Grilling this weekend? 19 picks for your grill or smoker

Photo of author

| Published:

Let the grill take center stage this weekend as you explore 19 handpicked recipes that promise to make every outdoor meal an event to remember. From the grill sizzle to the rich, smoky aromas filling the air, each recipe is a testament to the joy of outdoor cooking. Ideal for grill masters and novices alike, these recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your guests’ cravings and turn any casual weekend into a gastronomic celebration.

Smoked Pork & Pineapple Kabobs on a plate for serving.
Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

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

These aren’t your average appetizers; filled with a rich, creamy mixture and wrapped in smoky bacon, they’re a hit every time the smoker is fired up. The blend of spicy jalapeno and smooth filling creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat. They’re the perfect start to any grilling session, promising to disappear as quickly as they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Grilled Beef Finger Meat on a wooden cutting board.
Grilled Beef Finger Meat. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Tender pieces of beef get a charred, flavorful crust when cooked over open flames, making them irresistible to meat lovers. This cut is perfect for those who appreciate the finer points of grilling, offering a succulent taste with every bite. It’s a straightforward dish that lets the quality of the meat shine through, proving sometimes simple is best.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Finger Meat

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze on a round platter.
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These chicken legs come off the smoker with a beautiful glaze that’s both sweet and slightly spicy. Smoking them slowly infuses each leg with deep flavors, while the glaze adds a perfect finishing touch. It’s a dish that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat, making it a favorite for any BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

A top-down shot of Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak on a cutting board with veggies.
Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Known for its incredible flavor and tenderness, the ribeye cap steak becomes something extraordinary when grilled. The high heat of the grill enhances its natural marbling, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. This steak is a top pick for a reason, showcasing what grilling is all about.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak

Smoked Jalapenos

Smoked Jalapenos in 2 cast iron pans.
Smoked Jalapenos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Taking jalapenos and smoking them brings out a depth of flavor that raw or simply roasted peppers can’t match. They add a smoky kick to any dish or can be enjoyed on their own as a smoky, spicy treat. These smoked jalapenos are a versatile addition to your smoking repertoire, adding a layer of flavor that’s both nuanced and bold.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapenos

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.

When feta hits the grill, it transforms into a warm, slightly charred delight that’s far from its cold, crumbly counterpart. It’s an unexpected way to enjoy cheese, with the grilling process enhancing its natural saltiness and creaminess. This grilled feta is a standout dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, from fresh veggies to crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta

Smoked Pork Shots

 Smoked pork shots in a skillet with basil and tomatoes.
Smoked Pork Shots. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine savory bites of smoked sausage wrapped in bacon and filled with a delightful mix, each one a mini explosion of flavor. These pork shots are as fun to make as they are to eat, offering a unique twist on traditional smoked fare. They’re the ultimate finger food for any smoker enthusiast, proving that good things come in small, bacon-wrapped packages.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Shots

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Sliced Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri on a white plate.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Hanger steaks gain a new level of appeal when grilled and served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce. The combination of the grill’s char and the freshness of the sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s a dish that speaks to the heart of grilling, marrying simplicity with bold tastes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Smoked Tomahawk Steak

A sliced Tomahawk Steak on a cream color plate.
Smoked Tomahawk Steak. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This impressive cut becomes the centerpiece of any meal when smoked to perfection. Its large bone and ample marbling make the tomahawk steak not only a visual feast but a culinary one as well. Smoking it slowly ensures every inch is flavorful and tender, making each bite a luxurious experience.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomahawk Steak

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs on a black platter.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Taking inspiration from elote, these corn ribs are sliced, grilled, and slathered in a creamy, spicy topping. They offer a fun and mess-free way to enjoy the classic flavors of Mexican street corn. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, adding a playful and delicious twist to your grilling menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers

Smoked Pork & Pineapple Kabobs on a plate for serving.
Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The sweetness of pineapple complements the savory depth of smoked pork beautifully on these skewers. They’re a testament to the magic of combining fruit with meat, offering bites that are both refreshing and rich. These skewers are a summer favorite, bringing a tropical flair to your smoker.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers

Grilled Veggies

Grilled vegetables on a white platter.
Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A medley of vegetables becomes something special when grilled, gaining a charred exterior and tender interior. It’s a simple side that pairs well with any main dish, proving that vegetables deserve a spot on the grill. This mix is a colorful, healthy addition to any BBQ, showing off the natural flavors of the produce.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked shotgun shells on a white plate.
Smoked Shotgun Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Stuffed with a savory filling and wrapped in bacon, these smoked delights are a creative take on appetizers. Each “shell” is packed with flavor, making it impossible to stop at just one. They’re a conversation starter and a delicious way to kick off any smoking session.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

A top-down shot of Grilled Ribeye Cap Steak on a cutting board with veggies.
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These skewers bring together tender steak and the zesty flavors of mojo rojo sauce for a match made in grilling heaven. The sauce adds a bright, garlicky kick to the rich taste of the steak, making every bite a delight. It’s a dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressively flavorful, perfect for any outdoor gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

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

These potatoes are twice as nice, filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture and then smoked for an added layer of flavor. They’re a hearty side that could easily stand alone as a main, offering comfort in every forkful. This dish is a decadent way to enjoy potatoes, with the smoker adding a depth of taste that baking alone can’t achieve.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby.
Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A sweet and spicy glaze makes these chicken wings irresistible, with the grill adding a perfect char. They’re a fantastic blend of flavors, making them a hit at any BBQ. These wings prove that grilling is about more than just burgers and steaks, offering a dish that’s both sweet and fiery.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Smoked Beef Kabobs

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

Pieces of beef and vegetables are threaded onto skewers and smoked until they’re juicy and flavorful. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy smoked meat, with the vegetables adding a fresh contrast. These kabobs are a versatile option for the smoker, customizable with your favorite veggies and meats.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Kabobs

Grilled Corn Guacamole

A plate of chicken wings on a white plate with a slice of mango.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This twist on classic guacamole includes grilled corn for a smoky sweetness that enhances the creamy avocado. It’s a dip that’s as perfect for chips as it is a topping for burgers or hot dogs. This guacamole is a summer essential, bringing an extra layer of flavor to a beloved dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Smoked Ribeye Roast

Smoked beef kabobs on a plate.
Smoked Ribeye Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoking a ribeye roast slowly brings out its rich flavors and tender texture, making it a show-stopping main course. It’s a luxurious way to feed a crowd, with the smoke infusing every slice with deliciousness. This dish is a celebration of the smoker’s capabilities, turning a classic roast into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Ribeye Roast

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.