Description
Spicy cheese-stuffed jalapeño poppers called Rattlesnake Bites bring explosive southwestern flavor to your appetizer game. Crispy golden breading and zesty pepper kick make this Texas Roadhouse classic irresistible for bold snack seekers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 lb ground jalapeño sausage
Binding and Coating Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Seasoning and Frying Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh jalapeños
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses with ground jalapeño sausage in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending the ingredients to create a uniform mixture.
- Add chopped fresh jalapeños to the cheese and sausage blend, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor throughout the mixture.
- Shape the cheese and sausage combination into small, compact bite-sized balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter, using clean hands to maintain consistent size.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and black pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
- Roll each cheese ball first in the seasoned flour, then dip completely in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the spiced breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Place the coated bites on a clean plate and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help the coating set and prevent falling apart during frying.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F, monitoring temperature with a cooking thermometer for optimal frying conditions.
- Carefully lower the chilled bites into the hot oil, frying in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain oil temperature, cooking for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the Rattlesnake Bites using a slotted spoon, draining excess oil on paper towels to ensure a crisp exterior.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with a spicy dipping sauce for added flavor and heat.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or using milder peppers for those with lower spice tolerance.
- Freeze the cheese balls before breading to help them maintain shape and prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda or blue cheese for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg