Fry Jacks
A Belizean fried breakfast bread likely rooted in the wider Caribbean but made distinctly Belizean through a blend of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and indigenous cooking, not a single-culture invention. Real fry jack dough uses baking powder, not yeast, and is fried until it puffs into a hollow golden pocket, traditionally cut into triangles from a round rather than shaped as one piece. Using pre-made biscuit or pizza dough instead of a proper shortening-based dough is the common shortcut that changes the texture.
Vegetarian
⚠ Contains: Gluten, Dairy. Always check your own ingredients — this isn't a guarantee for severe allergies.
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp shortening or lard
- 1 cup water (or evaporated milk)
- Oil, for frying
- Refried beans, cheese, and fried eggs, to serve
Steps
- Mix the dry ingredients, then cut in the shortening until crumbly.
- Add the liquid to form a soft dough. Rest 15-20 minutes.
- Roll out and cut into triangles.
- Deep-fry in hot oil until puffed and golden on both sides.
- Serve with refried beans, cheese, or fried eggs.