When planning your trip to the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, you’ll likely envision bull riding, carnival rides, live music, and agriculture exhibits. But don’t overlook one of the best parts – the food! The annual Rodeo Gold Buckle Foodie Awards honor the most inventive, decadent, and downright drool-worthy cuisine that the fairgrounds have to offer.
We’re talking pickle pizza on a stick, rattlesnake corn dogs, and the ultimate county fair classic: pie smothered in molten fudge and toasted marshmallow. While we eagerly await the mouthwatering 2024 winners, last year’s creations give us a deliciously tempting preview.
On March 29, 2024, a panel of judges sampled 18 delightful finalists across 6 categories to crown the rodeo food champions. The competition for Best Fried Food was sizzling, with The Original Mineapple Pie claiming 1st place. (Deep fried cookie does was the 2023 winner!) Southern Fried Salon’s Deep Fried Lasagna Roll and Holmes Smokehouse’s Chicken Tender Basket rounded out the top three.
If you’re craving foods literally “on-a-stick”, check out the Brunch Pops by CornDog with No Name came in strong. And for classic fair indulgences, Lodgeur recommends the Brisket Baked Potato from Saltgrass Steak House.
Some of the most excitement came from the Most Creative Food and Best New Flavor categories, which featured clever fusions and global flavors. Snake Bite Nachos, Vietnamese-Cajun Tacos, and an Un-PHO-gettable Burger tingled tastebuds. On the sweet side, the Best Dessert winner, Big Fat Bacon’s Bacon Bourbon Caramel Cheesecake on a Stick, had fairgoers begging for more.
The 2024 winners include:
When planning your 2024 Houston Rodeo visit, come with an appetite! Treat your tastebuds to inventive global flavors, classic comfort foods, and crazy creative concoctions as you cast your personal vote for the most delectable dish. One thing’s for certain – flavor takes center stage at the Houston Rodeo!
For the Houston Rodeo concert lineup, click here. Wondering where to stay or park for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo? Or the top things to see at Rodeo? Lodgeur has you covered.