Tis the season for outside eatin’! Here are some books to inspire your next cookout. There are a couple vegan/vegetarian options thrown in there, but this one is mostly for the carnivores out there.
Big Moe’s Bigg Book of BBQ: 75 Recipes From Brisket and Ribs to Cornbread and Mac and Cheese by Moe Cason
Pit master Moe Cason shares 75 flavorful, family-favorite recipes in his debut cookbook, including his award-winning brisket and famous mac-n-cheese. Drawing on experience from over 250 BBQ competitions, he offers expert tips on smoking techniques, choosing cuts of meat, and mastering spice rubs. With stunning photos and time-tested dishes, this book is a must-have for any barbecue lover.
Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue by Adrian Miller
Explores the overlooked contributions of African American pitmasters, barbecuers, and entrepreneurs to America’s beloved barbecue tradition. Blending history, culture, and 22 mouthwatering recipes, he highlights the resilience and innovation of Black cooks who shaped this iconic cuisine. Miller restores their rightful place at the heart of barbecue culture, past and present.
The Outdoor Cook: How to Cook Anything Outside Using Your Grill by America’s Test Kitchen
This comprehensive outdoor cooking guide from America’s Test Kitchen features 150 versatile recipes—ranging from snacks to desserts—all designed to be made entirely outside. With expert tips on grilling, smoking, and open-fire cooking, plus equipment reviews and fire setup advice, it empowers cooks to master any outdoor method. Whether you’re after quick weeknight meals or show-stopping weekend feasts, this book has something for every occasion and skill level.
The Best Grilling Cookbook Ever Written By Two Idiots by Mark Anderson & Ryan Fey
In this fun and approachable cookbook, the Grill Dads—Mark Anderson and Ryan Fey—show that anyone can master the grill, no culinary school required. With recipes for everything from soups to salads to mains, they treat the grill as a versatile tool for creative, everyday cooking. Their philosophy is simple: if they can do it, so can you—and they’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling by Meathead Goldwyn & Greg Blonder
Written by Meathead, founder of AmazingRibs.com, this definitive guide combines science, humor, and over 100 tested recipes to help you master barbecue and grilling. With insights from a food scientist, it debunks common cooking myths and explains the “why” behind techniques like dry brining, searing, and heat control. Packed with colorful photos and flavor-packed recipes, it’s a must-have for anyone serious about upping their grilling game.
Veggie BBQ: 10 brand-new Lean in 15 recipes by Joe Wicks
To celebrate summer, Joe shares ten quick and delicious veggie recipes perfect for the barbecue—most ready in under 15 minutes. From Charred Tomato and Chipotle Halloumi Tacos to Sticky Harissa Aubergine Steaks, these dishes prove grilling isn’t just for meat. It’s a flavorful, fun way to enjoy a veggie-packed summer.
Pig Beach BBQ Cookbook: Smoked, Grilled, Roasted, and Sauced by Matt Abdoo & Shane McBride
From the chefs behind the beloved Pig Beach restaurants, Pig Beach BBQ Cookbook brings over 50 flavorful recipes that blend classic American barbecue with bold global twists. Matt Abdoo and Shane McBride, former fine-dining chefs turned pitmasters, share crowd-pleasers like smoked brisket and Mojo-Marinated St. Louis Ribs, plus tips from BBQ experts across the country. It’s both a recipe collection and a guided tour of regional barbecue styles—perfect for any aspiring pitmaster.
Foil Pack Dinners: 100 Delicious, Quick-Prep Recipes for the Grill and the Oven by Julia Rutland
Features 100 quick, easy, and mess-free recipes that let you cook complete meals in under an hour—no dishes required. Using the time-tested method of steaming food in foil, this cookbook offers flavorful options for the grill or oven, from Chicken Cordon Bleu to black bean enchiladas. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights and stress-free family meals.
Robata: Japanese Home Grilling by Silla Bjerrum
Introduces the Japanese art of fireside grilling, showcasing how to recreate its rich, smoky flavors at home using a robata grill, barbecue, or oven. With recipes for skewered meats, miso-glazed fish, and flavorful vegetarian dishes—plus traditional sides and pickles—this beautifully illustrated cookbook offers a comprehensive guide to Japanese slow grilling.
How to Grill Everything: Simple Recipes for Great Flame-Cooked Food: A Grilling BBQ Cookbook by Mark Bittman
Delivers the ultimate guide to grilling with over 250 recipes covering everything from steak and seafood to vegetables, pizza, and even desserts. With his clear, approachable style, Bittman offers both quick weeknight meals and low-and-slow weekend projects, plus creative ideas like grilled paella and pound cake. It’s a versatile, practical handbook for unlocking the full potential of your grill.
1,001 Best Grilling Recipes: Delicious, Easy-to-Make Recipes from Around the World by Rick Browne
Grilling expert Rick Browne delivers the ultimate collection of global recipes—from meats and seafood to vegetables, sauces, and desserts. Featuring tips on basic techniques and a wide array of flavors inspired by North American and Asian traditions, this book is a comprehensive go-to for grill lovers. With over 1,000 recipes, it’s a one-stop resource for anyone passionate about cooking over fire.
Kebabs: 75 Recipes for Grilling by Sabrina Baksh
Reinvents skewered grilling with globally inspired recipes from Greece to Japan, plus plenty of tips on technique, tools, and flavor. Featuring a wide range of meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and vegan options, this book breaks the kebab routine with bold rubs, sauces, and minimal prep. It’s your passport to more adventurous and delicious backyard grilling.
Red, White, and ‘Que: Farm-Fresh Foods for the American Grill by Karen Adler & Judith Fertig
Celebrates all-American, garden-fresh grilling with seasonal ingredients like bourbon, blackberries, maple syrup, and sweet onions. From ember roasting to wood-smoke techniques, the recipes are perfect for everything from date nights to tailgates. It’s a flavorful tribute to homegrown ingredients and year-round backyard cooking.
Asada: The Art of Mexican-Style Grilling by Bricia Lopez & Javier Cabral
A vibrant celebration of asada—Mexican-style grilled meat—and the culture surrounding it. With over 100 recipes for meats, seafood, salsas, sides, and drinks, the book captures the flavors, spirit, and community of backyard gatherings. It’s a flavorful and authentic guide to creating unforgettable carne asada experiences at home.
The Japanese Grill: From Classic Yakitori to Steak, Seafood, and Vegetables by Tadashi Ono & Harris Salat
Blends American grilling techniques with bold Japanese flavors, showcasing how ingredients like soy sauce, miso, and yuzu elevate everything from steak to seafood. Chef Tadashi Ono and writer Harris Salat offer easy, flavorful recipes—like Garlic–Soy Porterhouse and Yuzu Kosho Scallops—plus tips for every grill type and skill level. With both quick meals and elegant entertaining ideas, this cookbook brings centuries of Japanese grilling tradition to your backyard.
Korean BBQ: Master Your Grill in Seven Sauces by Bill Kim & Chandra Ram
A casual, approachable guide to grilling Korean-American style, featuring 80 flavorful recipes tailored for home cooks. Blending his Korean roots with Midwest sensibilities, Kim offers adaptable dishes like Kimchi Potato Salad and Kori-Can Pork Chops, along with accessible ingredient swaps. It’s a fresh, fun take on Korean flavors built for everyday grilling and gatherings.
The Rotisserie Grilling Cookbook: Surefire Recipes and Foolproof Techniques by Derrick Riches & Sabrina Baksh
A practical, in-depth guide to mastering rotisserie cooking, complete with 105 recipes for everything from whole chickens and turkeys to leg of lamb and even spit-roasted pineapple. It offers expert advice on setup, maintenance, and technique, helping you avoid common pitfalls like undercooked centers and burnt exteriors. With specialized rubs, glazes, and tips, it’s an essential resource for taking your outdoor cooking to the next level.
Plank Grilling: 75 Recipes for Infusing Food with Flavor Using Wood Planks by Dina Guillen, Rina Jordan & Nathan Carrabba
A complete guide to using wood planks to infuse smoky, vibrant flavor into seafood, meats, vegetables, and even pizza—right on the grill you already own. With 75 versatile recipes and expert tips, it teaches you how to choose the right planks, master the technique, and explore the health and flavor benefits of this ancient cooking method. Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend cookouts, it brings bold, wood-fired taste to any backyard.
The Simple Art of Salt Block Cooking: Grill, Cure, Bake and Serve with Himalayan Salt Blocks by Jessica Harlan & Kelley Sparwasser
A stunning, full-color guide to using Himalayan salt blocks to craft upscale, flavorful dishes. With recipes ranging from seared rib-eye and cured salmon to roasted radishes and flatbread, it shows how to cook, cure, and serve with this unique tool. Complete with tips on care and technique, it’s perfect for anyone looking to elevate their cooking with bold flavor and presentation.
Weber’s Greatest Hits: 125 Classic Recipes for Every Grill by Jamie Purviance
The ultimate collection of the brand’s best-ever grilling recipes, handpicked from over 2,000 fan favorites. Packed with mouthwatering dishes, all-new photography, grilling tips, and fun stories from Weber’s history, it’s the perfect gift for grillers of all levels. From burgers to ribs, this book delivers tried-and-true recipes for every backyard occasion.
The Meat Teacher Cookbook: The Ultimate Backyard BBQ Guide for an A+ in Pitmastery by Matt Groark
TikTok sensation and BBQ pro Matt Groark, aka “The Meat Teacher,” brings over 100 mouthwatering recipes and easy-to-follow tips in his debut cookbook. From pulled pork to Korean BBQ short ribs, Matt’s fun, no-fuss approach teaches you how to master the grill and create delicious, crowd-pleasing meals. Packed with vibrant photos and heartfelt stories, this book is your ultimate backyard BBQ classroom.
VBQ – The Ultimate Vegan BBQ Cookbook: Seared, Skewered, Smoking Hot! by Nadine Horn & Jorg Mayer
Reimagines classic cookout fare with 80 flavorful, plant-based recipes that bring the sizzle without the meat. From cauliflower steaks and pulled mushroom sandwiches to eggplant gyros and tandoori tofu skewers, it’s packed with creative, satisfying dishes and essential grilling tips. With vibrant photos and easy instructions, this book makes it fun and delicious to become a plant-based pitmaster.
12 Bones Smokehouse: A Mountain BBQ Cookbook by Bryan King, Angela King & Shne Heavner
Brings the bold, scratch-made flavors of Asheville’s beloved barbecue joint straight to your kitchen. Featuring signature recipes like ribs, pulled pork, jalapeño cheese grits, and the famous Blueberry-Chipotle Barbecue Sauce, this book blends regional traditions with creative flair. With vegetarian-friendly sides and all the fixin’s, it’s the next best thing to visiting the restaurant itself.
Fire Food: The Ultimate BBQ Cookbook by Christian Stevenson
A bold and inventive guide to mastering live-fire cooking, from grilling and smoking to global-inspired BBQ creations. With tips on cooking over coal and wood, the book includes everything from classic ribs to BBQ spaghetti Bolognese and bourbon-spiked poutine. Packed with flavor and creativity, it’s your ticket to unforgettable cookouts all year long.
Bludso’s BBQ Cookbook: A Family Affair in Smoke and Soul by Kevin Bludso & Noah Galuten
Part BBQ masterclass, part heartfelt memoir from celebrated pitmaster Kevin Bludso. With 90 bold recipes—from brisket and blackened catfish to mac & cheese and banana pudding—Kevin shares the techniques, flavors, and soul of his Texas-meets-Compton barbecue roots. More than just a cookbook, it’s a powerful story of family, community, and finding your way through food.
The Outdoor Table: The Ultimate Cookbook for Your next Backyard BBQ, Front-Porch Meal, Tailgate, or Picnic by April McKinney
A celebration of sharing meals outside, offering delicious, portable recipes perfect for picnics, tailgates, porch brunches, and more. With dishes like Mustard-Herb Grilled Pork Chops and Lime Surprise Bars, this cookbook helps you create make-ahead meals that travel well and bring people together. It’s your go-to guide for turning any outdoor moment into a memorable gathering.
Real BBQ: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Smoker Cookbook by Rockridge Press
A comprehensive smoker cookbook that simplifies the art of smoking meat with over 95 flavorful recipes for all skill levels. Written by recipe developer Will Budiaman, it includes step-by-step guidance, pitmaster tips, and a breakdown of smoker types, wood flavors, and regional styles. From Beer Can Chicken to Coffee-Rubbed Buffalo Steak, this is your go-to guide for mastering mouthwatering, brag-worthy barbecue.
Horn Barbecue: Recipes and Techniques from a Master of the Art of BBQ by Matt Horn
A bold, flavor-packed cookbook featuring 80 recipes that blend classic barbecue traditions with a unique West Coast twist. From smoked oxtails and Texas-style brisket to seafood, veggies, and irresistible sides and desserts, it’s a guide for both beginners and seasoned pitmasters. Alongside expert tips and stunning photos, Horn shares his inspiring journey and pays tribute to the rich legacy of African American barbecue.
Food by Fire: Grilling and BBQ with Derek Wolf of Over the Fire Cooking by Derek Wolf
A flavorful deep dive into live fire cooking, featuring global techniques and bold, smoky recipes. From herb butter oysters to coal-roasted lobster tails and spicy rotisserie ribs, this book teaches you how to master direct and indirect heat with fire-fueled skill. Complete with savory sides, inventive sauces, and expert fire-starting tips, it’s your ultimate guide to cooking outdoors with serious flavor.
Wicked Good Barbecue: Fearless Recipes from Two Damn Yankees Who Won the Biggest, Baddest BBQ Competition in the World by Andy Husbands, Steven Raichlen & Chris Hart
Delivers bold, competition-winning BBQ from Boston chefs Andy Husbands and Chris Hart, who’ve racked up major titles including the Jack Daniels World Championship. This cookbook reimagines Southern barbecue with inventive techniques and recipes like 25-Step Championship Chicken and $100 Meatloaf. Packed with fearless flavor and expert tips, it’s a fun and audacious guide to next-level ‘cue.
The World Map BBQ: Different Countries, Different Ways to BBQ by Molly Mills
This globally inspired barbecue cookbook explores the many ways BBQ is prepared and enjoyed around the world, from fire pits and grills to ovens and slow cookers. Showcasing diverse ingredients and techniques, it invites readers to step beyond familiar flavors and discover the rich, delicious traditions of international barbecue. It’s a flavorful journey for anyone ready to expand their BBQ horizons.
Keto BBQ: From Bunless Burgers to Cauliflower “Potato” Salad, 100+ Delicious, Low-Carb Recipes for a Keto-Friendly Barbecue by Faith Gorsky & Lara Clevenger
Serves up 150 low-carb, high-flavor recipes so you can enjoy all your favorite barbecue dishes without breaking your keto diet. From bun-less burgers and grilled salmon to cauliflower “potato” salad and keto-friendly desserts, this book has everything you need for a satisfying, summer-ready cookout. Stay in ketosis while still bringing the flavor to every BBQ gathering.
BBQ master! 50 exclusive barbecue recipes: Meat, vegetables, marinades, sauces and lots of other tasty things – all in one! by Joseph Harvey
Offers 50 exclusive, flavor-packed recipes for grilling everything from juicy meats and seafood to vegetables, marinades, and sauces. With easy techniques and creative combinations, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned grillers looking to impress at their next cookout. Whether you want to level up your BBQ game or break out of a recipe rut, this book promises mouthwatering results and fun with every fire-up.
The Smoke Shop’s Backyard BBQ: Eat, Drink, and Party Like a Pitmaster by Andy Husbands, William Salazar & Michael Symon
Brings the bold flavors of Boston’s popular Smoke Shop restaurant to your home grill. Chefs Andy Husbands and Will Salazar share crowd-pleasing recipes like pulled pork, twice-smoked chicken, brisket, and ribs—plus their favorite sides, drinks, and desserts. It’s your guide to mastering smokehouse classics and elevating every backyard cookout.
Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ by Rodney Scott & Lolis Eric Elie
A definitive guide to South Carolina-style whole hog barbecue and an inspiring memoir. Written with Lolis Eric Elie, the book shares Rodney’s award-winning recipes—from pit-smoked turkey to hush puppies—and walks readers through building a pit and mastering BBQ techniques. More than just recipes, it’s the story of a small-town pitmaster who built one of America’s most celebrated barbecue joints.
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