Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Bites (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Cheese Filling
01 -
4 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
02 -
2-3 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely diced
→ For the Breading
03 -
½ cup all-purpose flour
04 -
1 egg
05 -
1 cup milk
06 -
1½ cups bread crumbs
07 -
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
08 -
1 teaspoon paprika
09 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
→ For Frying
10 -
Vegetable oil for deep frying (enough to fill a pot 2-3 inches)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, mix the shredded pepper jack cheese and diced jalapeños together until well combined. Really get in there with your hands to make sure the peppers are evenly distributed.
02 -
Scoop out portions of the cheese mixture and roll into balls about 1½ inches in diameter (roughly golf ball size). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop into the freezer for 30-60 minutes until firm. This freezing step is crucial!
03 -
While the cheese balls are freezing, set up your breading station. In a shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs with cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In a second bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. In a third bowl, place the flour.
04 -
Fill a deep pot with about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Use a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature throughout the frying process.
05 -
Working quickly with the frozen cheese balls (so they don't melt), roll each one first in flour, then dunk in the egg mixture, and finally coat in the seasoned bread crumbs. Press the crumbs gently to ensure they stick.
06 -
Carefully lower 4-5 breaded cheese balls into the hot oil at a time. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they're golden brown all over. Don't overcrowd the pot - the oil temperature will drop too much.
07 -
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried bites and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving - the inside will be molten hot!
08 -
If you're making a lot, you can keep the finished bites warm in an oven set to 200°F while you finish frying the remaining batches.
# Notes:
01 -
These Rattlesnake Bites are a copycat of the famous Texas Roadhouse appetizer - crispy fried cheese balls with a kick of spice from jalapeños and seasoned coating.
02 -
Don't skip the freezing step! It ensures the cheese doesn't immediately melt and leak out when it hits the hot oil.
03 -
For best results, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
04 -
These are best enjoyed fresh and hot, when the exterior is crispy and the interior is perfectly melty.