Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

Introduction

Rattlesnake Bites are spicy, cheesy morsels perfect for snacking or entertaining. These crispy fried cheese balls pack a flavorful kick with jalapeños and a blend of spices, making them irresistible finger food.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• 2-3 jalapeños, 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 jalapeños.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up.
3. Step 3: 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.
5. Step 5: Set up three bowls for coating: one with flour, one with the beaten egg mixed with milk, and the last with the seasoned bread crumbs.
6. Step 6: Roll each cheese ball first in flour, then dip in the egg and milk mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture.
7. Step 7: Fry a few balls at a time in the hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden and crispy.
8. Step 8: Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, keep some jalapeño seeds in the mixture or add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese blend.
• Use panko bread crumbs for an even crunchier texture.
• Try swapping Pepper Jack cheese with cheddar for a milder version.
• If you prefer baked bites, spray with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of frying.

Storage

Store leftover rattlesnake bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make rattlesnake bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze the shaped cheese balls before coating and frying. When ready, thaw slightly, coat, and fry as directed.

What can I serve with rattlesnake bites?

They pair well with ranch, spicy mayo, or guacamole for dipping. A cool dipping sauce balances the heat nicely.

Rattlesnake Bites Recipe

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Rattlesnake Bites are spicy, cheesy appetizers made by combining pepper jack cheese and diced jalapenos, then breading and deep-frying the mixture into crispy, flavorful bites perfect for parties or game day snacks.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 15 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 4 Cups Pepper Jack Cheese (Shredded)
• 2–3 Jalapenos (Diced, seeds removed)

Breading

• 1/2 Cup Flour
• 1 Egg
• 1 Cup Milk
• 1 1/2 Cup Bread Crumbs
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

For Frying

• Oil (for frying, enough to deep fry)

Instructions

1. Combine Cheese and Jalapenos: In a large bowl, thoroughly stir together the shredded pepper jack cheese and diced jalapenos with seeds removed, ensuring an even distribution of spice.
2. Shape and Freeze: Form the cheese mixture into balls approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the balls on a tray and freeze them for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up for frying.
3. Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C), preparing it for deep frying.
4. Prepare Breading Mix: In a separate bowl, mix the bread crumbs, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder together to infuse the crumbs with flavor and spice.
5. Set Up Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg mixed with milk, and one with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
6. Bread the Cheese Balls: Roll each frozen cheese ball first in flour, then dip in the egg and milk mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
7. Deep Fry: Fry a few cheese balls at a time in the hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
8. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried rattlesnake bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving warm.

Notes

• Removing the jalapeno seeds reduces the overall heat; add seeds for more spice.
• Freezing the cheese balls before frying helps maintain their shape and prevents cheese from leaking out.
• Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for best frying results.
• Serve with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
• Use a deep pot or fryer with enough oil to fully submerge the bites for even cooking.

Keywords: Rattlesnake Bites, Cheesy Jalapeno Balls, Spicy Appetizer, Deep Fried Cheese Bites, Pepper Jack Cheese Snacks