You might say I have a passion for cuisine. Having been to culinary school In New York City and dedicated over two decades to working in the food divisions at various companies including Martha Stewart Living , Real Simple , and (now) Country Living I can provide you with all the information you require regarding choosing and storing fresh produce , preparing crowd-pleasing party apps , or properly boiling chicken And while I certainly don’t consider myself a food snob—I enjoy a great cheese ball or sausage ball , after all—truth be told, I had my doubts when assigned to discover the finest dining options at the predominantly Southern gas station franchise referred to as Buc-ee's This doesn't align with my style of cuisine.
If you aren't acquainted with Buc-ee's Imagine it as the Disneyland of rest stops, but instead of being welcomed by Mickey Mouse, you’re met with a buck-toothed beaver. This Texas-born franchise is rapidly spreading across the nation much like how kudzu vines take over landscapes; it’s developed quite a devoted fan base. Fans rave about its spotlessly clean restrooms and peculiar souvenirs (you can find an entire section for those). Yellowstone collection , for the record), sporadically celebrity sightings , and certainly, the cuisine.
Inside the expansive layout of this particular store—which measures about 55,000 square feet in Leeds, Alabama, slightly less spacious than a standard football field—there’s an extensive selection of freshly prepared foods like brisket sandwiches, breakfast tacos, and kolaches. Alongside these, you’ll discover packaged treats such as snack enthusiasts' favorite beef jerky, along with various desserts including fudge and banana pudding. Choosing what to try first could feel daunting; thus, we sampled several standout items to guide your choices, focusing particularly on travel-appropriate options. If considering something adventurous like beaver nuggets seems too much, opt instead for traditional flavors. For mid-journey meals, go ahead with sliced brisket paired with crispy house-made potato chips. Additionally, remember that many of the mentioned pre-packed goodies work well both as whimsical gift ideas (like tasty jerkies) or charming presents when visiting someone else (such as jars of apple butter), ensuring ample opportunities to indulge during your visit.
Top Delicacies to Sample at Buc-ee's
Beaver Nuggets
Certainly, there's an entire universe out there. beyond The Beaver Nuggets; however, visiting Buc-ee's isn’t complete without trying this cherished treat. As an iconic offering from the company, this caramel-covered puffed corn snack—you might as well grab some when you're there—is definitely worth tasting. Amazon —it comes in 13-ounce packages and offers a flavor profile similar to kettle corn, combining saltiness with sweetness. Country Living Lifestyle Director Sarah Zlotnick says they remind her of Waffle Crisp cereal. You'll find a variety of flavors—Cinnamon Sweet, White Cheddar—but we're partial to the original.
Insider Tip: A number of Texans mention that they prefer to savor Beaver Nuggets alongside milk, similar to how one might eat cereal.
Bohemian Garlic Jerky
I must confess I am not particularly fond of jerky, so I turned to my colleagues with stronger feelings about it for assistance. They mostly concurred that this slightly garlicky jerky ranks at the top of their preferences, which isn’t surprising since it’s apparently the shop's best-selling variety.
Insider Tip: Having trouble deciding? Head over to the Jerzy Bar to try different flavors and then choose.
Paddle Tail
If you have a sweet tooth for breakfast, this ultra-flaky pastry, similar to a croissant and stuffed with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon then glazed on top, would be perfect alongside a cup of coffee. Buc-ee's house blend . For a less flaky but equally indulgent experience, the Cinnamon Roll is also a consistent crowdpleaser. Insider Tip: Politely ask them, and they will warm up the paddle for you at the bakery section.
Beaver Chips
These light-and-crispy fresh-fried chips are the Buc-ee's equivalent of McDonalds' iconic French fries, although full disclosure: I think they could use a little more salt. Insider Tip: Country Living Digital Director Katie Bowlby prefers the early morning potato alternative, aka Tater Coins.
Dill Pickle Kettle Chips
If you prefer more conventional chips (imagine those that come in pre-packaged bags rather than freshly fried ones), these are undoubtedly my top choice. They surpass all of the store’s other kettle-cooked varieties, even my typical favorite, Salt and Vinegar.
Insider Tip: Crush the chips and utilize them to add some texture to your sandwich.
Glazed Pecans
Pecans are the state nut of Texas, after all, and those Texans seem to know what they're doing given the super crunchy candied shell.
Insider Tip: Skip the prepackaged versions and head straight to the stand where they're sold fresh by the cone. (Just follow the smell!)
Sausage Cheese Jalapeño Kolache
Served savory or sweet, this Czech pastry is beloved throughout Texas and Buc-ee's and its easy to see why. We prefer the heartier route, but the Strawberry Cream Cheese Kolache has a devoted following.
Insider Tip: For guaranteed kolache enjoyment, you'll need to get there in the morning, as the kolache cutoff at some locations is at 11:00 A.M.
Cheese Puff Snacks, Crispy Cheese Spirals
I genuinely adore a great cheese puff, and these certainly didn’t let me down. Actually, they’re even cheesier compared to most, which is definitely a plus.
Insider Tip: Perhaps pick up an additional roll of paper towels at the spotless Buc-ee's restroom. Your car’s inside will be grateful.
Chopped Brisket BBQ Sandwich
At the renowned Buc-ee's barbecue station—the Texas Round Up—most people favor their chopped brisket over the pulled pork. We concur with this preference, though it might be slightly too sweet for those who aren’t fans of sweeter BBQ flavors.
Insider Tip: To get the most recently made sandwich, stick around until you hear the staff members wearing denim aprons shouting "hot, fresh brisket available!"
Apple Pie
Country Living 's Deputy Art Director Emma Gray Pitt asserts that the "perfectly crisp" dessert is essential. (It’s worth mentioning that much of the team concurs that the pie surpasses the fudge.) and When craving something sweet, the banana pudding hits the spot. Additionally, nothing embodies the spirit of a road trip better than a fried hand pie.
Insider Tip: Apple enthusiasts may also want to check out the popular Apple Butter offering that sits among the jars of jams and marmalades.
Honorable Mentions
Given the extensive selection, the list provided is not all-inclusive. Several other options that met the criteria feature an abundance of beans. Vegetarian Burrito , the Cheddar Biscuit Roll with Jalapeño Sausage the Bold 'N Hot Seasoned Pickle Chips (imagine genuine dill pickles, rather than potato chips), and Salt and Lime Peanuts, which deliver a serious kick and pair well with a Dr. Pepper Icee from the store's massive soda section.
Less Honorable Mentions:
The Chipimiento Spread (chipotle + pimiento) was nothing to write home about, the ranch-flavored Tip Top Pop Popcorn left a slightly weird aftertaste, and the famous Fudge couldn't quite complete with the other sweet offerings (namely the Paddle Tail and Apple Pie ).
I have completed my task. I shall now proceed to take an extended rest.
Special thanks to the Kia Carnival, the Official Vehicle for Road Trips. Country Living, for assisting us in sampling our share of beaver nuggets. (Stay tuned for the Kia Carnival hybrid coming in 2025!)
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