(From https://smokedfoodaddict.wordpress.com/2019/04/22/rosslers-blue-cord-barbecue-killeen/)
Every year over Easter weekend our church youth group holds a youth conference. And every few years we reenact the Mormon pioneer trek in handcarts across the American plains in the 1840’s and 50’s. This was one of those years. We had approximately 200 youth ages 13-18 outdoors in the Texas hill country near Killeen. As a concluding meal for this 3-day event, we wanted to provide them with a hearty barbecue meal. And that is where Steven & Kristen Rossler of Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue came in. Steven and I have been Instagram friends for a few years now, but I’d never had the opportunity to try his barbecue. So I called him up and asked if he was up for catering a 250-person meal on the Saturday before Easter. He was immediately all in. Steven, Kristen and their girls took such good care of us. And it was great to get to meet Steven’s buddies, Jason and Ryan. There is something about the barbecue brotherhood that is just so cool. Steven and the whole crew are salt-of-the-earth, give-you-the-shirt-off-their-backs kind of good people that this world needs more of.
For our meal, the Rossler’s crew prepared an amazing feast. We had brisket, pulled pork, beans, and potato salad with banana pudding for dessert. The salt-and-pepper-rubbed brisket was absolutely on point – the bark was awesome. The smoke ring was perfect. The meaty, smoky flavor was incredible. The fatty slices from the point were amazing, with well-rendered fat; and the lean was still moist. The pulled pork was outstanding-plenty moist and flavorful without any added sauce. But I tell you what, their barbecue sauce may very well be addictive. I loved the beans – they had just the right amount of seasoning and salty pork flavor. The potato salad was excellent – though I do enjoy a bit more mustard (but then again, I am a certified mustard nut). And oh my goodness – the banana pudding was INCREDIBLE!! If I recall correctly, Kristen’s recipe uses ginger snaps rather than Nilla Wafers. And I am a big fan of that change! Wow it was tasty.
Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue is absolutely the real deal in traditional Central Texas-style barbecue, and in my view, the best in the Killeen/Temple area. I am really looking forward to seeing how they grow over the next few years, as Steven retires from career military service in the US Army and begins to build their brick-and-mortar restaurant. And I tell you what – anytime I am out near Killeen I will be looking for Steven and his crew to enjoy their brand of Texas ‘cue once again.