Description
Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are crispy, cheesy jalapeño balls that pack a flavorful punch. These bite-sized appetizers combine spicy jalapeños with creamy cheeses, coated in a seasoned batter and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for entertaining or a tasty snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup jalapeño peppers, diced (fresh or pickled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (about 8 ounces)
Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
Coating & Frying
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will create the base for the batter coating.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the two large eggs and add the milk, mixing until well combined to create the wet batter component.
- Form Batter: Gradually add the wet egg and milk mixture to the dry flour mixture. Stir continuously until a thick, smooth batter forms without lumps.
- Combine Cheese Mixture: Gently fold the cheesy jalapeño mixture into the batter until evenly distributed, ensuring every bite is flavorful with cheese and jalapeño.
- Shape Bites: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter to ensure even frying.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Roll each batter-filled cheese ball in the breadcrumbs until fully and evenly coated for a crispy exterior.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying temperature.
- Fry Bites: Carefully drop the breadcrumb-coated balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until the bites turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the Rattlesnake Bites using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Serve: Serve the Rattlesnake Bites hot, accompanied with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your spice preference for milder or hotter bites.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Keep the bites warm in a low oven if making in large batches before serving.
- Use fresh jalapeños for the best flavor; pickled jalapeños add a tangy twist.
- Ensure the oil temperature is steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked bites.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Texas Roadhouse, Rattlesnake Bites, jalapeño bites, cheesy appetizer, fried snacks, spicy cheese balls
