Photos and recipe: Dave Sands
For the Tri-Tip
Ingredients:
- 2–3 lb tri-tip roast
- Firecracker Farm Three Kings Hot Salt
- Senor Lechuga x Huckberry Dry Rub
- Your favorite BBQ sauce (or use the collab sauce)
Instructions:
- Prep the Tri-Tip: Generously season the tri-tip with dry rub and a few strong grinds of Firecracker Farm Hot Salt. Let it rest for 30 minutes at room temp.
- Smoke the Meat: Preheat smoker to 225°F. Smoke tri-tip until internal temp reaches 125–130°F for medium rare (about 1.5–2 hours). Use oak or mesquite for boldness.
- Finish Strong: Brush with BBQ sauce and let rest 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
For the Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf rustic bread (like ciabatta or sourdough)
- 1–1½ cups Tillamook English-style sweet cheddar, shredded
- Olive oil or butter, for brushing
- Optional: extra Firecracker Hot Salt for topping
Instructions:
- Prep the Bread: Slice the loaf in half horizontally. Brush lightly with olive oil or butter.
- Load with Cheese: Add a generous layer of shredded Tillamook cheddar.
- Bake or Grill: Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or grill until cheese is melted and bubbling with golden edges.
To Serve
Slice the cheese bread thick and layer it with smoky tri-tip. Top with extra sauce and a final dusting of Firecracker Hot Salt. Serve with a cold drink and a crowd ready to be impressed.
About the Author Dave Sands
Dave brings his passion for food and culinary experience as host of The Food Origins Podcast (Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast - Also on 17 other listening platforms including Google, Stitcher and many others.)
Dave was born and raised in San Francisco, CA. Growing up Japanese and Caucasian , Dave was exposed to many cultures and cuisines immediately. Watching and learning from his late Mother set the seeds of his pure joy of cooking. As a graduate of the City College of San Francisco’s Hotel & Restaurant program, Dave cooked professionally all over the San Francisco Bay Area for five years working in numerous restaurants, catering and corporate food services. With some unfortunate burn out, Dave went on work as a service advisor for a high end car dealer. While working there, he transitioned to one of his dream jobs as a San Francisco Police Officer. After 15 years in Law Enforcement, injuries caused Dave to retire. Cooking became my therapy after my Mother passed away. Dave always cooked throughout his careers, sharing many dishes to family , friends and coworkers. Dave has been fortunate to have met a wide range of people from many aspects of life and can’t wait share their food origin stories!
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It's Time to Start Really Enjoying Your Food...
Get Some Hot Salt!
The secret it out! Our Three Kings specialty Hot Salts have become a staple in kitchens, restaurants and bars around the world. We even have a new friend on the Isle of Skye making ice cream with it! Whether at home, out on the town or by a campfire, you can elevate the flavor and heat of whatever you're having from good to great. Don’t like it too spicy? A few pushes in the grinder will elevate your dish without making it unbearable. Like it hotter? Explore some of our special edition “Hotter Stuff” and be bold. It’s your turn to experience what everyone is raving about with Firecracker Farm Hot Salt.