Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

Introduction

Rattlesnake Bites are spicy, cheesy fried snacks that pack a flavorful punch. With creamy pepper jack cheese and jalapeños coated in a crispy seasoned crust, they make a perfect appetizer or party treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
• 2-3 jalapenos, diced (seeds removed)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, stir together the shredded pepper jack cheese and diced jalapenos until evenly combined.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the cheese balls on a tray and freeze them for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up.
3. Step 3: While the cheese balls chill, heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs with cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to create a seasoned coating.
5. Step 5: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with the egg beaten together with milk, and one with the seasoned bread crumbs.
6. Step 6: Roll each chilled cheese ball first in the flour, then dip into the egg and milk mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned bread crumbs.
7. Step 7: Fry the coated cheese balls in the hot oil a few at a time for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
8. Step 8: Remove the rattlesnake bites from the oil and drain them on paper towels before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne directly into the cheese mixture.
• Try substituting pepper jack with sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Serve with ranch dressing or a spicy dipping sauce for added zest.
• Make sure to freeze the cheese balls well so they hold their shape during frying and don’t leak cheese.

Storage

Store any leftover rattlesnake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake rattlesnake bites instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy. However, frying gives a crunchier exterior.

How do I prevent cheese from leaking during frying?

Freezing the cheese balls for at least 30 minutes before breading and frying helps them maintain shape and reduces leakage.

Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

Rattlesnake Bites are spicy, cheesy appetizers featuring melted Pepper Jack cheese combined with diced jalapenos, breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized snacks offer a flavorful kick with a crispy crust, perfect for parties or game day treats.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 20–24 rattlesnake bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 cups Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
• 2–3 jalapenos, diced (seeds removed)

Breading & Coating

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs

Spices

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Frying

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

Instructions

1. Mix Cheese and Jalapenos: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and diced jalapenos (with seeds removed) thoroughly to distribute the heat and flavor evenly.
2. Shape into Balls: Take portions of the cheese mixture and shape them into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place these balls on a tray and freeze them for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up, which helps prevent melting during frying.
3. Prepare Oil for Frying: Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring there is enough oil to fully submerge the bites for even frying.
4. Mix Spiced Bread Crumbs: In a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs with cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, mixing well to infuse the coating with flavor and spice.
5. Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three separate bowls containing: flour in the first, a mixture of beaten egg and milk in the second, and the seasoned bread crumb mixture in the third. This setup ensures proper breading adhesion.
6. Bread the Cheese Balls: Roll each frozen cheese ball first in the flour, then dip into the egg and milk mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned bread crumbs.
7. Fry the Bites: Fry a few cheese balls at a time in the hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain oil temperature.
8. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried rattlesnake bites using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving hot.

Notes

• Removing seeds from jalapenos helps reduce the overall heat but still provides a nice spice level.
• Freezing the cheese balls before frying prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly during the frying process.
• Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for crispy, evenly cooked bites.
• Serve with a cooling dip such as ranch or sour cream to balance the spicy flavors.
• Leftover rattlesnake bites can be reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: Rattlesnake Bites, spicy cheese balls, jalapeno appetizers, fried snacks, Pepper Jack cheese bites