The Best Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Recipe Ever Made

Crispy and bold, these texas roadhouse rattlesnake bites pack a serious punch of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Jalapeños and cheese blend together in a crunchy coating that screams comfort food.

Friends always request this appetizer when I host game nights or weekend gatherings.

Homemade versions can easily rival the restaurant’s famous recipe with just a few simple ingredients.

Each bite delivers a spicy kick balanced by creamy cheese that melts perfectly inside the golden-brown exterior.

Restaurant-quality snacks are totally possible in your own kitchen with minimal effort.

You’ll become the ultimate party hero when these sizzling bites hit the table.

Common Questions About Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

• Are these really spicy like an actual rattlesnake bite?

While they have jalapenos, they’re not extremely hot. The cheese balances the pepper’s heat, creating a mild to moderate spice level that most people can enjoy.

• Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheese balls, freeze them before dredging, and keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve, thaw slightly and then dredge and fry.

• What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?

Pepper jack and cream cheese are ideal. The pepper jack adds flavor and slight heat, while cream cheese provides a smooth, creamy texture that helps bind the filling together.

Why Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Are So Popular

• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Packed with spicy jalapeños and gooey cheese, these bites guarantee to be a hit at any gathering, sparking conversations and delighting taste buds.
• Master Impressive Cooking Skills: The double-dredging technique creates a perfectly crispy exterior that looks professionally prepared, making you feel like a culinary pro without complicated techniques.
• Quick Party Starter: From prep to plate, these rattlesnake bites come together smoothly, offering a sensational snack that can be made ahead and fried just before serving guests.
• Customizable Flavor Explosion: Easily adjust the heat level by modifying jalapeño quantities, ensuring these bites suit every spice preference from mild to wild.

Components Needed for Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy base that helps bind the filling together.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Jalapeños: Provides a spicy kick and adds heat to the appetizer.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry base layer for the coating.
• Buttermilk, Eggs: Helps the breading stick to the cheese balls and creates a rich coating.
• Breadcrumbs: Gives a crispy and crunchy exterior to the appetizer.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Enhance the overall flavor of the breading.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying the cheese balls to a golden brown color.

Stepwise Preparation of Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Step 1: Craft the Cheese Filling

Combine cream cheese and cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl. Finely chop jalapeños and fold them into the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2: Shape the Cheese Balls

Use your hands to roll the cheese mixture into small, uniform bite-sized spheres. Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Quick Freeze the Cheese Balls

Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer. Let the cheese balls firm up for 30-45 minutes, which helps them maintain their shape during coating and frying.

Step 4: Set Up Dredging Stations

• First dish: all-purpose flour
• Second dish: whisk buttermilk and eggs together
• Third dish: combine breadcrumbs with:

* paprika

* garlic powder

* black pepper

* salt

Step 5: Coat the Cheese Balls

• First, coat in flour
• Next, dip in egg mixture
• Finally, cover in seasoned breadcrumbs

Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crispiness.

Step 6: Fry the Rattlesnake Bites

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Carefully drop cheese balls into hot oil in small batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Remove bites with a slotted spoon. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.

Top Tips to Master Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

• Freeze the cheese-jalapeno balls thoroughly before dredging to prevent them from falling apart during the coating process.
• Use cold buttermilk and eggs for a crispier, more even coating that adheres better to the cheese balls.
• Test oil temperature with a small piece of breadcrumb mixture to ensure it sizzles immediately but doesn't burn.
• Pat jalapenos dry before mixing with cheese to prevent excess moisture that could make the filling too soft.
• Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in an air fryer for maximum crispiness.

Variations to Spice Up Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

• Vegetarian Jalapeño Poppers: Replace cheese with plant-based cheese and use egg substitute for coating.
• Southwest Chicken Bites: Add shredded cooked chicken to the cheese mixture for protein boost.
• Spicy Ranch Stuffed Bites: Mix cream cheese with ranch seasoning and diced green chilies for extra kick.
• Mediterranean Feta Balls: Incorporate crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped herbs for Mediterranean flavor profile.

Pairings That Enhance Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

• Pairing Spicy Cheese Delights: Perfect Companions
• Craft a Zesty Margarita: Blend tangy lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to cut through the rich, cheesy heat. The citrus brightens the jalapeño kick and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Select Crisp Lager Companion: Choose a cold Mexican-style lager like Modelo or Corona. Its light, refreshing profile balances the intense cheese and spice, creating a smooth drinking experience.
• Match with Cool Ranch Dip: Whip up a creamy ranch dressing using buttermilk, sour cream, fresh herbs, and a dash of garlic powder. The cool, herbal notes provide a soothing contrast to the fiery cheese bites.

Storage Recommendations for Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

• Store cooled rattlesnake bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange bites on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crunchiness.
• Set air fryer to 350°F. Warm bites for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crispiness.

Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites deliver crispy jalapeño poppers packed with creamy cheese and zesty flavor. Crisp golden breading and bold southwestern seasonings promise a mouthwatering appetizer you’ll crave at your next gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 jalapenos, seeds removed, sauteed until soft

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons slap ya mama seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cooking Ingredient:

• 1–2 cups vegetable oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Assemble a dredging station with three shallow containers: flour in the first, whisked buttermilk and eggs in the second, and seasoned breadcrumbs in the third.
2. Combine jalapenos with both cheese varieties in a mixing bowl, creating a smooth, spicy filling.
3. Carefully craft small, uniform cheese balls and arrange them on a baking sheet, then transfer to the freezer for 30-45 minutes to firm up.
4. Meticulously coat each frozen cheese ball: first in flour, then dip completely in egg mixture, and finally roll thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crispiness.
5. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even cooking.
6. Carefully lower cheese balls into hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding, and fry until they achieve a rich, golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes.
7. Extract the crispy bites using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels, which helps maintain their crunchy texture.
8. Let the appetizers rest for a few minutes before serving to prevent burning and allow the interior to settle.

Notes

• Chill thoroughly before coating to prevent cheese from melting during frying, ensuring crispy exterior and intact filling.
• Double-dredge creates extra crunch by adding second layer of breadcrumb coating, which adds more texture and flavor complexity.
• Use fresh jalapeños for maximum heat and flavor punch, adjusting quantity based on personal spice tolerance.
• Perfect for make-ahead appetizers since they can be prepared, frozen, and fried later when guests arrive, saving precious party preparation time.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg