Description
Spicy jalapeño poppers called rattlesnake bites highlight crispy fried appetizers from Texas Roadhouse. Quick and easy homemade versions deliver restaurant-quality flavor that satisfies crowd-pleasing snack cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 jalapenos, finely diced
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) cayenne pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Create a savory blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, incorporating finely chopped jalapenos and a medley of spices including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Carefully shape the cheese mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
- Chill the cheese orbs in the freezer for 15 minutes to help maintain their structural integrity during frying.
- Heat cooking oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring proper temperature for optimal frying.
- Prepare a breading station by coating each chilled cheese ball first in a light dusting of flour, then dipping thoroughly in beaten eggs.
- Roll the egg-coated spheres generously in breadcrumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage for a crispy exterior.
- Carefully lower the breaded cheese balls into the hot oil, frying in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain consistent temperature.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally, until the exterior transforms into a golden-brown, crispy shell.
- Remove the rattlesnake bites using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, accompanied by a complementary dipping sauce of your choice for an extra flavor dimension.
Notes
- Chill the cheese mixture thoroughly before forming balls to prevent crumbling and ensure better shape retention during frying.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and more authentic texture.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper and jalapeno amounts to suit different heat tolerances.
- For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free panko.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg