Don’t Host a 4th of July BBQ Without These Texas Dishes

It’s a proven fact that El Paso families have some of the BEST cookouts ever. Ok, so maybe that’s my biased opinion, but seriously we do have some pretty amazing food at cookouts!

Any chance we get to have a cookout, we take it. So you better believe that when the 4th of July comes around, the cookouts are going to be smelling delicious!

However, in my personal experience, El Paso cookouts aren’t like any regular 4th of July cookout. Sure we have the classic hot dogs and hamburgers, but we also add our own twist to dishes on the 4th of July cookout menu.

I decided to ask the people of El Paso what was one local dish that absolutely needed to be added to a traditional El Paso style cookout and fair warning: The following list may make you extremely hungry!

These El Paso Dishes Deserve a Spot at Every 4th of July BBQ

Let’s start with the obvious MVP: brisket. Slow-smoked, juicy, and always served with a side of chisme. Someone’s Tío has been babysitting that smoker since 4 a.m. and you will hear about it.

Next up: Discada. It’s the ultimate borderland party dish—ground beef, bacon, chorizo, peppers, and onions sizzling together on a giant disc. It feeds the whole neighborhood and tastes like fireworks in your mouth.

Don’t forget Elote en vaso (corn in a cup). It’s not really a meal but it kind of is. And best part, corn is a veggie so you’re getting your veggies in for the day!

Chips and chile con queso are non-negotiable. Add jalapeños if you're feeling spicy!

And finally for dessert, sandía y tajín (Watermelon and Tajin salt)—because what better way to survive the El Paso heat than with juicy watermelon, lime, and a tajín sprinkle so strong it makes your lips tingle?

Did we miss anything? Download the KISS Mobile app and let us know, and take a look at what other items locals wanted to add to the menu!