Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are a spicy treat you won’t want to miss! These crispy, cheesy ball snacks are packed with jalapeños for a nice kick, making them a fun appetizer.
I love pairing these with warm ranch dressing for dipping. Just a warning, they disappear fast at parties—better make a double batch! 🐍🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the bites a creamy texture. You can use Neufchâtel cheese as a lighter alternative if you’d like to cut calories.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor. If you’re sensitive to dairy, try using vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
Jalapeño Peppers: Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your spice tolerance. You can substitute with mild green peppers if you prefer less heat.
Diced Cooked Chicken: This is optional, but adding chicken gives a nice heartiness. You could switch it for diced mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
How Do I Make Sure These Bites Are Crispy?
Achieving the perfect crunch involves a few key techniques—let’s break it down. First, don’t rush the breading process!
- Coat each ball in flour first; this helps the egg stick better.
- Dip in the egg just until it’s covered to avoid sogginess.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F) before frying; this ensures a crisp exterior.
- Fry in small batches; overcrowding the pan can drop the oil temperature, leading to soggy bites.
Following these steps will reward you with deliciously crispy Rattlesnake Bites every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken breast (optional, traditional recipe often uses chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers
- Vegetable oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes for cooking, totaling around 25 minutes to get these delicious bites ready to serve. Perfect for a quick appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, diced chicken (if you decide to use it), garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s all well blended. It should have a nice, creamy consistency!
2. Form the Bites:
Using your hands, take small amounts of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls onto a baking sheet or plate, making sure they’re not touching each other.
3. Prepare for Coating:
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and another with bread crumbs. This will make the coating process easy and organized!
4. Coat the Cheese Balls:
Take each cheese ball and roll it in the flour first, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the bread crumbs until it’s completely covered. For an extra crispy bite, repeat the egg and bread crumb steps!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get the oil hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect crunch!
6. Fry the Bites:
Carefully add the cheese balls to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy all over. Just keep an eye on them; they fry quickly!
7. Drain and Serve:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried bites from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them nice and crispy.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Rattlesnake Bites warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re a spicy, cheesy treat that everyone will love!
Enjoy these spicy, cheesy Rattlesnake Bites just like at Texas Roadhouse!
FAQ for Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Can I Use Fresh Jalapeños Instead of Jarred?
Absolutely! Fresh jalapeños give a great flavor and texture. Just be sure to seed and finely chop them to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
How Can I Make These Bites Spicier?
If you want an extra kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeños, or add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese mixture. You could also try using spicier peppers, like serranos!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. This will help them hold their shape better. Just coat them in breadcrumbs just before frying for the best texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a warm oven or air fryer until heated through to retain their crispy texture.
