Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRainbow LodgeFried Texas Quail Bites Recipe

Fried Texas Quail Bites Recipe

Inspired by Rainbow Lodge
Time1h
Serves4

white cheddar grits, bourbon bacon gravy

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Ingredients

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For the Quail Bites

For the White Cheddar Grits

For the Bourbon Bacon Gravy

Method

Prepare the Quail Bites

  1. 1

    Marinate the Quail

    Soak the quail breasts in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

  2. 2

    Breading the Quail

    In a bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Remove quail from the buttermilk and coat them in the flour mixture.

  3. 3

    Fry the Quail

    Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated quail bites for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Prepare the White Cheddar Grits

  1. 4

    Cook the Grits

    In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the grits and salt, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes while stirring occasionally.

  2. 5

    Finish the Grits

    Stir in the milk, butter, and white cheddar cheese until creamy and smooth.

Prepare the Bourbon Bacon Gravy

  1. 6

    Cook the Bacon

    In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble, leaving the grease in the skillet.

  2. 7

    Make the Gravy

    Add flour to the bacon grease to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and bourbon until thickened. Season with salt and black pepper.

  3. 8

    Combine

    Stir in the crumbled bacon into the gravy just before serving.

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