Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
My rattlesnake bites have melty cheese and spicy jalapenos inside an ultra-crispy breading. This copycat Texas Roadhouse recipe tastes like a mozzarella stick, and a jalapeno popper had a baby!
I love crunchy deep-fried appetizers. Some of my favorites are deep-fried macaroni and cheese, avocado egg rolls, and fried pickles. These rattlesnake bites are my new favorites. My Mom is probably reading this post and screaming right now. Deep breath. Calm down. You know I wouldn’t have you going out and wrangling rattlesnakes. It's name comes from the spicy punch it packs. We’re talking about a copycat recipe from Texas Roadhouse!
If you’ve never had them, you’re missing out. They're one of the best bites I've ever put in my mouth. Once you have one, you can’t stop! We love eating them on game day or as a side to steak date night at home. You can make a large batch and freeze some, too. That way, if you’re invited to a last-minute party or need a side dish with dinner, all you have to do is pull them out and fry them. Try them with hearty mains like our copycat Texas Roadhouse Roadkill, ribs, pork belly burnt ends, or BBQ pork tenderloin, too.
️Ingredients Notes and Shopping Tips️
- Pepper Jack Cheese: I like to shred my own cheese for the smoothest melt! If you want to dial down the heat, you could use Cheddar or Monterey Jack instead.
- Jalapenos: If you like things milder, remove the seeds and ribs with a spoon. Be sure to wear gloves or wash your hands very well after handling hot peppers and before touching your face.
- Avoid pickled jalapenos that contain too much liquid.
- Milk: Use whole milk if possible. Its higher fat content helps the breading stick.
- Bread Crumbs: I use regular unseasoned bread crumbs and add my own spices. You could also use seasoned breadcrumbs or even Panko.
- Oil: I used vegetable oil, but any neutral oil with a high smoke point will work. Canola oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil are all good substitutes.
️Krystle's Tips and Tricks️
- Don't Skip Freezing: I know it's annoying and takes an hour, but you'll end up with a melty exploding mess if you don't.
- Use a Thermometer: Use a candy or deep fry thermometer to keep an eye on the oil temperature.
- Fry in Small Batches: Fry only 4-5 at a time. Overcrowding the oil can lower the temperature, leading to an undercooked greasy result.
- Wait for the oil to come back up to 350 degrees after frying between batches as well.
- Keep Warm: Keep warm in an oven set to 200 degrees while you finish frying and before serving.
❓Frequently Asked Questions❓
Yes, but they may not get as crispy. Bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes.
Yes! Air fry them at 400 degrees for 5-6 minutes.
More Yummy Appetizers
📖 Recipe
Rattlesnake Bites
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Ingredients
- 4 Cups Pepper Jack Cheese Shredded
- 2-3 Jalapenos Diced (Seeds Removed)
- ½ Cup Flour
- 1 Egg
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1 ½ Cup Bread Crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Oil For Frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir pepper jack cheese and Jalapeno together.
- Shape into balls about 1 ½" in diameter. Freeze for 30-60 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.
- Combine bread crumbs, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Set up 3 bowls containing: flour, egg and milk, and finally breadcrumbs.
- Roll cheese mixture in flour, milk/egg mixture, and finally bread crumbs.
- Fry a few at a time for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Pepper Jack Cheese: I like to shred my own cheese for the smoothest melt! If you want to dial down the heat, you could use Cheddar or Monterey Jack instead.
- Jalapenos: If you like things milder, remove the seeds and ribs with a spoon. Be sure to wear gloves or wash your hands very well after handling hot peppers and before touching your face.
- Milk: Use whole milk if possible.
- Oil: I used vegetable oil.
- Don't Skip Freezing: I know it's annoying and takes an hour, but you'll end up with a melty exploding mess if you don't.
- Use a Thermometer to keep an eye on oil temp.
- Fry in Small Batches: Fry only 4-5 at a time.
- Wait for the oil to come back up to 350 degrees after frying between batches as well.
- Keep Warm: Keep warm in an oven set to 200 degrees while you finish frying and before serving.
Nutrition
Any way to make these in an air fryer?
Hi Jeff!
Yes please check the post for the time and temp.
I would like to make these for Christmas Eve this year. I would like to freeze them. Can I make the entire recipe and freeze? I'm thinking to reheat them in the oven on the day of the party. Will this work?
Hi Autumn,
Yes I think that would work well!
The photo makes this recipe look tasty. Too bad all of the annoying advertising that pops up obscures and detracts from seeing the recipe.
Hi Donna,
We provide recipes for free even though it takes us on average 8-10 hours to develop, photograph, edit, and write the post.
Thanks for supporting the brands that make this site possible.
I can’t wait to make these. They look awesome. I do have one question, can these be cooked in an Air Fryer?
Hi Diane,
They sure can! Please see the post for the temp/time.
Wonder what a good dipping sauce could be used for this?
Hi Jeanie,
That's a really good question! Depending on your tastes I think a spicy ranch, buttermilk ranch or maybe even blue cheese would be good.
Can these be cooked in an air fryer?
Hi Norma,
Yes they can! Please refer to the post for the temperature and times.
Is there any way to make these in an air fryer?
Hi Carolyn,
Yes! Please see the post for instructions and temperature.
These look and sound so delicious. I am making some tonight..
Can this be done in air fryer?
Hi Paula,
Yes you can! Please refer to the post for the time and temperature.
Have you tried these in an air fryer?
Hi Kristen!
Yes please refer to the post for the time and temp.
When do you suggest freezing?
Hi Lesley,
You can freeze these before or after frying. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then fry, or reheat in the air fryer or oven.
These are great. Would like to know if they can be refrigerated or frozen then microwaved later
Hi Denise,
These are best fresh out of the fryer. If you do have leftovers I suggest reheating in the oven or air fryer. The microwave tends to make them soggy.
Can I used canned diced jalapenos instead of fresh? Do you think it will work? Thank you in advanced!!
Hi Karen!
I have not tested that. It would be less spicy, but just be sure to drain them really well so there isn't any extra moisture.
OMG Krystle! I worked at Texas Roadhouse for years and these (and I bet taste) perfect! Too fun. This totally brought back old memeories for me. ????
Hi Bee!
I love your blog, such an honor to have you comment on mine. Thanks so much!
Can these be baked?
Hi Deborah,
We've only tried these deep fried and in the air fryer. I don't want to comment on the oven without personally testing it myself.
These look A-mazing!! Best to double the batch as I'm sure these will be gobbled up at any party!! Great tip about testing the oil with a wooden spoon!
Great idea, you don't want to run out. Thanks Jillian!