Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are crispy, spicy balls of deliciousness! Filled with cheese and jalapeños, these bites are perfect for sharing or just hogging them all to yourself.
Who can resist that cheesy goodness with a kick? I love dipping them in ranch sauce; it’s a tasty match made in heaven! Trust me, you’ll want to make these for every party!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeño Peppers: These are what give Rattlesnake Bites their signature kick! If you prefer milder flavors, substitute with bell peppers or banana peppers. Just keep in mind that the dish will lose some of its heat.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor. You can switch to Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different taste or added spice. Vegan cheese is also a great dairy-free option!
Cream Cheese: Soften it for easier mixing. If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider using Greek yogurt instead for a tangy twist. It works surprisingly well in baked goods.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice will produce a similar effect. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using.
Oil for Frying: I prefer vegetable or canola oil for frying due to their high smoke point. You could also use avocado oil for a healthier option or peanut oil for a unique flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Frying Temperature?
The temperature of your oil is crucial for crispy Rattlesnake Bites. If the oil is too hot, they can burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cool, they’ll soak up more oil and become greasy.
- Use a deep-frying thermometer to monitor the temperature. Aim for 350°F (175°C).
- Once your oil is hot, drop a small piece of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, you’re ready to fry!
- Fry in small batches to maintain temperature. This prevents overcrowding, which can drop the oil’s temperature and ruin your bites.
With these tips, you’ll get crispy and delicious Rattlesnake Bites every time. Enjoy your cooking journey!
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 cup jalapeño peppers, diced (about 4-5 jalapeños)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For Frying:
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 10-15 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to enjoy these tasty Rattlesnake Bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced jalapeño peppers, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese. Mix everything together well, and then set it aside for a moment.
2. Make the Dry Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This dry mixture will give your bites a flavorful base.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Now, in a separate bowl, beat the egg and then mix in the buttermilk until everything is nicely combined. This will help bind your batter together.
4. Mix Everything Together:
Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; it’s okay if there are tiny lumps. Then, gently fold in the jalapeño and cheese mixture until everything is blended together.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to about 350°F (175°C). You want it hot enough to cook the bites fast and make them crispy!
6. Fry the Rattlesnake Bites:
Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop balls of the batter into the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—this helps them fry evenly. Cook each batch for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them occasionally until they’re golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and Serve:
Once they’re cooked, remove the Rattlesnake Bites from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. This will help get rid of any excess oil. Serve these delicious bites hot with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, try using Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. Just make sure to shred it for easy mixing!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want to tone down the heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before dicing them. For more spice, consider adding a diced serrano pepper or using spicier jalapeños.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again!
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the Rattlesnake Bites on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
