Do you have a road trip home for Thanksgiving break? If you are driving for a good while, you are going to need to stop and power up somewhere along the way. Long drives during the holidays are tiring, and if you want to keep your energy up, you need good Thanksgiving road trip food that actually tastes great and keeps you full. You will need gas, food, a clean bathroom, and a place to stretch your legs, and you can either stop at several different places or make one smart stop at Buc ees and get everything at once.
Reading an article about the best foods at Buc ees might seem a little silly for a Food and Drink blog, and honestly it is. But it is silly in a fun way. Buc ees is one of the most popular stops for anyone traveling across the South, and it is a place that makes long holiday drives easier. If you are looking for the best Thanksgiving road trip food that saves time and money, Buc ees should be at the top of your list.
Appetizers and Snacks
One of the best parts about Buc ees is the huge selection of snacks that you cannot find at regular gas stations. You can get basic brands anywhere, but the Buc ees brand usually tastes better and is more fun to try.
The most iconic snack is the beaver nuggets. The original flavor comes in a clear bag and is the most popular. There are also salted caramel and cinnamon versions. Beaver nuggets are corn puffs with a thin sweet shell that gives them a satisfying crunch. They are light, sweet, and incredibly easy to snack on while you drive. They are one of the most famous Buc ees items for a reason and a perfect option for Thanksgiving road trip food.
If you want something salty, the seasoned oyster crackers are a great choice. They come in ranch, garlic parmesan, Cajun, chili cheese, and hot and spicy. They are completely covered in seasoning and have intense flavor. Some flavors are genuinely spicy, especially Cajun and hot and spicy, so keep a drink nearby. They are cheap, easy to eat, and perfect for snacking between stops.
If you want protein, Buc ees beef jerky is one of the best snacks they sell. It is made fresh in store and comes either packaged or sold by the pound at the counter. There are many different flavors and the ghost pepper jerky is a favorite for people who like heat. Jerky is one of the easiest Thanksgiving road trip food options because it fills you up and keeps you awake.
Entrees
Most people who have been to Buc ees know about the fresh barbecue. You have probably heard the workers calling out fresh brisket on the board. Even though it comes from a massive travel center, the brisket is surprisingly good. The brisket sandwich is a simple and reliable choice that gives you real food during a long drive.
The brisket burrito takes it a step further. It is stuffed with brisket, cheese, tater tots, refried beans, and a chipotle ranch sauce. It has great flavor and tastes like something from a fast casual restaurant. It is filling, warm, and a perfect entree if you want something stronger than a snack.
Another favorite is the mega meat sandwich which stacks brisket, pork, chicken, and turkey all together. It is a giant amount of protein, and it gives you enough fuel to keep going for hours without needing another food stop.
If I had to pick the best entree at Buc ees, it would be the Texas cheesesteak burrito. It is a large burrito stuffed to the edge with steak, peppers, onions, cheese, and a jalapeno sauce. It has great flavor, a nice kick, and tastes like something that should not even be considered gas station food. If you only get one entree from Buc ees for your Thanksgiving road trip food, it should be this burrito.
Dessert
Buc ees has desserts everywhere you look. Banana pudding, cookies, pastries, muffins, brownies, and plenty more fill almost every section of the store. If you need something sweet to wake you up or keep your mood up during a long Thanksgiving weekend drive, you will easily find something.
One of the best desserts is the Overbite. It is a chocolate puck that weighs about a third of a pound, and the milk chocolate and peanut butter version is perfect for anyone who likes Reese Cups. It uses real chocolate and has a thick peanut butter center that is rich and sweet. There are also dark chocolate versions and others filled with caramel or cookies and cream icing.
The dark chocolate roasted espresso beans are also great for long drives. They taste amazing and give you caffeine at the same time. Dark chocolate and espresso pair perfectly and they are easy to snack on as you go. They keep you alert and feel like the ideal treat for holiday travel.
You should also try the fudge. Buc ees makes their fudge in store and offers many different flavors. It is sweet, rich, and a fun treat to take on the road.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving travel can be long and exhausting, but choosing the right food makes the entire experience easier. Buc ees is the perfect place to stop during your holiday drive because it has everything in one spot: snacks, real meals, dessert, drinks, and clean restrooms. If you are looking for the best Thanksgiving road trip food, Buc ees offers more options than any other travel stop. From beaver nuggets and jerky to brisket burritos and fresh fudge, there is something for every kind of traveler. So as you head home for Thanksgiving break, make Buc ees your go to stop for food, fuel, and a break from the road. It saves time, saves money, and makes the long trip home a lot more enjoyable.
For info on food back home in Tuscaloosa, check out our article on Dreamland Barbecue or the new Chicago-style pizza joint, Antioch Pizza Shop!
