When it comes to wild game comfort food, nothing beats a big pot of homemade squirrel dumplings. This recipe combines tender braised squirrel, rich Cajun-seasoned gravy broth, fresh herbs, and soft homemade dumplings for the ultimate hearty meal. Whether you grew up eating squirrel or you’re looking for a new way to cook your harvest, this recipe brings together traditional wild game cooking with bold Southern flavor. Slow-braised until fork tender and finished with fluffy dumplings, this is the kind of meal that keeps everybody coming back for another bowl.
| Yield: 4-6 Servings | Portion Size: 6-8 oz |
| Prep Time: 30 mins. | Cook Time: 2 ½ hours | Total Time: 3 hours |
Ingredients:
For the Squirrel Stew
- 2-3 Squirrels, Cleaned
- 2 Tbsp of The Bearded Butcher Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil
- 1 Cup Onion, Small Diced
- 1/2 Cup Celery, Small Diced
- 1/2 Cup Carrots, Small Diced
- 1/4 Cup Fennel, Small Diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 2 Tbsp White Wine
- 1/4 Cup Butter
- 1/2 Cup Flour
- 1 Quart Chicken Stock
- 1 Cup Half and Half
Fresh Herbs
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Bay Leaves
- Fresh Parsley
Dumplings
- 1 ⅔ Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tbsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp of The Bearded Butcher Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 Tbsp Melted Butter
- 1/4 Cup Buttermilk
- 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
- 3/4 Cup Milk
Instructions:
-
Season and Sear the Squirrel -
Preheat your grill or smoker to medium-high heat.
Drizzle the squirrels with avocado oil and season generously with The Bearded Butcher Cajun Seasoning Blend.
Place the squirrels onto the grill and sear both sides to develop flavor and color. Do not cook them all the way through during this step.
-
Braise Until Tender - Place a Dutch oven onto the smoker or into a
325°F oven.
Add:
- Seared squirrel
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 cups chicken stock
Cover and braise at 325°F until the squirrel is fully cooked and fork tender, about 2 hours.
-
Prep the Vegetables - While the squirrel cooks, prepare the vegetables.
Small dice:
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Fennel
Mince the garlic.
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt butter and add the vegetables and garlic. Season lightly with Bearded Butcher Cajun Blend.
Allow the vegetables to slowly soften and release moisture. This process is called sweating, not sautéing, so keep the heat low and avoid browning the vegetables.
-
Build the Roux -
Add the white wine and allow the alcohol to cook off for about 2 minutes.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook over low heat until the flour smell disappears and the roux becomes fragrant.
Slowly stir in about 2 cups of chicken stock until smooth.
-
Add the Squirrel -
Once the squirrel is fork tender, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Add the shredded squirrel meat to the pot along with all of the braising liquid from the Dutch oven.
Add fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, and bay leaves. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
Pour in the half and half and season to taste with additional Bearded Butcher Cajun Blend if desired.
-
Make the Dumplings -
In a mixing bowl, sift together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Cajun seasoning
Add:
- Melted butter
- Buttermilk
- Sour cream
- Milk
Mix until just combined. Do not overmix, or the dumplings can become tough from overdeveloped gluten.
-
Cook the Dumplings -
Scoop small ½-ounce portions of dumpling dough directly into the simmering pot.
Add as many dumplings as desired, then cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the dumplings are fully cooked and tender.
Test one dumpling by cutting it open to ensure the center is cooked through.
-
Serve -
Ladle the squirrel and dumplings into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
If you're a hunter or just looking for a new way to cook squirrel, this recipe is for you. The Bearded Butcher Cajun Blend brings a savory, peppery flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich braised squirrel and creamy dumplings.
Squirrel dumplings are one of the best ways to turn wild game into a comforting, flavorful meal the whole family can enjoy. The slow braise creates tender meat packed with smoky flavor, while the Cajun seasoning and homemade dumplings bring everything together into one rich and satisfying dish. Whether you cook this over a smoker, grill, or in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite during hunting season. Serve it hot with fresh parsley on top, and enjoy a true wild game classic.
