These Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are crispy cheese balls with a spicy kick! Packed with cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños, they’re the perfect appetizer to share—or not! 😉
Making these bites is easier than you think! Just mix the ingredients, shape them, and fry until golden. I love serving them with ranch dressing for dipping. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives that creamy texture. You could use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version, or even Greek yogurt for a twist!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you’re looking for a milder taste, go for mild cheddar or even pepper jack for extra spice!
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add a kick. If you prefer less heat, try using bell peppers or banana peppers, or adjust the quantity of jalapeños to suit your taste.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch and flavor. For a vegetarian option, you could use smoked tempeh or omit it entirely for still delicious bites!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a light, crispy coating. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but they won’t be as crunchy. Gluten-free crumbs are also an option!
How Can I Get My Rattlesnake Bites Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy coating starts with a few simple steps. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure to chill the coated cheese balls before frying. This helps them keep their shape and enhances crispiness.
- Heat your oil to the right temperature (350°F). Too low and they’ll soak up oil, too high and they’ll burn!
- Fry in small batches. This prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much and ensures an even fry.
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be enjoying perfectly crispy rattlesnake bites in no time! Happy cooking!
Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Copycat Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed cracker crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes for preparation and an additional 15 minutes for frying. Including chilling time, expect about an hour. So, overall, gather your ingredients and get started, and you’ll have delicious bites ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. It should be nice and creamy!
2. Shaping the Bites:
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place each ball on a plate or baking sheet. Don’t worry about them being perfect—they’re going to be fried, so they will look great!
3. Preparing the Coating:
Next, set up your three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This will help with the coating process later on.
4. Coating the Bites:
Roll each cheese ball first in the flour, making sure it’s covered evenly. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off before rolling it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure they are thoroughly coated for that crispy exterior!
5. Chill the Bites:
Once all the bites are coated, place them on a tray and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps them firm up so they hold together while frying.
6. Heating the Oil:
In a deep pot or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get the oil hot enough for a crispy finish. Use a thermometer for accuracy, if you have one!
7. Frying:
Carefully lower the rattlesnake bites into the hot oil in batches. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
8. Draining:
Once they’re cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bites from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
9. Serving:
Serve the rattlesnake bites hot with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. They make a perfect appetizer or snack!
Enjoy your homemade Texas Roadhouse-style rattlesnake bites! They’re sure to be a hit! 🍽️
FAQ for Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Copycat Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Ingredients?
It’s best to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. If you have frozen jalapeños, ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before using them in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy or Mild?
To increase the spiciness, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. For a milder version, simply reduce the amount of jalapeños or use a less spicy pepper, like sweet bell peppers.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they won’t be as crispy. For a similar effect, you can also crush some plain crackers or use crushed cornflakes for added crunch!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rattlesnake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness!
