Initially appearing as a typical (albeit notably large) gas station, Buc-ee’s surprises once you step inside their shop. This Texas-based business, now with locations across the South, stands out as more than just a regular convenience store. Besides offering camping gear, apparel, toys, grills, and a diverse selection of beloved road trip snacks, Buc-ee’s has caught the attention of Southern chefs.
We reached out to culinary experts who shared their top picks from Buc-ee’s, and here are the standout recommendations:
**1. Brisket Sandwich**
In Texas, brisket is a culinary tradition, and Buc-ee’s celebrates this with their signature smoked beef. Executive Chef Alex Melendez from Thompson Houston in Houston praises the brisket sandwich as a quintessential Texan delight that’s perfect for a quick grab-and-go snack on your journey. Chef Melissa Araujo of Alma Café in New Orleans also commends the sandwich for its smoky flavor and satisfying quality.
**2. Fried Chicken Sandwich**
Another crowd-pleaser among Buc-ee’s offerings is the fried chicken sandwich, hailed by Chef Jennifer Booker of Bauhaus Biergarten in Atlanta. She appreciates the crispy chicken fillet nestled in a soft bun, enhanced with aioli and pickles, making it a must-try during your travels.
**3. Beaver Nuggets**
Notably popular, Beaver Nuggets are a standout snack at Buc-ee’s – corn puffs coated in various flavors like honey glaze, salted caramel, cinnamon sugar, and white cheddar. Described by Chef Mark Frazie of Frazie’s Meat & Market in Atlanta as a unique blend of sweet and savory reminiscent of Captain Crunch and Cheese Puffs.
**4. Kolaches**
A Czech pastry introduced to Central Texas in the 19th century, kolaches have become a staple at Buc-ee’s. Pitmaster Barrett Black from The Original Black’s BBQ recalls fond memories of enjoying Buc-ee’s kolaches during road trips, particularly favoring the cherry variety paired with tortilla chips.
With both sweet and savory options available, Buc-ee’s kolaches are a delightful snack that captures the essence of Texan culinary heritage.
Consider this endorsement from Chris Borges, the chef at Commons Club in New Orleans: “When I visit Buc-ee’s, my must-have is the jalapeño, cheese & sausage kolache, especially in the morning when they are at their freshest!” He went on to say, “I adore the visible slice of jalapeño baked into the bun on top. It strikes the perfect balance of sausage and cheese, offering a delightful mix of savory, spicy, and sweetness from the hint of sugar in the bun. I highly recommend dipping it into the complimentary green salsa ramekins at the Texas Roundup counter located in the heart of every store!”
Salsa Verde Coated Peanuts
If you’re looking for a snack that’s easy to munch on while cruising down the highway, Buc-ee’s peanuts are always a reliable choice. While the classic salted nuts are a safe bet, Sophina Uong, the chef/owner of Mister Mao in New Orleans, Louisiana, suggests trying the “salsa verde peanuts. They have become my new favorite snack—so delicious and crunchy.”
Fresh Fried Chips
While Buc-ee’s offers a wide variety of pre-packaged snacks, its freshly-cooked treats truly stand out from the rest. Dennis Chan, the chef/owner of Blue Bamboo in Jacksonville, Florida, praises the “fresh-fried chips that are available ‘on the board’ during lunch and dinner hours.” According to Chan, “They are always positioned next to the famous brisket sandwiches, and these chips are the ideal thickness—initially crispy and then chewy—with a salty potato flavor. They are served in a brown paper bag the size of a beer can.”
Rice Crispy Treats
For many of us, rice crispy treats have a nostalgic appeal from childhood. Fortunately, Buc-ee’s offers Rice Crispy Treats that are just as enticing to adults as they are to kids. Nicola Blaque, the executive chef and owner of the Jerk Shack in San Antonio, Texas, fondly recalls her attachment to these Buc-ee’s classics: “Buc-ee’s has always been more than just a gas station to me—it’s a road trip tradition, a place where snacks turn into memories. My love for their marshmallow rice crispy treats began in 2014, during my externship in Houston at Hess Corporation. One weekend, I impulsively grabbed one, expecting a simple treat, but that first bite changed everything.”
Blaque goes on to say, “Unlike the typical dry, airy versions, Buc-ee’s rice crispy treats are perfectly chewy with a subtle crunch, enhanced by the rich, nutty taste of brown butter. The deep caramel-like sweetness immediately made it a favorite, and since then, no visit to Buc-ee’s has felt complete without one. Now, whenever I pass by a Buc-ee’s, I pick up a rice
