Rattlesnake Bites are the ultimate spicy, cheesy appetizer that delivers a crispy exterior with a gooey, flavorful center. Inspired by the Texas Roadhouse favorite, these bites are loaded with Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses and a hint of jalapeño for that perfect kick. Coated in a seasoned Panko breadcrumb mixture and fried to golden perfection, these bites are a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and get ready for some spicy, cheesy bliss!
Ingredients:
- Cheese Mixture:
- 480 g (2 cups) Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 240 g (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and sautéed until soft
- Breading Station:
- 120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
- Coating:
- 180 g (1½ cups) Panko breadcrumbs
- 6 g (2 teaspoons) Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or substitute with similar Cajun seasoning)
- 6 g (2 teaspoons) garlic powder
- 3 g (1 teaspoon) paprika
- 2 g (1 teaspoon) black pepper
- 1 g (½ teaspoon) red pepper flakes
- For Frying:
- 240-480 ml (1–2 cups) vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses with the sautéed jalapeños. Thoroughly combine the ingredients until they are evenly incorporated throughout the mixture.
- Form the Bites: Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and shape into small balls. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Transfer them to the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing them to firm up and maintain their shape when frying.
- Set Up Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with beaten eggs and buttermilk mixed together, and one with Panko breadcrumbs, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Coat each ball in flour, gently tapping off any surplus to ensure an even layer. Then, dip it into the egg-buttermilk mixture, and finally, roll it in the seasoned Panko mixture to coat evenly.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Bites: Working in batches, carefully place the coated cheese balls in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or spicy aioli, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Conclusion:
These Spicy Rattlesnake Bites are a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer with just the right blend of heat and cheesy goodness. Perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you want a tasty snack with a kick, these bites will have everyone reaching for more!
Spicy Rattlesnake Bites with Jalapeño and Cheese
Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with spicy flavor, theseTexas-inspired Rattlesnake Bites feature a gooey cheese center with jalapeñokick, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to perfection.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture:
- 480 g 2 cups Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 240 g 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 jalapeños seeded and sautéed until soft
Breading Station:
- 120 g 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 240 ml 1 cup buttermilk
- Coating:
- 180 g 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 6 g 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or substitute with similar Cajun seasoning)
- 6 g 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 g 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 g 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 g ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Frying:
- 240-480 ml 1–2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses with the sautéed jalapeños. Thoroughly combine the ingredients until they are evenly incorporated throughout the mixture.
- Form the Bites: Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and shape into small balls. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Transfer them to the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing them to firm up and maintain their shape when frying.
- Set Up Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with beaten eggs and buttermilk mixed together, and one with Panko breadcrumbs, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Coat each ball in flour, gently tapping off any surplus to ensure an even layer. Then, dip it into the egg-buttermilk mixture, and finally, roll it in the seasoned Panko mixture to coat evenly.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Bites: Working in batches, carefully place the coated cheese balls in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or spicy aioli, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.