Introduction
If you’ve ever been to Texas Roadhouse, you might know about their famous Rattlesnake Bites. Don’t worry—there are no real snakes in this dish! These delicious bites are made of cheese, jalapeños, and a crispy coating. They’re warm, cheesy, a little spicy, and perfect as a snack or appetizer.
The great news is you don’t need to go to the restaurant to enjoy them. With this recipe, you can make Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites at home in just a few simple steps. It’s a fun recipe for parties, game nights, or even family dinners.
Ingredients – Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 20-25 bites:
For the Filling:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (you can use more or less depending on spice preference)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
Optional for Serving:
- Ranch dressing or spicy dipping sauce
Step by Step Process – Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese and Jalapeños
- In a medium bowl, mix shredded pepper jack cheese and chopped jalapeños.
- Take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Place the balls on a plate and put them in the freezer for 20–30 minutes. This helps them stay firm while frying.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Place the flour in one bowl.
- Beat the eggs in another bowl.
- In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Cheese Balls
- Take each cheese ball and roll it in the flour.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs.
- Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step twice.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- In a deep pot or skillet, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test it by dropping in a small breadcrumb—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Step 5: Fry the Rattlesnake Bites
- Fry 4–5 bites at a time for about 1–2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Be careful—the cheese inside will be very hot!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (2–3 Bites) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are Rattlesnake Bites very spicy?
Not too much. The pepper jack cheese is mildly spicy, and the jalapeños add a bit of heat. You can make them less spicy by using fewer jalapeños or removing all seeds.
Q2: Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
Q3: Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze them before cooking. When ready, fry or bake directly from frozen—just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
Q4: What dipping sauce goes best with them?
Ranch is the most popular, but spicy mayo, chipotle sauce, or even sour cream works well.
Q5: How do I keep the cheese from leaking out while frying?
Make sure the bites are frozen before frying, and double-coat them with breadcrumbs for a stronger outer layer.
Final Thoughts
Making Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites at home is easier than you think. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy cheesy, spicy bites that taste just like the restaurant version. The crispy outside and gooey inside make them a hit with everyone.
Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a game-day snack, or just craving something tasty, these bites are sure to be a crowd favorite. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. So, grab your cheese, jalapeños, and breadcrumbs—and get ready to make a snack that will have everyone asking for seconds!
