These delicious Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are a fun twist on appetizers! They’re cheesy, spicy jalapeño bites that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Biting into one feels like a little party in your mouth! I love serving them with ranch dressing for dipping—it’s a must! Perfect for game day or any gathering where fun is on the menu!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives a creamy texture to the bites. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead. It won’t be as rich, but will still work well.
Ground Chicken: I like ground chicken for a leaner bite, but you can easily switch to ground turkey or even ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or chickpeas.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack adds more spice, or mozzarella for a gooey stretch—both are delicious!
Jalapeños: Adjust the heat level by using more or less jalapeños. If you want it spicier, leave some seeds in. If you prefer mild, substitute with bell peppers or omit them entirely.
How Do I Get My Rattlesnake Bites Extra Crispy?
The secret to crispy Rattlesnake Bites lies in the double coating! Here’s how to ensure they turn out crunchy:
- First, roll the balls in flour to create a base layer that helps the egg stick.
- Then, dip them into the egg mixture for moisture, which binds the flour.
- Roll them in flour again! This second layer will give you that extra crunch when fried.
- Always fry in hot oil—350°F (175°C) is ideal. If the oil’s not hot enough, they’ll absorb oil and become soggy.
Let them drain on paper towels after frying, and serve them hot for the best texture!
Easy Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked and diced ground chicken (or ground pork)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3-4 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and another 20 minutes for frying and cooking until golden brown. It’s a quick and fun appetizer to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cooked ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped jalapeños. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. It should be a creamy, cheesy mixture with a little kick!
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. This mixture will give our bites a great flavor and texture!
3. Make the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until they’re nicely combined. This is going to help our bites get that crispy coating!
4. Form the Bites:
Take a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and roll it into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. They don’t have to be perfect, just make sure they’re tightly packed!
5. Coat the Bites:
First, roll each ball into the flour mixture to coat it evenly. Then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered. Finally, roll it back in the flour mixture for a second coating. This double-coating will make them extra crispy!
6. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for frying, ensuring they get crispy and golden without absorbing too much oil.
7. Fry the Bites:
Carefully drop the coated balls into the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan!
8. Drain and Serve:
Once they are cooked, remove the bites with a slotted spoon and transfer them onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. They should be hot and crispy!
9. Enjoy:
Serve your Rattlesnake Bites hot with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. These bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Enjoy your cheesy, spicy, crunchy Texas Roadhouse style Rattlesnake Bites!
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Can I Use Different Meats in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is used in this recipe, you can substitute it with ground turkey, pork, or even beef. For a vegetarian option, try using black beans or a mix of your favorite vegetables instead!
How Can I Make These Rattlesnake Bites Spicier?
If you’re looking for an extra kick, consider leaving some jalapeño seeds in the mix or adding some diced serrano peppers for more heat. You could also mix in a dash of hot sauce into the cream cheese filling for an added spicy flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Rattlesnake Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Freeze These Bites for Later?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked Rattlesnake Bites! After forming the balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer; just extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
