Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites pair pepper jack and fresh jalapeño inside a crisp, seasoned breadcrumb shell. Freezing the formed cheese balls before breading is the central technique: it gives the coating time to turn golden before the center escapes into the frying oil.
The recipe yields 18 bites. It takes 40 minutes to prepare, including a 30-minute freeze, and 5 minutes to cook, for 45 minutes total.
Rattlesnake Bites Ingredients
For the center, shred two 8-ounce blocks pepper jack cheese and dice 2 to 3 jalapeños, choosing the number according to the heat level you prefer. The total cheese amount is 16 ounces.
For breading, measure 1/2 cup flour, 1 egg, 1 cup milk, 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. You also need enough oil for frying.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Cranberry Turkey Sliders.
How to Make Rattlesnake Bites
- Combine the shredded pepper jack and diced jalapeños in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into about 1 1/2-inch balls, squeezing each one firmly to compress it.
- Arrange the balls on a cookie sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat a deep fryer to 350°F.
- Set out three bowls: flour in the first; the egg and 1 cup milk mixed in the second; and breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder in the third.
- Roll each chilled ball in flour, dip it in the egg-milk mixture, and coat it thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot. The recipe makes 18 bites.
For storage details after serving, the USDA leftovers and food safety guidance.
Shred Two Full Blocks of Pepper Jack
Choose Two or Three Jalapeños
Form Eighteen Even Bites
Freeze for Thirty Minutes
Heat the Fryer to 350°F
Arrange Three Breading Bowls
Bread in the Published Order
Fry in Small Batches for Three to Four Minutes
Drain Briefly and Serve Hot
Prepare Ahead at the Breaded Stage
Reheat Cooked Leftovers
Keep the Forty-Five-Minute Schedule Accurate
Conclusion
Mix 16 ounces freshly shredded pepper jack with 2 to 3 diced jalapeños, compress into 18 balls about 1 1/2 inches wide, and freeze for 30 minutes. Heat oil to 350°F. Coat each ball in flour, then egg mixed with 1 cup milk, then breadcrumbs seasoned with cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder. Fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes and drain on paper towels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How many rattlesnake bites does this recipe make?
It makes 18 bites from two 8-ounce blocks of pepper jack cheese.
- → Why do the cheese balls need to freeze?
A 30-minute freeze firms them so the coating can brown before the cheese melts out in the oil.
- → What temperature should the frying oil be?
Preheat and maintain the fryer at 350°F.
- → Can I prepare rattlesnake bites ahead?
Yes. Bread and freeze them, then fry directly from frozen with 1 extra minute of cooking time.