Rustle Up the Flavor: How to Enjoy Houston Rodeo Food at Home

It’s rodeo time in our hometown of Houston, partner! And that means bull riding and mutton bustin’, big old belt buckles and polished boots, carnival rides, and that can’t miss Houston rodeo food.

Of course, busy schedules mean it isn’t always easy to make it out to the festivities. If you have to opt out this year, but you’re hankering for your Houston rodeo food fix, your Food Town has you covered. There are a number of dishes you can easily prepare right at home! From smoky Texas barbecue to deep-fried delicacies, we’re here to help you round up all the ingredients you need to make these delicious and fun creations. Read on, get inspired, and start getting that grocery list together!

Houston Rodeo Food Must-Have: Texas Barbecue

We Texans love our barbecue, and it hits even better during rodeo season. Our Recipes page is filled with barbecue options and sides your whole crew will love, which are easy to cook up right there in your kitchen or patio grill. (This Texas-Style Brisket recipe is one of our favorites!) Of course, your Food Town doesn’t play second fiddle to anyone. We have a large selection of quality meats and all the fixin’s you need to get your grill on.

Stop by and shop for fresh beef, chicken and pork, hot dogs, sausage, and great ground beef for burgers — all at prices that keep the wallet happy. Remember, all Food Town fresh and packaged meats come in a variety of sizes. (And if you don’t see a cut you’re looking for, just ask! We’re happy to get it ready for you while you wait!) Whether you need a few chicken wings or a large pork butt or beef brisket, you’ll find it at your neighborhood Food Town. If you’re looking to branch out to try a new brand or two our customers are known to love, here are some awesome options sure to get your mouth waterin’:

• Bar S
• Beasley’s
• Blue Ribbon
• Burton
• Chappell Hill
• Eckrich
• Eddy
• HeartBrand
• Holmes Smokehouse
• Johnsonville
• Kountry Boys
• Richard’s
• Waak’s
• Zummo’s

Houston Rodeo Food Must-Have: Authentic Mexican Cuisine

We’re spoiled here in Texas to have Mexico and its incredible eats so nearby. It’s no surprise those flavors are a big deal when the rodeo rolls around. If you’re looking to cook up something with a little south-of-the-border flair, our La Vaquita Flautas are real crowd-pleasers. And if you’re feeling really ambitious, consider lassoing up the ingredients it takes to make these tasty Chicken Tamales with Tomatillo Salsa.

Remember, your Food Town has a great selection of Hispanic and Tex-Mex products for your next fiesta or family dinner night. Scramble on down for everything from cookies to tortillas, hard-to-find Hispanic produce and peppers, hot sauces, and salsas that will surely knock your socks off. You’ll find shelves stocked with well-known local and international brands, and one of the best selections of Mexican cheeses and cremas in town! Don’t forget, we’re also your go-to store when it comes to making tamales. Here are just a few of the Hispanic brands our customers just can’t get enough of:

• Cacique
• Fud
• Goya
• La Vaquita
• Mama Julia
• Mama Lycha
• El Mexicano
• Reynaldo’s

Houston Rodeo Food Must-Have: Deep-Fried Everything

There’s just something satisfying about diving into a deep-fried delicacy that you know you probably wouldn’t (or at least shouldn’t) be eating too often outside of rodeo season. The good news is, it’s pretty easy to make up something delicious using mixes and ingredients from your neighborhood Food Town!

These Crispy Fried Pickle Chips place Louisiana Brand products front and center, while this Easy Funnel Cake recipe calls for buttermilk pancake mix! (Yep, you read that right — pancake mix!) Store-bought mixes are incredibly versatile and can save you a ton of time. If you’re feeling extra creative, consider snagging your favorite baking mix to create this sure-fire fave for your little wranglers, Fried Oreo Doughnuts! For a savory treat, try fry mixes from Zatarain’s, House Autry, Louisiana Brand, Slap Ya Mama, or Tony Chachere’s. Be creative. You’ll be glad you did, partner! 

Of course, not everything has to be cooked from scratch. If you’d rather opt for something easier and a bit more convenient, your Food Town carries frozen fried foods and meals for the whole family. Corn dogs, French fries, chicken nuggets, pretzels, onion rings, and tater tots, are just a few easy, tasty treats everyone knows and loves. You can also find a good variety of your favorite frozen pizzas at great prices!

Houston Rodeo Food Must-Have: Miscellaneous Tasty Treats

Part of the beauty of rodeo season is wandering around and seeing what foods speak to ya from the stalls. Although making them at home requires more planning, the results can be just as delicious. If you’re craving those midway pretzels, try our recipe for Black Pepper Pretzels using Pioneer biscuit and baking mix. If your little buckaroos have a sweet tooth, consider these famous TikTok Cinnamon Rolls, which call for refrigerated packaged cinnamon roll dough!

Remember, when it comes to snacks, your Food Town doesn’t buck around. In addition to great ingredients for snacks you can prepare, you can also find all sorts of tasty pre-packaged items. Chips, popcorn, ice cream, or snack cakes? You’ll find it here, neighbor. Cotton candy? We have it! Shelled peanuts in a variety of flavors? We have those, too. Those easy eats make for great grab-and-go options, or quick snacks when those hunger pangs kick in — no cooking required!

Houston Rodeo Food Must-Have: Beer, Wine, and Sodas

Don’t forget the drinks, friends! Those beer and wine tents are a great place to unwind as you’re roaming at the rodeo — and to quench your thirst after all that great food. And who doesn’t love a cold refreshing soda? Rest assured, your Food Town offers a great selection of beer and wine, at low prices that’ll have you steering right on over to our store. We’ve also got all sorts of soft drinks, including Texas’ favorite, Dr Pepper. Come in and corral your favorite beverages!

So, what are you waiting for, cowpokes? It’s time to mosey on down to Food Town and stock up on all the ingredients you need to re-create the rodeo foods you know and love. We can’t wait to see you and to help you fill that chuck wagon.