Description
Rattlesnake Bites are a spicy and cheesy appetizer featuring pepper jack cheese and jalapeños coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and deep-fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion where you want a flavorful, crispy snack with a kick of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 4 Cups Pepper Jack Cheese (Shredded)
- 2–3 Jalapenos (Diced, seeds removed)
Breading and Coating
- 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
Other
- Oil (For Frying, enough for deep frying)
Instructions
- Combine Cheese and Jalapenos: In a large bowl, stir together the shredded pepper jack cheese and diced jalapeños until evenly mixed.
- Form Cheese Balls: Shape the cheese mixture into balls roughly 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls on a tray and freeze for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up.
- Heat Oil: While the cheese balls chill, heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Prepare Seasoned Breadcrumbs: In a bowl, combine bread crumbs with cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to add flavor.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three separate shallow bowls: one with flour, one with a mixture of egg and milk, and one with the seasoned bread crumbs.
- Coat Cheese Balls: Roll each cheese ball first in the flour, then dip it into the milk and egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned bread crumbs.
- Fry: Fry the breaded cheese balls in batches in the hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried rattlesnake bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Removing the seeds from the jalapeños reduces the heat for a milder bite. Keep seeds if you prefer spicier treats.
- Freezing the cheese balls before frying helps them hold together and prevents them from melting too quickly.
- Use a deep-frying oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for best results.
- Cook the bites in small batches to maintain oil temperature for even frying.
- Serve with ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Rattlesnake Bites, fried cheese balls, spicy appetizer, jalapeño snacks, pepper jack cheese, party food
