Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are crispy, cheesy, and packed with a spicy kick from fresh jalapenos. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they deliver melty cheese goodness inside a golden, crunchy coating that’s irresistible.

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, white cheddar, minced jalapenos, and garlic until evenly combined.
2. Step 2: Using your hands, form the cheese mixture into 10 tightly packed balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 4 hours. Freezing is essential to keep the bites intact during frying.
3. Step 3: Pour vegetable oil into a medium saucepan until it is 1 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You will need to fry the bites in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Step 4: Prepare your breading station: place the flour in one bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk in a second bowl, and combine the panko, smoked paprika, and salt in a third bowl.
5. Step 5: Roll each frozen cheese ball first in the flour, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it thoroughly with the seasoned panko mixture.
6. Step 6: Carefully fry the breaded bites in the hot oil for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown outside and cheese is melted inside. Remove 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 and enjoy the melty, spicy bite-sized treats.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapenos or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko mixture.
• Use sharp white cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor that complements the mozzarella well.
• Try serving with other dipping sauces like spicy ranch or chipotle mayo for variety.
• Freezing the cheese balls is crucial to prevent the cheese from oozing out while frying—don’t skip this step!

Storage

Keep any leftover rattlesnake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze the cheese balls ahead of time and fry them straight from frozen when ready to serve. This makes them great for parties or quick snacks.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a lighter, crispier texture. If using regular, consider mixing in a little cornmeal for extra crunch.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 129 reviews

Enjoy these crispy, cheesy Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites, featuring a melty blend of mozzarella and white cheddar with a spicy kick from jalapenos. Deep-fried to golden perfection and served with creamy ranch dressing, these appetizers are perfect for parties or game day snacks.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 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 and Frying

• 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

Serving

• Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

1. Combine Cheese and Jalapenos: In a large bowl, stir together the shredded mozzarella, white cheddar, minced jalapenos, and minced garlic until evenly combined for a flavorful base.
2. Form Cheese Balls and Freeze: Using your hands, tightly squeeze the cheese mixture into 10 balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 4 hours to ensure they hold shape during frying.
3. Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a medium saucepan until it reaches about 1 inch up the sides. Heat over medium-high until the oil temperature reaches 350°F, preparing to fry in batches.
4. Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and milk, and one combining panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and salt for seasoned coating.
5. Bread the Frozen Cheese Balls: Roll each frozen cheese ball first in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
6. Fry the Bites: Carefully fry the breaded cheese balls for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside, with the cheese inside melted and gooey. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
7. Serve: Serve the hot rattlesnake bites immediately alongside ranch dressing for dipping to enjoy their full flavor and crunch.

Notes

• Freezing the cheese balls before frying is essential to prevent them from melting and losing shape in the hot oil.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying results.
• You can adjust the amount of jalapenos to control the spiciness according to your preference.
• For a crispier coating, double dip the cheese balls in the egg and panko mixture.
• Serve with extra ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for variety.

Keywords: rattlesnake bites, copycat recipe, Texas Roadhouse appetizer, fried cheese balls, jalapeno bites