BOLD NEW FLAVORS JOIN THE RODEO LINEUP
The wait is almost over for Houstonians who love all the deep-fried and wacky foods they’ll only find at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Festivities kick off Feb. 27, bringing back a slew of classic and inventive bites all around the midway and in the stadium. There will be around 90 vendors at the rodeo this year, between independent eateries, carnival vendors and Aramark’s booths. New vendors for 2024 include Big Fat Bacon, MiaBellas and Waffle Chix. And yes, Trill Burgers is coming back.
Across the board, there are dozens of new food items to try. Here are some that caught our eye.
At the carnival:
Texas BBQ Slice
Ditch traditional pizza with this Texas-size slice of heaven topped with pulled pork barbecue, onion, pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of ranch.
Cheeto Cheese Chicken on a Stick
Two pieces of extra-crispy fried chicken are dipped in melted cheddar cheese and rolled in crunchy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Stacked pickles ride on top.
Hot Cheeto Cheese Pickle Pizza
Another Hot Cheetos item: New York-style pizza with a ranch dill sauce, topped with mozzarella
cheese, sliced dill pickles, Hot Cheetos and another drizzle of ranch dill sauce. It will also be available from Enzo’s Pizzeria.
Texas Torpedo
A twist on a jalapeño popper, the Texas Torpedo adds brisket to the cream cheese in a jalapeño wrapped in bacon.
Barbalicious Float
For a real sugar rush, the Barbalicious Float tops handcrafted bubblegum soda with cotton candy, whipped cream and sprinkles. Sticking out of the drink is a pink and white lollipop.
From vendors: Louisiana Crawfish Cheese Fries
At Cajun Cowboy, beloved Houston specialties come together in crawfish cheese fries. Cajun Cowboy is also offering churro fries this year.
Chocolate Bacon on a Stick
Sweet and savory merge at new vendor Big Fat Bacon. Aside from the chocolate-covered bacon on a stick, Big Fat Bacon is offering bacon bourbon caramel cheesecake on a stick, too.
Fried Brisket Mac & Cheese
Deep-fried mac and cheese with brisket? Yup, from Yoakum Packing Co.
Paradise Maple Waffle Burger
The maple waffle burger from Paradise Burgers puts a beef patty with cheese, onion and bacon between two maple-syrup-covered waffles.
Deep-Fried Cowboy Croissant
The rodeo’s exclusive steakhouse The Ranch has added a walk-up window where it will serve different carnival foods such as the deep-fried cowboy croissant, a churro-crusted fried croissant stuffed with Nutella or cream.