Copycat Texas Roadhouse Bites

Cheesy spicy and super craveable these Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites are the ultimate crowd pleaser at any gathering I never leave a party with leftovers and it is a race who grabs the last one off the plate

I first whipped these up for a football party and they disappeared before halftime My friends kept begging for the recipe so now it is a regular request for game days and family get togethers

Ingredients

• Pepper Jack cheese: gives a creamy melt and some heat shred it fresh from the block for extra meltiness
• Jalapenos: add that signature spicy bite choose fresh firm peppers and dice small for even distribution
• Flour: helps the breading stick to the cheese balls use all purpose for best results
• Egg: binds the breading to the cheese making sure each bite has a crispy coat grab fresh pasture raised eggs
• Milk: thins the egg for an even dipping consistency whole milk makes it extra rich
• Bread crumbs: provide that crunch use plain or make your own from day old bread for extra flavor
• Cayenne pepper: dials up the spice level adjust more or less to your taste
• Paprika: brings smoky warmth sweet or smoked both work well here
• Garlic powder: adds savory depth always reach for fresh pungent powder
• Oil for frying: heat neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil for even golden results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

Mix shredded Pepper Jack cheese and diced jalapeno in a large bowl Make sure the peppers are evenly scattered in the cheese so each bite has the perfect balance of spice and creaminess

Shape and Freeze:

Scoop about one and a half tablespoons of cheese mixture and squeeze tightly to form compact balls This helps keep them intact during frying Arrange the balls on a baking sheet and freeze for thirty minutes until firm and easy to handle

Get Your Breading Station Ready:

Set up three shallow bowls In the first add flour In the second whisk the egg with milk until completely blended In the third stir together bread crumbs paprika cayenne and garlic powder for a flavor packed coating

Bread the Cheese Balls:

Start by rolling each frozen cheese ball in flour coating every side and shaking off any excess Dip into the egg and milk mixture making sure it is fully moist Finish by rolling it in your seasoned bread crumbs gently pressing crumbs to stick

Fry Until Golden:

Heat the oil in your deep fryer or a heavy pot to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Fry the breaded cheese balls in batches for three to four minutes They should emerge golden brown and crisp Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain off any excess oil

Serve and Enjoy:

Place these bites on a platter and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces Ranch or spicy mayo are my family’s favorites

Save

My favorite part is the kick from fresh jalapeno Every time I make these my dad tells the story of when he mistakenly popped a whole hot pepper in his mouth thinking it was a cucumber so these spicy bites always make us laugh at family parties

Storage Tips

Store any leftover rattlesnake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator They keep for up to three days and can be crisped up again in the oven at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for five to seven minutes Avoid microwaving which makes them soggy For long term storage freeze the un-fried breaded cheese balls in a single layer then transfer to a bag Fry straight from frozen adding a minute or two to the cook time

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap Pepper Jack for Monterey Jack if you want less heat Or try adding smoked cheddar for a twist Not a fan of jalapeno Try finely diced poblano peppers or for a different flavor roasted red peppers work well too Panko bread crumbs can be used for a larger crunch Gluten free flour blend and bread crumbs work without issue if needed

Save

Serving Suggestions

Arrange these bites on a tray with toothpicks stuck in for easy grabbing Serve alongside ranch blue cheese or a spicy chipotle dip They are also great paired with a crisp veggie platter or as a topper for Southwest style salads If you want to make it a meal serve with seasoned fries and a cool slaw

A Little Texas Roadhouse History

Rattlesnake Bites get their name not from actual snake but from the spicy bite of jalapeno and the restaurant’s roots in bold Southwestern flavors I learned to make these after a trip to Texas where nearly every menu had some kind of cheesy fried appetizer and the tradition stuck

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best for these bites?

Pepper jack cheese is ideal, providing both creaminess and a spicy kick. Shred from a block for better texture.

→ Can I control the spice level?

Yes, use fewer jalapeños or remove seeds for milder bites, or add extra for more heat.

→ Is it necessary to freeze the mixture before frying?

Freezing helps the cheese mixture hold its shape during breading and frying, resulting in better texture.

→ What is the best way to serve these bites?

Serve hot, fresh from the fryer, alongside your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or spicy aioli.

→ Can these be made ahead and reheated?

Prepare and freeze the shaped bites ahead, then fry just before serving for best results. Reheating may affect crispness.