Here’s a recipe for Texas Roadhouse-style Rattlesnake Bites, which are deliciously cheesy, spicy, and perfect as an appetizer!
Ingredients:
Filling:
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4-6 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup bread crumbs (panko works well for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cooking:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Monterey Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the cheese balls for about 30 minutes to make them easier to handle during the breading process.
- Bread the Bites:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and bread crumbs mixed with paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in the third.
- Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Dredge each ball in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the bread crumb mixture.
- For extra crispiness, you can repeat the egg and bread crumb steps for a double coating.
- Fry the Bites:
- In a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place a few cheese balls at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites and drain them on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve the rattlesnake bites hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or a spicy aioli.
Enjoy your homemade Texas Roadhouse-style Rattlesnake Bites!