Description
Spicy texas roadhouse rattlesnake bites bring jalapeño-studded cheese pastries to life with crispy golden exteriors and molten centers. Crisp appetizers promise zesty flavor adventures that satisfy comfort food cravings for bold palate explorers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup jalapeño peppers, diced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
Batter and Coating:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Seasoning and Dipping Sauce:
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Combine shredded cheddar cheese and finely diced jalapeño peppers in a mixing bowl, blending thoroughly to create a spicy cheese mixture.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the cooled ground beef into the cheese and jalapeño mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Form small, compact balls from the cheese and beef mixture, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place formed balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and black pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic and onion powder.
- Roll each chilled cheese ball first in seasoned flour, then dip in egg wash, and finally coat completely with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F. Carefully lower breaded cheese balls in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Whisk ranch dressing with hot sauce to create a zesty dipping sauce.
- Serve Rattlesnake Bites immediately while hot, accompanied by the spicy ranch dipping sauce.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño heat by removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra spiciness.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly version of these appetizers.
- Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked to 160°F for food safety and prevent bacterial risks.
- Freeze cheese balls for 30 minutes instead of refrigerating for an extra crispy exterior when frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg