Description
Spicy Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites deliver a crispy, cheesy jalapeño popper experience that ignites appetizer excitement. Crisp golden breading and melted pepper jack cheese create an irresistible snack perfect for game day or casual gatherings you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 23 jalapenos, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
- 2 tbsps milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Cheese Blend: Meticulously combine Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses with finely diced jalapeños, forming compact spherical morsels. Quick-freeze these cheese orbs to maintain structural integrity during cooking.
- Breading Technique: Establish three distinct coating zones – seasoned flour, whisked egg-milk fusion, and spiced breadcrumb mixture enhanced with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Systematically roll each cheese ball through these stations, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Double-Coating Method: Execute a precise double-dredging process, immersing cheese spheres first in egg mixture, then generously coating with seasoned breadcrumbs. Return breaded morsels to freezer for additional firming.
- Thermal Transformation: Submerge prepared bites into vegetable oil heated precisely to 175°C, maintaining consistent temperature. Fry until achieving a radiant golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch. Strategically drain excess oil using absorbent paper.
- Complementary Sauce: Craft a zesty accompaniment by blending ranch dressing with optional hot sauce, creating a dynamic flavor profile that elevates the crispy bites.
- Presentation: Serve immediately while cheese remains molten and exterior maintains optimal crispness. Optional alternative: Bake at 200°C for 10-12 minutes for a lighter preparation method.
Notes
- Chilling cheese balls before breading prevents them from melting during frying, ensuring a perfect crispy exterior and gooey cheese center.
- Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for an extra thick, golden-brown crust that stays crisp longer and delivers maximum crunchiness.
- Maintain consistent 175°C (350°F) oil heat to prevent soggy or burnt bites; use a thermometer for precise temperature control.
- Prepare breaded cheese balls in advance and freeze, then fry directly from frozen for convenient entertaining or quick snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg