In Texas, barbecue is both food and heritage. But at Truth BBQ, tradition is just the starting point. Here, our founder, pitmaster Leonard Botello IV, honors the old ways while giving them new life, reimagining familiar Southern comfort dishes through the lens of a chef.
In this article, we’re highlighting two of Truth BBQ’s most beloved recipes that embody that balance between heritage and innovation: the Tater Tot Casserole and the Chocolate Layer Cake. Each dish represents our approach to modern Texas BBQ — rooted in comfort, elevated with technique and served with unmistakable heart.
1. Truth BBQ’s Tater Tot Casserole
Few dishes capture pure comfort quite like a casserole. At Truth, our Tater Tot Casserole is a rich, creamy crowd-pleaser that feels both nostalgic and new. The secret? Smoked brisket. By folding tender chopped brisket into the mix, we transform this humble potluck staple into something that belongs beside a rack of ribs or as a main event on its own.
Ingredients
- ½ lb butter, melted
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 6 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 can Rotel
- 1 cup white onion, diced
- 1 cup bacon, diced, rendered
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
Steps
- Bake tater tots per directions and mix with all ingredients and four cups of cheese (set two cups aside).
- Pour mixture into a casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees until bubbly (about 30–40 minutes).
- Top with the remaining two cups of cheese and cook an additional 15 minutes, using the broiler for the last five minutes to get a nice browned top.
- Let cool slightly before serving in order to let the casserole set up a bit.
2. Truth’s Chocolate Cake Recipe
If there’s one dessert that captures the heart of Truth BBQ, it’s the Chocolate Layer Cake — a towering, decadent masterpiece that has become just as iconic as our brisket. It’s rich without being heavy, classic yet striking, and made completely from scratch.
Ingredients (Chocolate Icing)
- 1½ cups butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups Ghirardelli cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 7 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
Ingredients (Chocolate Cake)
- Butter, for greasing the pan
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1½ cups Ghirardelli cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipping cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1½ teaspoons espresso powder
- 1 cup boiling water
Steps (Icing)
1. In a stand mixer, beat together the butter and cream cheese. Add cocoa powder and vanilla extract; mix on low.
2. Next, add powdered sugar ½ cup at a time.
3. While mixing in the powdered sugar, add milk until the icing reaches the desired consistency. To thicken the consistency, you can also place the icing in the refrigerator while the cake bakes.
Steps (Cake)
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
5. Butter three 8-inch cake pans. Dust cake pans with flour and set to the side.
6. In a stand mixer, add cocoa powder, salt, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda and baking powder. Mix on low.
7. Meanwhile, add the instant espresso to a cup of boiling water.
8. While the mixer is on low, add vanilla, whipping cream, oil and eggs, followed by the espresso and water mixture, and continue to beat until fully mixed. This process will take up to 4 minutes. Once the batter is smooth, distribute the mixture into the 3 floured pans.
9. Place pans in the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes. To check for doneness, stick the center of a cake with a cake tester or toothpick and make sure it comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for up to an hour.
10. Once cakes are done cooling, trim the cakes to make sure all layers are the same (do not throw away excess pieces — they are a great snack!). Once you finish trimming your layers to your liking, it’s time to ice, slice and enjoy.
Experience Award-Winning Texas-Style BBQ
At Truth BBQ, we believe great barbecue should do more than fill you up — it should make you feel something. Every dish we serve tells a story of smoke, craftsmanship and heart. From the first slice of brisket to the last bite of chocolate cake, our goal is to honor Texas tradition while bringing something fresh to the table.
You can experience our Tater Tot Casserole, Chocolate Layer Cake, and other signature sides and desserts fresh at our locations in Brenham and Houston, where everything is made from scratch daily with the same care we put into our award-winning meats.
And if you’re not in Texas, you can still bring a little of our smokehouse home. We ship our smoked meats, housemade pickles and signature sauces nationwide — so whether you’re craving brisket or ribs, we’ll deliver it straight to your door.
Order online today and let Truth BBQ handle the cooking while you enjoy the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Truth BBQ different from other Texas BBQ spots?
Truth BBQ blends traditional low-and-slow barbecue methods with chef-driven creativity, offering elevated sides and desserts that honor classic flavors while pushing them in new directions.
2. Can I order Truth BBQ online?
Yes! You can order our smoked meats, housemade pickles, and sauces online for nationwide delivery.
3. How did Leonard Botello IV start Truth BBQ?
Leonard opened the original Truth BBQ in Brenham, Texas, before expanding to Houston, earning national acclaim for his authentic yet modern approach to barbecue.
4. What’s the secret to Truth BBQ’s signature chocolate cake?
It’s all about balance — rich cocoa, buttery layers and just the right amount of sweetness, made from scratch daily using time-tested Texas baking tradition.