican lagers cut through the richness of the fried cheese, refreshing the palate and enhancing the appetizer's spicy undertones.
• Southern Comfort Combo: Serve alongside classic coleslaw or a fresh corn salad to add a crunchy, cool texture that contrasts with the hot, crispy Rattlesnake Bites.

Spicy Takes On Rattlesnake Bites

• Low-Carb Keto Bites: Replace Panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb, keto-friendly version. Use full-fat cheese and skip the flour coating.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for coating. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Cheese Balls: Swap pepper jack and cheddar with plant-based cheese alternatives. Add finely chopped roasted green chiles or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Use egg substitute for binding.
• Baked Version: Instead of frying, place prepared cheese balls on a lined baking sheet. Spray with cooking oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.

FAQs

• Are these rattlesnake bites spicy?

Yes, they have a mild to medium heat from jalapeños and red pepper flakes. The pepper jack cheese and Slap Ya Mama seasoning add a nice kick without being overwhelming.

• Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese balls and freeze them before dredging. When ready to serve, just thaw slightly and proceed with breading and frying.

• What makes the coating extra crispy?

The double-dredging technique helps create an extra crunchy exterior. Coating the cheese balls first in flour, then buttermilk, and then seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, and repeating the buttermilk and breadcrumb step ensures a super crisp texture.

• Do I need special equipment to make these?

No, you just need a few shallow dishes for dredging, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a large frying pan or skillet. A slotted spoon helps remove the fried bites easily.

Spirited Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy cheese-stuffed jalapeño poppers called Rattlesnake Bites deliver explosive southwestern flavor straight from Texas Roadhouse kitchens. Crispy golden breading and creamy pepper jack interior promise a zesty appetizer that kicks game night into high gear for you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Peppers and Spices:

• 2 jalapenos, seeds removed, sauteed until soft
• 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Breading and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Craft the cheese mixture by thoroughly blending pepper jack and sharp cheddar with finely chopped jalapeños, ensuring uniform distribution of spicy peppers throughout the creamy base.
2. Create a precise dredging assembly with three distinct stations: seasoned flour for initial coating, whisked buttermilk and egg mixture for moisture, and a zesty breadcrumb blend incorporating Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Shape the cheese mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter, carefully compressing to prevent crumbling during subsequent coating processes.
4. Freeze the cheese balls on a parchment-lined tray for approximately 40 minutes, which stabilizes their structure and prevents disintegration during frying.
5. Meticulously coat each frozen cheese sphere by first rolling in flour, then thoroughly dredging through egg mixture, and finally encasing in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture for maximum flavor and crunch.
6. For enhanced texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating, ensuring complete coverage and creating a robust, crispy exterior.
7. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet, maintaining consistent temperature for even cooking and golden-brown coloration.
8. Carefully lower cheese balls into hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding, and fry until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes.
9. Extract fried bites using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towel-lined plate, which preserves their delicate crispness.

Notes

• Chill the cheese balls thoroughly before breading to prevent melting during frying and ensure a crisp exterior.
• Create uniform bite-sized balls for consistent cooking and even crispiness across all pieces.
• Double dredging provides an extra crunchy coating that mimics Texas Roadhouse’s signature texture.
• Adjust spice levels by modifying the Slap Ya Mama seasoning or reducing red pepper flakes for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg