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Tag: BBQ

  • Southern English Pea Salad Recipe (So Creamy!) – Oh Sweet Basil

    Southern English Pea Salad Recipe (So Creamy!) – Oh Sweet Basil

    This Southern English pea salad is a refreshing and delicious side dish, perfect for any gathering. Made with peas, bacon, herbs, and a creamy dressing, it’s sure to be a hit at your next potluck or holiday dinner.

    It’s the perfect side dish for Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. I don’t know where English pea salad originated from, or why it’s so dang good considering it’s the world’s shortest list of ingredients, but I do know that any time someone shares a photo of a Southern Potluck or church spread, there’s that pea salad!

    Last Fourth of July, we had Cade’s mom, brother, and his family and a friend over for a fun day of swimming and eating. Yes, I did wear a red bathing suit. Yes, I did get mistaken for the lifeguard 100 times. I have had the worst time trying to find a bathing suit that wasn’t cut crazy high or crazy low all year and this one I love, though I will watch where I wear it now. 

    But back to the BBQ — we swam, the kids became exhausted, and we headed back to the house where we cooked up classic burgers thanks to our 2 hamburger secrets post, and a selection of our favorite summer salads including this green pea salad, our tomato mozzarella salad, and Nancy’s Southern Grape Salad. We finished the night off with our dreamiest Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting EVER.

    Green pea salad is considered to be low-carb, gluten-free, and a slightly healthier option to pasta salad (though we have a pasta version of this recipe too if you prefer). But this doesn’t mean it’s straight up healthy — it contains bacon, cheese, and mayonnaise, after all.

    a metal bowl full of creamy southern english pea salad with bacon, chunks of colby jack cheese

    What Ingredients Do I Need for This Salad Recipe?

    Although English pea salad has a few different names, it’s all the exact same thing — cold pea salad. You may hear it called pea salad, English Pea Salad, Southern Pea Salad, Green Pea Salad, or, as we’ve called it, Southern English Pea Salad.

    Here’s what goes into this easy potluck side dish recipe: 

    • Frozen Peas
    • Mayonnaise
    • Apple Cider Vinegar 
    • Salt and Pepper
    • Red Onion
    • Bacon
    • Cheese (Colby Jack or Cheddar Cheese is our favorite)

    Some recipes also call for hard-boiled eggs, which we left out this time as I’m really enjoying it as a straight up pea salad lately. I’ve added it into the recipe as optional in case you want to add it, though.

    For the exact measurements of each ingredient, keep scrolling to the recipe card at the end of the post.

    a wooden bowl full of creamy southern english pea salad with bacon, chunks of colby jack cheese and a metal spoon sitting on the sidea wooden bowl full of creamy southern english pea salad with bacon, chunks of colby jack cheese and a metal spoon sitting on the side

    How to Make This Salad with Peas

    This easy potluck dish takes just 15 minutes to prep and can be served immediately. Here’s how to make this salad recipe in no time: 

    1. In a large bowl, mix up a little mayo, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. 
    2. Add in peas, cheese cubes, chopped red onion, and hard-boiled eggs if you choose. 
    3. Gently fold everything together, then add the crumbled bacon, giving it one last fold to incorporate.

    So simple, right? Keep in mind that you’ll need to slightly defrost the frozen peas before making this salad with bacon, so take that into account before making this recipe. 

    Can You Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?

    English pea salad can be prepared — but not assembled — ahead of time. No one wants soggy bacon or cheese! 

    Here’s how to prep this side dish recipe in advance: 

    1. Leave the peas in the freezer until an hour before assembly. Or even up to 3 hours before you can move them to the fridge.
    2. Cook and chop the bacon and store in a bag in the fridge.
    3. Cook, cool, and chop the eggs and store in the fridge.
    4. Chop the cheese and, you guessed it, back in the fridge.
    5. Ditto with the onion.
    6. Mix the dressing and store in the large mixing bowl with saran wrap over it in the fridge.

    When you’re ready, just toss everything together and serve immediately. If you must mix it ahead of time, still leave the bacon until you’re ready to serve.

    a wooden bowl full of creamy southern english pea salad with bacon, chunks of colby jack cheesea wooden bowl full of creamy southern english pea salad with bacon, chunks of colby jack cheese

    How Long Does Pea Salad Last?

    Because the mayonnaise breaks down the bacon and cheese we don’t much enjoy pea salad more than a day or two later, and it must be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

    Can You Freeze Pea Salad?

    You cannot freeze this salad no matter how badly you want to keep it. The mayonnaise separates and the ingredients become tender and yucky from the freezer.

    Do You Cook Frozen Peas for Pea Salad?

    No, please don’t ever cook your peas for this salad. It’s meant to be a cold salad much like potato salad.

    a wooden bowl full of creamy southern english pea salad with bacon, chunks of colby jack cheesea wooden bowl full of creamy southern english pea salad with bacon, chunks of colby jack cheese

    Can I Omit the Bacon in This Pea Salad? 

    Yes, if you’ll be serving vegetarians or simply prefer not to eat it, you’re welcome to omit the bacon. You could also serve the crumbled bacon on the side and let guests help themselves if they want to eat this pea salad with bacon. The flavor and texture of the bacon in this salad really sends it over the top for me!

    Is There a Mayonnaise Substitute I Can Use? 

    Not that I’m aware of! Real mayo is a must for us in this recipe. However, you could always experiment with using part plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and part real mayo, or use all Miracle Whip. If you try a different variation of this recipe and like the results, please let us know in a comment below! 

    Tips for Making English Pea Salad

    There’s a BIG FAT SECRET to making English pea salad. Do you know what it is? It tastes best with only slightly defrosted, never cooked frozen sweet peas. That’s right, grab your bag of peas and throw them into the fridge to defrost them a little, and when you pour them into the bowl you should hear them falling and they should have a small crunch to them as they are still a little frozen.

    Also, when chopping the red onion we prefer to dice it into small bits and not slices as that’s more cumbersome to eat. Plus, crunching down on a huge bite of raw red onion makes my eyes water. 

    If you’re not a huge fan of raw onion, try running it under cold tap water for a few seconds to remove its bite. Remember to pat it dry before tossing it in the English pea salad. 

    a wooden bowl full of creamy southern english pea salad with bacon, chunks of colby jack cheesea wooden bowl full of creamy southern english pea salad with bacon, chunks of colby jack cheese

    Indulge in the fresh and vibrant flavors of the South with this delicious English pea salad recipe. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch!

    More Side Salad RECIPES:

    Servings: 8 servings

    Prep Time: 5 minutes

    Cook Time: 10 minutes

    Total Time: 15 minutes

    Description

    Looking for an Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, or Christmas potluck dish? Look no further than this English Pea Salad with Bacon! 

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    • In a skillet over medium heat, add the bacon and cook until crisp, turning once to cook on both sides.

      6 Slices Bacon

    • Remove to a paper towel lined plate.

    • Once cool, chop the bacon into small pieces.

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar and salt and pepper.

      1 Cup Mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt and Pepper

    • Add the partially defrosted peas, red onion, eggs if desired, cheese and stir to combine.

      16 Ounces Peas, 1/3 Cup Red Onion, 2 Hard Boiled eggs, 1 Cup Colby Jack Cheese

    • Add the bacon and season with salt and pepper if needed.

    • Serve immediately.

    May be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.

    Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 269kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 11gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 459mgPotassium: 227mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 689IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 138mgIron: 1mg

    Author: Sweet Basil

    Course: America’s Best 4th of July Desserts, Recipes and Sides

    Cuisine: American

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    When you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #ohsweetbasil on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured in our stories!  FOLLOW OH, SWEET BASIL ON FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER FOR ALL OF OUR LATEST CONTENT, RECIPES AND STORIES.

    a wooden bowl full of creamy southern english pea salad with bacon, chunks of colby jack cheesea wooden bowl full of creamy southern english pea salad with bacon, chunks of colby jack cheese

    Sweet Basil

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  • This barbecue joint ranks as North Carolina’s best — again. What makes it so special?

    This barbecue joint ranks as North Carolina’s best — again. What makes it so special?

    At Lexington Barbecue, a plate of course chopped barbecue is prepared in the kitchen on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 in Lexington, N.C.

    At Lexington Barbecue, a plate of course chopped barbecue is prepared in the kitchen on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 in Lexington, N.C.


    Robert Willett

    rwillett@newsobserver.com

    A barbecue joint ranks as the best in North Carolina — again.

    Lexington Barbecue is No. 1 on an annual list of the state’s top places to eat smoked meat paired with sauce, according to results Southern Living published March 6.

    The restaurant won a South’s Best award after the magazine worked with researchers at Proof Insights to conduct an online survey. More than 20,000 readers voted on their favorite barbecue joints and other Southern destinations from July 12 to Aug. 23, 2023, the magazine told McClatchy News in an email.

    “This time around, they seem to be in something of a traditional mood,” the magazine wrote in its report. “A parade of new, highly-acclaimed barbecue restaurants have opened all over the South in recent years, but the 2024 picks lean toward the tried-and-true.”

    Smoke billows from cookers at Lexington Barbecue.
    Smoke billows from cookers at Lexington Barbecue. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com

    Lexington Barbecue, which got its start in 1962, said it sticks “with the true barbecue cooking tradition” of preparing meat over wood. The restaurant is in Lexington, a place synonymous with a regional style of barbecue.

    The style — also called “Piedmont” or “Western” — uses “meat from the pork shoulder with a vinegar, ketchup and spice-based sauce.” Meanwhile, Eastern style barbecue incorporates the “whole hog” and skips the tomatoes, according to posts on the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Visit North Carolina websites.

    What makes the BBQ joint special?

    As the latest rankings add fuel to the state’s age-old barbecue debate, Southern Living praised Lexington Barbecue for being “perhaps the quintessential practitioner” of Piedmont-style barbecue, which gets its start over wood or coals.

    “The finished meat is chopped or sliced and dressed in the thin vinegar and tomato sauce that locals call ‘dip,’” the magazine wrote. “Pair it up with the region’s unique red-tinged slaw and some golden brown hushpuppies on the side and you have all the makings of a classic North Carolina treat.”

    Lexington Barbecue received the statewide recognition for at least the second year in a row. In 2024, the runners-up are:

    • Wilber’s Barbecue in Goldsboro, at No. 2
    • Stamey’s Barbecue in Greensboro, at No. 3
    • Sam Jones BBQ in Raleigh and Winterville, at No. 4
    • B’s Barbecue in Greenville, at No. 5

    Lexington is roughly 20 miles south of Winston-Salem.

    Simone Jasper is a reporter covering breaking stories for The News & Observer and real-time news in the Carolinas.

    Simone Jasper

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  • International chefs bring culinary flare to World’s Championship BBQ Cookoff

    International chefs bring culinary flare to World’s Championship BBQ Cookoff

    HOUSTON, Texas – When you think of Texas BBQ, you often think of those local, western cowboys cooking up some of the best, mouthwatering meat.

    At the RODEOHOUSTON World’s Championship BBQ Cookoff, there’s a lot of that. Roughly 250 different cooking teams to be exact. But there are also a select set of chefs that travelled across the globe to be in Houston this weekend for their chance to be crowned best BBQ.

    About 10 international teams from as far as Australia are injecting their country’s culinary cuisine into the BBQ. It’s like a clash of Texas BBQ and a world of flavor.

    The teams are from countries like Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico, Australia, Sweden and more.

    “The brisket is the queen, is the king, Is everything in Texas barbecue,” said Bruce Salomon, who’s representing Brazil with his company Braza-B-Que. “And look at this brisket in. Beautiful. It’s amazing.”

    His teams spent hours trimming and cutting their brisket, valued at roughly $400, for Saturday’s main competition.

    “In Brazil, we like beef flavor. So we only cook with salt. We don’t use rubs,” Salomon said.

    Across the walkway is Morgan Lundin, who’s representing Sweden and his company Lingon & Dill BBQ.

    “The town I’m from, there so proud that we’re here,” he said. “The whole village that I’m from there cheering now and they follow us on Facebook like ‘Yeah, go and get him.’”

    His team is getting their chicken ready for competition on Saturday. Sweden is competing in all three categories: ribs, brisket and chicken.

    Also in the international section is a group from the land down under: Australia.

    “If I’m being honest, I would probably tear up a little bit. It would mean been a lot, man. Like, you know. It’s a lot of coming over here and traveling so far,” Daniel Barrett of Big Smoke BBQ said.

    It’s a big deal for all of the teams here, but it means that much more for those that are traversing the globe. Barrett didn’t just pack a suitcase, but actually shipped his brisket from Australia to smoke and present to the judges.

    “When we first come over we’re really nervous. You know, are our flavor is going to carry over? But we try not to change too much. You know what we do back home that worked for us. We can. I really do our thing. And everyone who does the their own thing has their own little twist on their own little flavors.”

    Each of the teams say they have drawn inspiration for their BBQ from the American BBQ, including crews from the Texas area.

    The main competition for the World’s Championship BBQ Cookoff will take place on Saturday. Gates will be open from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.

    Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.

    Gage Goulding

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  • The Laveen BBQ celebrates its 72nd annual event this weekend

    The Laveen BBQ celebrates its 72nd annual event this weekend

    The Laveen Community Council (LCC) will host its 72nd barbecue at Cesar Chavez Park this Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., patrons can take advantage of free admission and parking, as well as a chance to visit vendors who will be selling their best barbecue.

    AZ Barbecue and Catering, Saucy Luke’s and Young’s Smoke and Barbecue make up a few of the 100 food and drink, business, retail and organization vendors that will be in attendance.

    The decades-old event carries a history and tradition of volunteerism, according to Stephanie Hurd, Laveen Community Council Director and part of the Laveen BBQ team.

    “In 1952, the Laveen Cowbelles started the event as a community celebration to raise money for March of Dimes,” Hurd says. The Laveen Cowbelles were established in 1946 and were rancher women from dairy families who worked to spread the word regarding the beef industry. The March of Dimes helped support women’s and children’s health and combated polio.

    click to enlarge

    The Laveen BBQ will be held at Cesar Chavez Park on Saturday, February 24.

    AZ Media Maven

    Philanthropy and fundraising remain at the heart of the event.

    “LCC is a non-profit community group,” Hurd explains. “All profits go back to the Laveen community in the form of funding for school, sport and youth groups, scholarships for Laveen graduates and community events such as the Laveen Turkey Trot, the Laveen BBQ and the Laveen egg hunt.”

    Community members who volunteer at the event include high schoolers, LCC members, Girl Scouts and business and organization representatives.

    This thread of volunteerism and community is important to Manuel Burboa, the current president of the Laveen Community Council.

    “I can tell you that the annual Laveen BBQ has allowed me to connect to the Laveen Community on a personal level,” Burboa says.

    He acknowledges that the barbecue is about more than just food and drink.

    “This annual event is a reminder of how close a community can remain despite the continued development and growth,” Burboa adds, and “that this is proof that the Laveen Village community endures.”

    click to enlarge

    The Laveen BBQ raises money for school, sport and youth groups, scholarships for Laveen graduates and community events.

    Laveen Community Council

    The rich tradition lives on in part because the event has continued to evolve since 1952. Cesar Chavez Park hasn’t always provided the space for the event.

    “About 10 years ago, at the original location of 51st Avenue and Dobbins Road, buildings were torn down along with the kitchen,” Hurd explains, and “those with deep roots in the barbecue world were not happy, but they were left with no choice.”

    This meant the Laveen BBQ team had to begin a new search for a location. For the next few months, Fairfax High School became the planned location. However, this was short-lived, since the open space was used to erect another building.

    “That didn’t deter the team,” Hurd says. They started scouting for another place. The event was held at Corona Ranch for three years until it moved to the grounds of Cesar Chavez Park in 2018. The park features a newly built amphitheater, but more importantly, Hurd says, “it has a plethora of space for expansion.”

    Space is key due to the ever-growing crowd of attendees, something Hurd says is a reflection of the city’s growth.

    “Laveen had less than 10,000 people over 20 years ago. Today there are around 60,000. And Laveen still has a lot of growth waiting to happen,” Hurd says.

    Burboa understands the draw to the annual event.

    “It showcases the cultural collection of people from various backgrounds which introduces you to a plethora of homemade items and foods you can try. Besides the food, you are exposed to local performers displaying their musical and dancing talents in front of large crowd,” Burboa says.

    The event also will feature a variety of craft, business and information vendors, a fun zone, yard games and axe throwing.

    “It reflects the rich tradition of bringing family, friends and neighbors together one day each year to share their experiences and what they have to offer,” Burboa says.

    Laveen BBQ

    Cesar Chavez Park
    7858 S. 35th Ave., Laveen

    Rudri Patel

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  • Air Fryer BBQ Salmon [+Video] – Oh Sweet Basil

    Air Fryer BBQ Salmon [+Video] – Oh Sweet Basil

    Impress your friends and family with this easy and flavorful BBQ salmon recipe in the air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy dish that everyone will love.

    When you cook salmon fillets in the air fryer, the edges getting all crispy and delicious while center stays flaky and moist. It’s so fabulous! It only takes 3 quick (less than 15 minutes!) and easy steps to make this no hassle salmon recipe!

    Ingredients for Air Fryer BBQ Salmon

    You will only need 5 ingredients to make these air fryer salmon fillets and there is practically no measuring needed! This is the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight when you still want to eat something healthy. Here is what you will need:

    The details for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

    a photo of two salmon fillets that have been air fried and topped with bbq sauce

    How to Make BBQ Salmon in the Air Fryer

    1. Prep: Preheat the air fryer and rub the fillets with the BBQ rub and butter (or olive oil).
    2. Cook: Place the salmon filets in the air fryer skin side down and cook for 7-9 minutes. Time may vary based on the size of the fillets and the size of your air fryer.
    3. Serve: Brush some barbecue sauce and honey on top and serve!

    These instructions can also be found in the recipe card down below. The recipe can also be saved or printed from there.

    a photo of a two bbq salmon fillets brushed in bbq sauce with a side of grilled squash and sliced avocadoes.a photo of a two bbq salmon fillets brushed in bbq sauce with a side of grilled squash and sliced avocadoes.

    Watch How to Make Airfryer Salmon

    Do You Season Both Sides?

    Only the flesh side of the salmon fillet needs to be seasoned since we cook the salmon with the skin on but we won’t eat the skin. And don’t hold back on the seasoning! I love my salmon with lots of flavor!

    a photo of an air fried bbq salmon fillet that has been flaked apart by a fork on top of a bed of quinoa and grilled zucchini

    Do You Remove Salmon Skin Before Cooking?

    I always cook salmon with the skin on. It’s almost like a little protective barrier in the air fryer to keep the salmon from getting dried out. Once it is cooked, it is super easy to remove the skin and serve it.

    What to Eat with Air Fryer Cooked Salmon

    a photo a plate topped with a bed of quinoa with two bbq salmon fillets on top.a photo a plate topped with a bed of quinoa with two bbq salmon fillets on top.

    Can I Use Frozen Salmon?

    Yes, you can absolutely use frozen salmon! You don’t even have to thaw it beforehand. If you want to use frozen salmon, you will just need to increase the cook time. Place the frozen salmon fillets into the air fryer for 8-9 minutes, then pull them out and add the BBQ rub and butter, then cook another 6-7 minutes. Proceed with the recipe as written.

    Health Benefits of Salmon

    Salmon is super healthy and has many health benefits. Eating salmon is known to reduce artery inflammation and lower cholesterol levels. It also helps maintain blood pressure and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and vitamin D. It is also high in protein and low in fat.

    a photo of two air fried salmon fillets brushed with bbq sauce and sitting on a plate next to grilled squash and slice avocadosa photo of two air fried salmon fillets brushed with bbq sauce and sitting on a plate next to grilled squash and slice avocados

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    There are many reasons that you’ll love this recipe, but first is how quick and easy it is to get a healthy dinner on the table! Using the air fryer also kind of dupes the grill, so you can have BBQ salmon all year round. The ingredients list also short and simple and totally customizable to your liking.

    Storing and Reheating

    Leftover salmon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days.

    It can be eaten cold (I love it on top of a salad for the lunch the next day!) or warmed up, but salmon can dry out easily so I highly recommend warming it up in a covered baking dish in the oven at 300 degrees F for about 10 minutes.

    a photo of bbq salmon sitting on a plate on a bed of cooked quinoa with grilled squash sitting next to it, sliced avocados and a lime wedge.a photo of bbq salmon sitting on a plate on a bed of cooked quinoa with grilled squash sitting next to it, sliced avocados and a lime wedge.

    We have baked salmon recipes and a grilled salmon recipe on the blog, so it was time for an air fryer salmon recipe! This BBQ salmon recipe is easy and so tasty! You can have a healthy dinner on the table in less than 15 minutes!

    More Salmon Recipes You’ll Love

    Servings: 2

    Prep Time: 5 minutes

    Cook Time: 8 minutes

    Total Time: 13 minutes

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

    • Rub each fillet with BBQ rub and place a pat of butter on top or drizzle with olive oil and then rub.

      2 Salmon Fillets, BBQ Rub, 2 Tablespoons Butter

    • Place the salmon in the air fryer and air fry for 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Please note, times may vary depending on the size of the filet and air fryer. Open fryer and check for desired doneness. Return for 1-2 minutes as needed.

    • Serve with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and honey.

      BBQ Sauce, Honey

    Serving: 1filletCalories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 0.01gProtein: 34gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 165mgPotassium: 836mgSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 418IUCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg

    Author: Sweet Basil

    Course: Over 500 Family Dinner Recipes Ideas

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  • Travis Kelce’s new business venture isn’t a touchdown with Chiefs fans

    Travis Kelce’s new business venture isn’t a touchdown with Chiefs fans

    By and large, Travis Kelce has something of the Midas touch. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has carved out an impressive career on the National Football League (NFL) gridiron. Away from Arrowhead Stadium, he co-hosts a successful podcast, has appeared on Saturday Night Live and, thanks to Taylor Swift, is pushing further into mainstream popular culture.

    However, that doesn’t mean that everything he touches automatically turns to gold. And a relatively new business venture is an example of that reality.

    Kelce has released a line of refrigerated barbeque entrees and, as you might expect, that hasn’t gone over well with Chiefs fans who know their high-quality meats. In fact, No. 87 has been getting raked over the coals online.

    Let’s check it out.

    Travis Kelce talks to the media during a press conference on Friday in Frankfurt, Germany. The tight end’s prepackaged meals earned a cold reception from Chiefs fans.
    Alex Grimm/Getty Images

    Kelce’s Refrigerated Meals Receive a Cold Reception

    When it comes to modern Kansas City Chiefs, Kelce is one of the most popular men around. That doesn’t give him a blank check, though.

    As reported by local news station Fox4 KC, the tight end “is making his way into the barbeque industry with a new assortment of refrigerated entrees.” Those products, which are exclusively sold at Walmart under the “Travis Kelce’s Kitchen” brand, range from burnt ends with mac & cheese to sausage and meatball marinara with peppers and onions.

    Given that Kansas City is known for its barbeque, though, those are the options that caught the attention of most Chiefs fans. And, for the most part, the reactions weren’t pretty.

    “‘Walmart BBQ’…. I think you’ve already answered your own question, my friend,” Reddit user NoisePollutioner wrote Wednesday in a post on the Chiefs subreddit asking if anyone had tried the product.

    “He maybe a great TE but im not trying frozen BBQ. I dont even trust the Gordon Ramsey frozen stuff hes now selling. Kinda shocked with as many shows and restaurants he owns he would sign off on selling crappy frozen food,” u/13mizzou added.

    Elsewhere in the replies, user vVv-ThirdEye-vVv summed up much of the general sentiment, simply writing, “I love Travis, but I won’t do this.”

    There were, however, some responses that viewed things through a wider lens.

    “It’s not for us, Reddit user thegreatgiroux explained. “It’s for people to try ‘KC’ BBQ around the country. Might not be bad for them but it’s not really for KC natives lol.” For what it’s worth, that comment kicked off a discussion about misrepresenting Kansas City barbeque and KC Masterpiece sauce.

    One user, siloxanesavior, even claimed to have tried the product, albeit not out of a Walmart refrigerator. “I had his Kelce’s Kitchen BBQ straight from the buffet table at the Kelce Car Jam VIP room and it was decent but nothing that competes with local bbq staples,” they wrote. “So even before it’s frozen and packaged and sold at Walmart it’s nothing to talk about.”

    Newsweek reached out to Walmart for comment through their “Contact Media Relations” page.

    Kelce’s Branding Effort Does Make Sense

    While it’s easy to feel like Kelce’s packaged meals are a cynical attempt to cash in on his popularity, the move is rather logical. Ever since he’s been linked to Swift, the tight end’s stock has gone through the roof.

    At the tail end of September, sales of Kelce’s jersey experienced a nearly 400 percent boost, CNN reported. There was also an increase in bets placed on the tight end, and NFL broadcasts couldn’t help making a variety of Swift-related puns whenever he stepped into the spotlight.

    With that extra attention, bulking out your personal brand and selling pre-made meals seems like a savvy move. Kelce is becoming a household name; Kansas City is associated with barbeque. Combine those two, and you’ve got a recipe (pun not intended) to catch the eye of a curious consumer.

    And, given the fact that he’s underpaid by NFL standards, who could blame him for trying to make a few more bucks?