The World Championship Squirrel Cookoff is an eccentric event, complete with live music, funnel cakes, squirrel costumes, and the best squirrel you ever ate. It takes place every fall in Bentonville, Arkansas. The competition attracts both wannabe and bona fide squirrel chefs from around the country. Up to 40 teams compete each year, going head to head for the title “World’s Greatest Squirrel Chef.”
The winning teams last year, Nutty Cheeks Squirrel Squad, Big Time Barbecue, and Rawhide Nut Pirates, took home first, second, and third respectively. Here’s what they prepared and how you can replicate their squirrelly dishes.
1st Place: Braised Squirrel Tacos – Nutty Cheeks Squirrel Squad of Kansas City, Missouri
Special Equipment: Blender, large saucepan, large pot
Time: 5 hours
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
4-5 whole squirrels
9 dried guajillo peppers
1 can whole tomatoes
1 large white onion
3 cloves garlic
1 tbsp. chicken bouillon
1 can beer (preferably Saison)
Grape seed oil or cooking oil of your choice
Mexican oregano
Salt and pepper
Corn tortillas
Limes, red onion, queso fresco, and cilantro to garnish
Directions
2nd Place: Squirrel and Dumplings – Big Time Barbecue of Pea Ridge, Arkansas
Special Equipment: Pressure cooker, big pot, frying pan
Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
3-5 squirrels
2 quarts low-sodium chicken broth
1 white onion
2 cans homestyle biscuits
2 cups white flour
1 jalapeño
3 slices bacon
Salt and pepper
Directions
3rd Place: Squirrel Enchiladas – Nutty Cheeks Squirrel Squad of Springfield, Missouri
Special Equipment: 9×13-inch baking pan, saucepan, pressure cooker
Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
4-5 squirrels
8 8-inch flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Monterey cheese
3 tbsp. butter
14 oz. squirrel broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup sour cream
1 17 oz. can of diced green chilies
1 tbsp. white flour
Directions