Breakfast in Belize: Fry Jacks
Forget the fresh lobster and morning catch fish, the most popular thing to have for breakfast in Belize is fry jacks. I’d never heard of them before either. I’d heard a murmur surrounding they’re deliciousness as soon as I arrived on Caye Caulker, but it took two weeks of being in Belize until I finally got round to trying it. And all thanks to my new Belizean friend Nadine.
I was with two friends and we went out for dinner to Sobre des Alos on the waterfront in Caye Caulker. We got chatting with the waitress, Nadine, who’s awesome, and by the end of the night she’d invited us round for breakfast to her house the next morning.
Home cooking in Belize
At 9am we trotted round true to our word. And true to her word she’d started creating the little bundles of despicable deliciousness. She was so lovely and generous inviting the three of us to come in and sit in her home I’m still feeling warm inside from her kindness. We bought her a present, but she got up early and started baking, especially for us.
Nadine made us a seemingly endless supply of fry jacks with fried beans and egg on the side. Her two-year-old son entertained us with marbles and a keyboard while she slaved away in the kitchen. Twenty minutes later and the three of us, her, her son and her cousin all sat down to watch Finding Nemo and scoff the tasty treats.
I managed three, while my friend Dick (pictured, real name) shovelled down seven.
So what are fry jacks?
The Belizean breakfast of fry jacks is basically deep fried dough, served up with something to scoop, usually ham, eggs and beans. They reminded me a lot of the Langos in Hungary. Apparently they’re pretty easy to make, but there’s a real art to making them well, which is what Nadine did.
To make fry jacks you mix flour, baking powder, salt, vegetable oil and water together then pan cook and proof. Then you fry them up and serve warm.
Arr they’re so good, writing this is making me want them right now.
Fry jacks are generally made separately to the sides but you can get also get them to go and they’re served like a Cornish pasty with all the filling inside, like this one I bought in Benque, Belize. For as long as I’ve got left in this beautiful country I’ll mostly be eating these, when I’ve got time in between the snapper, king steak, lobster and rice and beans that is.
VickyFlipFLopTravels
Make some Belizean Fry Jacks today. serve with some fried beans and maybe stew chicken.
This recipe is really made simple. it works really good if you follow the instructions just as is if you are a beginner. once you get the hang of it make your own adjustment or add your own flavoring. you could even sprinkle powdered sugar on it for the kids or serve with honey. make sure to fry in hot oil to get your puffing up. remember they cook real fast. drop in wait a few seconds and flip and then out. dont step away or they will burn or get too brown.
Instead of water can use coconut milk. This recipe calls for too much salt. My kids love theirs with maple syrup. I prefer mine plain with refried beans and or fish.

Felt like fry jack this morning. But didn't want eggs but found a can of sardines in spicy tomato sauce.
There you have it: fluffy fry jack and sardines
Belize food and recipe made easy in 20 minutes.

Fry Jacks: Authentic Belize Food Staple
They say “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” and Belizeans take this very serious. One of the more popular and mouth-watering breakfast meals in Belize includes refried beans, eggs, cheese, bacon or ham and fresh fruits all perfectly paired with fry jacks. Fry jacks are deep fried dough pieces that can be shaped in squares, circles or triangles. Making these delicious fry jacks will be relatively easy and fast with this recipe we have prepared for you. You can make this in the comfort of your home and share a part of Belize with your family & friends!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
- 1 ½ cup water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
Sift flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Add shortening into a flour mix. Add water, a little at a time, to make a soft, but not sticky dough. Divide dough into two rounds. Let rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Lightly flour counter top. Roll dough out to about 10 to 12 inches round. Cut lengthwise into 2 to 3-inch strips and then crosswise to desired size. Make sure the oil is very hot for fluffy jacks. Fry on each side until golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy a delectable Belizean breakfast at home!

This recipe is really made simple. it works really good if you follow the instructions just as is if you are a beginner. once you get the hang of it make your own adjustment or add your own flavoring. you could even sprinkle powdered sugar on it for the kids or serve with honey. make sure to fry in hot oil to get your puffing up. remember they cook real fast. drop in wait a few seconds and flip and then out. dont step away or they will burn or get too brown.
This recipe uses no oil or shortening. Some use milk instead of water. Serve with some fried beans and maybe stew chicken.