Y’all, it’s morel season in Kentucky, and that means two things:
1-We’re hittin’ the woods. 2-We’re heatin’ up that cast iron.
If you’ve never had a hot skillet of crispy, golden, fried morels—well bless your heart, it’s time. This Appalachian delicacy is only around for a blink in spring, and we’re showin’ it the respect it deserves: breaded, fried, and devoured immediately.
This ain’t fancy. It’s pure Kentucky comfort food, the kind that makes you say “Mmmhmm” with every crunchy bite.
Classic Kentucky Fried Morel Mushroom Recipe
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Serves: 4 wild mushroom lovers
Difficulty: Easy as pie (if you don’t burn the oil)
What You’ll Need:
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1 pound fresh morel mushrooms (halved lengthwise)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup vegetable shortening or oil for frying
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Salt + freshly ground black pepper to taste
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Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Clean Them ‘Shrooms
Gently brush off any dirt. Soak your morels in a bowl of cold, lightly salted water for 5 minutes. Swish ‘em around, rinse, and pat dry. (Repeat twice if you’re feelin’ extra cautious—ain’t nobody want grit in their grit.)
2. Heat Things Up
Pour that oil or shortening into your cast iron skillet and set it over medium-high heat. You want it hot, but not smokin’.
3. Dredge Like You Mean It
Roll each morel half in flour till it’s fully coated. Shake off the extra—nobody wants clumpy crust.
4. Fry ‘Em to Glory
Lay those morels in the hot oil. Fry for 5–8 minutes, turning every now and then, till they’re golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain + Dust
Place on paper towels to drain. Hit ‘em with salt and pepper while they’re still hot.
Kentucky Tips + Twists
Pair it with bourbon (obviously).
Add a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy.
Wanna get real wild? Drizzle with hot honey before serving.
Morels are the taste of spring in Kentucky—earthy, nutty, and downright addicting. Whether you forage ‘em yourself or snag ‘em at a local market, don’t let the season pass you by.
Fry ‘em up. Eat ‘em hot. Thank us later.
Check out our Celebrated Morel Tee—because Kentuckians have morels.
