Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

If you’re a fan of the mouthwatering appetizers from Texas Roadhouse, you’re going to love this copycat recipe for Rattlesnake Bites! These crispy, cheesy bites bring together the perfect balance of spicy heat and creamy cheese, making them the ultimate snack or party appetizer. With a crispy outer layer and a melty cheese filling, each bite is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 jalapenos, seeds removed, sautéed until soft
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (see note)
• 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1-2 cups vegetable oil

Directions:

Prepare the Dredging Station:
Start by setting up three shallow containers. In the first, place the flour. In the second, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs with all the seasonings.

Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the shredded pepper jack cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and softened jalapenos. The combination of cheese and spice will give you that signature Texas Roadhouse flavor.

Form and Freeze:
Roll the cheese mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Once formed, flash freeze the balls for 30-45 minutes. This step helps the bites hold their shape during frying.

Dredge:
After the freezing process, it’s time to dredge each ball. Start by rolling them in the flour, then dip them in the egg mixture, and coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, dip them in the egg mixture and breadcrumb coating again for a double layer.

Fry:
Heat the oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the balls in batches, about 6-8 at a time, until golden brown on all sides. Once cooked, remove them using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Flash Freeze Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 24 Bites
Calories: 118 kcal per bite

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• These Rattlesnake Bites are best served hot and fresh, straight from the frying pan for maximum crispiness.
• Pair them with a side of ranch dressing or spicy dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• You can serve them as an appetizer at a party, snack for movie night, or as a delicious side dish with your main meal.
• For a fun twist, try them alongside a homemade salsa or creamy avocado dip to balance the heat.

Storage Tips:

• If you have leftovers (though they are unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until crispy. Avoid microwaving them, as they may lose their crispiness.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded bites after they’ve been flash frozen. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations

1. Add Bacon for Extra Flavor:
For an extra savory twist, chop up crispy bacon and mix it into the cheese and jalapeno filling. The smoky bacon adds a delicious richness that complements the heat from the jalapenos.

2. Use Different Cheeses:
Feel free to get creative with your cheese selection! Swap the pepper jack for mozzarella for a milder bite or try a spicy cheese blend with habanero cheddar for an extra kick.

3. Make Them Even Spicier:
If you love heat, add extra jalapenos or include other spicy peppers like serrano or habanero for a fiery flavor. You can also increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for more intensity.

4. Try a Veggie Version:
For a vegetarian variation, leave out the meat and double up on the cheese and jalapenos. You can also add other veggies like chopped green onions, bell peppers, or even roasted corn for added texture and flavor.

5. Use a Different Coating:
Instead of the traditional Panko breadcrumbs, try using crushed tortilla chips, cornmeal, or even crumbled crackers for a different crunchy texture. You can also experiment with adding herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.

6. Make a Lower-Calorie Version:
To make a lighter version of these bites, bake them instead of frying. Place the breaded balls on a baking sheet and spray them with cooking spray before baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. You can also use reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.

7. Add Cream Cheese for a Richer Filling:
For an ultra-creamy filling, mix in some softened cream cheese with the cheddar and pepper jack. This adds a smooth texture and helps balance out the heat of the jalapenos.

These variations can help you tailor the Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites to your taste preferences, making them even more enjoyable!

FAQs

1. Can I make Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bites up to the point of frying. After forming and flash freezing them, store the uncooked bites in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to fry, simply cook them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

2. Can I bake the Rattlesnake Bites instead of frying them?
Yes, to make a healthier version, you can bake them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the breaded bites on a baking sheet, and spray them with cooking spray. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

3. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out while frying?
Make sure to flash freeze the formed cheese balls before frying. This helps them hold their shape during cooking. Additionally, double breading the bites (dipping in egg and breadcrumbs twice) provides a stronger coating that prevents the cheese from leaking out.

4. Can I make the filling spicier?
Absolutely! If you like extra heat, you can add more jalapenos or even use spicier peppers like serrano or habanero. You can also increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.

5. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses. While pepper jack and sharp cheddar are the traditional choices, you can substitute with mozzarella, colby jack, or a spicy habanero cheddar for a different flavor profile.

6. How long can I store leftover Rattlesnake Bites?
Leftover Rattlesnake Bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until crispy. Avoid microwaving them, as they may become soggy.

7. Can I freeze the Rattlesnake Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked Rattlesnake Bites. After breading, place the bites on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

8. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like chopped green onions, roasted corn, or bell peppers to the cheese and jalapeno mixture for added flavor and texture.

9. What kind of dipping sauce goes best with Rattlesnake Bites?
Rattlesnake Bites pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, spicy dipping sauce, or even a creamy avocado dip. For a tangy twist, you can serve them with a salsa or a smoky chipotle sauce.

10. How do I know when the Rattlesnake Bites are fully cooked?
The Rattlesnake Bites are done when they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. To test, you can cut one open to make sure the cheese is melted and the filling is hot. Cooking in batches helps ensure each bite is cooked evenly.

These Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are the perfect appetizer to serve at your next gathering or enjoy as a savory snack. With the irresistible combination of creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and a crispy coating, they are sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving something cheesy and flavorful, this recipe will not disappoint!

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