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This image showcases a plate of crispy and cheesy Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites, beautifully arranged with a variety of dipping sauces, highlighting their golden brown exterior and melty interior, perfect for sharing as an irresistible appetizer.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

If you’re craving a cheesy and spicy appetizer that packs a punch, these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are just what you need! Loaded with Pepper Jack cheese and diced jalapeños, these bites are battered, deep-fried, and irresistibly melty. They’re the perfect way to kick off any meal and will leave everyone reaching for more!
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 13
Calories 68 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 8 oz Blocks Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2-3 Jalapeños diced (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1/2 cup Flour
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1 1/2 cups Bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • Oil for frying

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and diced jalapeños.
    This image shows shredded Pepper Jack cheese and diced jalapeños being mixed together in a large bowl, creating the flavorful cheese mixture for the rattlesnake bites.
  • Shape the cheese mixture into 1 1/2" balls, squeezing them tightly to compress. Place the balls on a cookie sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes.
    This image shows the cheese and jalapeño mixture being shaped into small, tightly packed balls and arranged on a cookie sheet before being placed in the freezer to set.

Set Up Your Frying Station:

  • Preheat your deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a small bowl, add the flour. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. In a third bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
    This image shows a well-organized frying station with a deep fryer preheating and three separate bowls containing flour, a mixture of egg and milk, and seasoned bread crumbs, ready for breading the rattlesnake bites.

Bread the Rattlesnake Bites:

  • Take the chilled cheese balls and roll them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
  • Dip the floured balls into the egg and milk mixture, then coat them thoroughly in the seasoned bread crumbs.
    This image shows the frozen cheese balls being first rolled in flour, then dipped into the egg and milk mixture, and finally coated with seasoned bread crumbs, preparing them for frying.

Fry the Bites:

  • Fry the coated cheese balls in batches for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
    This image shows the breaded cheese balls being fried in hot oil until they achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior, indicating they are nearly ready to serve.

Serve:

  • Serve these delicious Rattlesnake Bites with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.
    This image shows the freshly fried rattlesnake bites being lifted out of the oil with a slotted spatula and placed on paper towels to drain any excess grease, ensuring they are crispy and not oily.

Notes

  • Chill the Cheese Balls: Make sure to freeze the cheese balls before breading and frying. This helps them hold their shape and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.
  • Customize the Heat: Adjust the number of jalapeños or even add a pinch of extra cayenne to the breading mixture if you like your bites extra spicy.
  • Keep Batches Small: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.