Mississippi Roasted Squirrel
A hearty Southern dish featuring roasted squirrel seasoned with lemon, garlic, and savory bread crumbs, perfect for adventurous eaters and game meat enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash squirrels thoroughly and dry them.
- Cover the squirrels with a mixture of cooking oil and lemon juice.
- Let the squirrels stand for 1 hour.
- Combine seasoned bread crumbs with enough milk to moisten.
- Add all other ingredients, except bacon fat, to the bread crumb mixture.
- Stuff the squirrels with this mixture.
- Place the stuffed squirrels in a roaster and brush them with bacon fat.
- Roast, uncovered, at 325°F for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, basting every 15 minutes with drippings.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, marinate the squirrels in the oil and lemon juice overnight. If you don't have seasoned bread crumbs, make your own by mixing plain bread crumbs with Italian seasoning. You can substitute the mushrooms with diced celery or bell peppers for a different texture. If you prefer a slightly spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stuffing mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mississippi Roasted Squirrel with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob for a hearty meal. A refreshing salad, like Sally'S Super Spinach Salad, pairs well to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete experience, consider serving with homemade biscuits or cornbread to soak up the flavorful drippings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squirrels in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Using the oven will help retain the crispy skin and moist meat, making it taste freshly roasted.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mississippi Roasted Squirrel contains roughly 1397 calories, with 22g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2467mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, while the recipe is specifically for squirrel, you can substitute with chicken or rabbit. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the meat to ensure it is fully cooked and tender.
What can I do if I can't find seasoned bread crumbs?
If seasoned bread crumbs aren't available, you can create your own by mixing plain bread crumbs with Italian herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will give you a similar flavor profile for the stuffing.
What's the best way to know when the squirrels are done cooking?
The squirrels are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, the meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone. Basting every 15 minutes helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).