19 BBQ Picks That Fill the Air With Smoke, the Table With Food, and Your Afternoon With Silence and Satisfaction

A roster of 19 barbecue heavy hitters rolls out, sending confident plumes of smoke skyward that double as an open invitation to anyone within nose range. With each lid lift, platters stack up so quickly that side dishes fight for elbow room, and even the serving tongs start looking overworked. Voices fade once everyone gets busy crunching the numbers on seconds versus thirds.

A rectangular white plate with four Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped herbs.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings

Smoked and glazed peach-chipotle chicken wings on a black plate.
Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wings get a whole new twist with smoke and a peach-chipotle flavor that balances heat with a subtle sweetness. Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings are perfect for when you want to serve something that stands out from your typical BBQ fare. The smoky tenderness takes them to a place that feels both classic and new. These wings are great as a main course or for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Melt-in-your-mouth BBQ takes form with these juicy bites that are packed with flavor. Pork Belly Burnt Ends may look like small bites, but they’re loaded with rich, smoky goodness. Their unique texture and charred edges make every bite memorable. They offer a perfect mix of chewy and crispy that you won’t soon forget.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

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Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Smoked Brussels Sprouts with bacon on a white plate.
Smoked Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing smoke to veggies adds a surprising depth to something already hearty and earthy. Smoked Brussels Sprouts prove that vegetables can stay exciting at any BBQ. The slight char from the smoking process brings a flavor twist that’s easy to love. Whether you love greens or not, these sprouts make a statement on the table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Grilled Ratatouille

Close-up shot of Grilled Ratatouille on a black plate.
Grilled Ratatouille. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Stacking fresh vegetables on the grill changes the texture and flavor completely. With Grilled Ratatouille, you’re leaning into BBQ tradition but keeping the meal light and versatile. Each perfectly grilled slice carries a subtle depth that only fire can provide. It’s a dish that delivers boldness yet feels balanced in every bite. This is one of those recipes that quietly elevates the table, showing how simple prep can lead to something layered.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Smoked Meatballs

Smoked meatballs in a dish with grilled bread.
Smoked Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something special about taking comfort food to the grill. Smoked Meatballs add a whole new dimension to the ground classic, letting the smoke sink into every bite. The tenderness combined with that unmistakable smoky touch makes this a BBQ-worthy dish. Serve them as an appetizer or the star of your plate; they always work.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs

Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Three ears of husked corn were arranged on a dark slate plate.
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Adding smoke to something already iconic at BBQs gives new life to a simple classic. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob layers smoky flavors with the natural sweetness of this favorite grill staple. The texture stays just right, juicy while holding a subtle char. You’ve probably had grilled corn, but smoked corn is something else.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Smoked peaches topped with spiced rum whipped cream on a platter.
Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Taking fruit to the smoker creates a soft, caramelized texture paired perfectly with just the right sweetness. Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream bring a bold finish to your BBQ spread. Combining their rich fruitiness with spiced cream creates a dessert that doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s great for anyone who wants more than a typical treat.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Grilled Feta

Grilled Feta with Herbs in a black serving dish with toasted bread and a lemon wedge.
Grilled Feta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheese on the grill isn’t what everyone expects, but this one nails the concept with style. Grilled Feta adds a smoky bite to an already sharp-tasting favorite. Served warm and slightly charred, it brings a texture that feels indulgent yet works with multiple dishes. Balance it with some grilled veggies, and it’s ready to impress. It’s a bold move that pays off, turning a familiar ingredient into something surprisingly versatile and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta

Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked tomatoes in a dish with grilled bread.
Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tomatoes already carry a deep, familiar flavor, but smoke changes everything about them. Smoked Tomatoes turn soft and juicy with an added depth that works in salads or on their own. The smoke balances their natural tang with a richness you don’t always expect. These will surprise you if you’ve only considered grilling standard veggies.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatoes

Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

A close-up of a dish featuring colorful tortellini mixed with meatballs, spinach, and chopped red bell peppers, topped with melted cheese, served in a white bowl.
Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Putting pasta on a griddle feels unique but opens a world of smoky potential. Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs combines hearty, meat-filled pasta with juicy, griddled meatballs for something comforting and original. The process locks in flavor while keeping each bite rich and layered. It’s perfect for bringing a new twist to BBQ spreads.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Tortellini with Meatballs

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup in two white bowls with garnishes nearby.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Soup and BBQ don’t typically mix, but smoke bridges that gap here. Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup blends a smoky kick into a hearty, comforting classic. It’s perfect for when you want to offer something warm yet full of that cooked-on-the-grill flavor. Having it at the table next to grilled dishes pulls everything together effortlessly. It’s the kind of unexpected combo that makes sense after the first spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked jalapeno poppers on a platter.
Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Stuffed peppers aren’t new, but giving them the smoker treatment changes how you enjoy them. Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers create a balanced bite that’s smoky, spicy, and full of texture. The crisp peppers hold up perfectly, offering the right amount of heat without overpowering. Include them for those who enjoy bold eats during BBQ time.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

A platter of Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Taking handheld bites up a notch happens when you add smoke into the mix. Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites bring something quick yet flavorful to enjoy during BBQ moments. Their smoky finish pairs so well with their handheld convenience, making them perfect for any group. These bites are flavorful enough to stand alone yet complement other dishes seamlessly.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

Grilled Fruit Quesadillas

Four pieces of Fruit Quesadillas on a white plate.
Grilled Fruit Quesadillas. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Fruit isn’t only for dessert when you can grill it and stuff it into a tortilla. Grilled Fruit Quesadillas mix sweet and smoky notes into every folded bite. It’s unexpected and fun, offering flavor that stands out in the lineup of BBQ picks. Whether as a snack or a sweet surprise, these quesadillas are guaranteed to be memorable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Quesadillas

Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Smoked Double Stuffed Potatoes on a square plate.
Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Potatoes stuffed with layers of goodness and then smoked create an unmatched BBQ combo. Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes add smoky depth to an already hearty classic, making them filling enough for any meal. They hold their flavors so well that they shine even next to meats and veggies. Pile them high or leave them simple; they work any way.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts

Grilled chicken on a wooden board with cilantro and tomatoes in the back.
Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Chicken doesn’t have to stay simple when you can give it depth on the grill. Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts lock in smoky richness with just enough brightness to make every bite pop. They’re light yet bold, making them flexible for pairing with any side dish at your BBQ. Their grilled finish makes them stand out from ordinary chicken recipes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime-Garlic Chicken Breasts

Smoked Berry Crisp

A spoon lifts a portion of Smoked Berry Crisp from a bowl.
Smoked Berry Crisp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smoking fruit and adding a crisp layer turns something sweet into a BBQ dessert worth talking about. Smoked Berry Crisp blends natural sweetness with a smoky undertone for an unexpected spin on dessert. The texture contrasts are what make this one fun, with soft fruit and crunchy topping in every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels simple but gets noticed.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Berry Crisp

Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT

Two halves of Texas BLT on a black plate.
Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A classic sandwich becomes grill-worthy by layering smoky additions and slight char. Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT takes the traditional flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato and enhances them with a griddled, BBQ feel. The contrast between crispy meat and fresh add-ins makes every bite better than the last. It’s not your average sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

A rectangular white plate with four Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped herbs.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Skewers keep BBQs interactive and engaging for anyone holding a plate. Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers bring bold flavors with just the right level of heat and sweetness. The grilling process allows these two extremes to balance while locking everything in with a smoky finish. These skewers pack variety in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

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