19 BBQ recipes that might set off the smoke alarm but are totally worth the trouble with every bite

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Sometimes things get a little smoky when food’s actually worth it, and all 19 of these BBQ picks fall into that exact category. They’re the kind you’ll open windows for, fan the detector with a towel, and still go back for seconds like nothing happened. A few might test your patience, but each one rewards you with something that makes the hassle feel like part of the fun.

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

A plate with grilled radishes, a bowl of creamy dipping sauce, lime halves, jalapeño, and a striped cloth on a white surface.
Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Radishes on the grill take on a whole new personality with just the right amount of char. Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce let you enjoy a bold pairing of smoky and spicy flavors. The dipping sauce makes it stand out, balancing a smooth kick with the grilled texture. This combination is ideal for shaking up your appetizer list or adding flair to veggie dishes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

Grilled lime-garlic chicken breasts with visible char marks on a white rectangular plate, with vine tomatoes in the background.
Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

When grilled just right, chicken can hit all the right notes for a satisfying meal. Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts bring together smoky flavors with hints of citrus and garlic for depth. The marinade ensures the meat remains tender, while grilling adds a layer of irresistible texture. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts craving something beyond the usual BBQ standards.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

Blackstone Smash Burger

A burger held in two hands.
Blackstone Smash Burger. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing beats the sound of a juicy burger sizzling on a griddle. Blackstone Smash Burger delivers crispy edges and juicy goodness that make every bite unforgettable. The technique is what sets it apart, ensuring the perfect crust and flavor combination. This burger is a winner for backyard cookouts or casual weekday dinners when you want something simple but spot-on.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger

Smoked Queso

Smoked queso in a black pot.
Smoked Queso. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Melted cheese on a smoker takes your dip game to another level. Smoked Queso combines the creamy texture we love with a smoky bite that’s perfect for gatherings. It’s versatile enough to pair with chips or drizzle over grilled favorites. This dip is hard to ignore once you’ve tried it, thanks to its bold flavors and smoky essence.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso

Traeger Smoked Turkey

A smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board.
Traeger Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoking a turkey is a game-changer for anyone who loves tender, flavorful meat straight off the grill. Traeger Smoked Turkey delivers a moist finish with hints of smoky goodness in every bite. The process locks in juices to create a plate that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for special occasions or any day you feel like having turkey with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

Smoked Shrimp

Two pans of smoked shrimp on a table.
Smoked Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shrimp on the smoker is a fast way to add bold flavor to seafood. Smoked Shrimp packs in smoky richness without losing its natural sweetness and tender texture. This simple yet incredible recipe keeps you reaching for more as the smokiness highlights the shrimp perfectly. Whether for a casual snack or laid-back dinner, it’s quick to prepare, and always satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shrimp

Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

A bowl of sausage and peppers.
Blackstone Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Few dishes combine convenience and flavor so effortlessly. Blackstone Sausage & Peppers deliver bold, juicy sausage paired with sweet and savory peppers right off the griddle. Cooking everything together brings the flavors into harmony, giving a complete meal in no time. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants something easy yet packed with smoky griddle goodness.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

Smoked Eye of Round

A whole and sliced smoked eye of round with on a wooden cutting board.
Smoked Eye of Round. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Eye of round may not be a cut everyone considers for the smoker, but it deserves a place in your rotation. Smoked Eye of Round makes lean meat something special by bringing full, rich flavors into every slice. While the smoking process takes a bit of time, the tender and smoky results are worth it. It’s ideal for anyone trying to master smoked meats without fussing over complicated methods.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Eye of Round

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Lemon-Oregano Chicken Kabobs with a dipping sauce.
Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Grilled meat on sticks turns any meal into something fun and flavorful. Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs bring grilled chicken to life with fresh lemony bursts and a savory edge from oregano. Each kabob comes off the grill with a smoky coating while still tender inside. These kabobs are easy to make and even easier to enjoy for any meal setup.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Steak and Veggie Skewers

Grilled skewers with beef, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes on a wooden board, garnished with fresh parsley. A striped cloth and loose cherry tomatoes are nearby.
Grilled Steak and Veggie Skewers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining steak and veggies on a skewer makes for a balanced meal bursting with grilled flavor. Grilled Steak and Veggie Skewers shine by pairing rich meatiness with fresh vegetable smokiness. Each skewer cooks evenly, giving you juiciness from the meat and a crunch from the veggies. It’s perfect as an all-in-one dish for BBQ days with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak and Veggie Skewers

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ham on the smoker takes traditional flavors and upgrades them to something unforgettable. Smoked Carver Ham hits a smoky yet sweet spot that works for everyday meals or big gatherings. Smoking brings out deeper flavors while keeping meat tender enough to slice with ease. This option makes it easy to impress with minimal preparation despite the big payoff in taste.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Smoked chicken wings with pickles on a black plate.
Smoked Dill Pickle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wings don’t always have to follow the same pattern to impress. Smoked Dill Pickle Wings throw an exciting twist into the mix with bold smoky flavors and the sharpness of pickle seasoning. The smoker improves the wings to a whole new level, letting the seasoning shine in every bite. If you want something different for your wing night, this goes beyond the usual expectations.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT

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

A BLT on the griddle is a simple but stellar twist on this classic sandwich. Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT ups the ante by adding smoky richness to its classic lineup of bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Using the griddle guarantees crispy bacon and toasted bread perfection every time. It’s an easy way to rethink sandwiches by adding smoky layers you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT

Smoked Brisket Chili

Two bowls of smoked brisket chili, tomatoes, and bread.
Smoked Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chili gets a serious upgrade when paired with smoked meat. Smoked Brisket Chili mixes the hearty richness of chili with a smoky brisket flavor, creating the ultimate comfort dish. The layers of flavors come together beautifully, with each spoonful more irresistible than the last. Great for chilly evenings or get-togethers when you’re craving bold flavors that keep everyone coming back.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili

Grilled Ratatouille

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

Vegetables on the grill don’t have to be boring, especially when layered with flavor like this. Grilled Ratatouille takes well-loved veggies and gives them a smoky essence that transforms their usual taste. The grilling creates tender textures without losing their fresh bite, giving you something worth sharing. Perfect for veggie lovers who want something bold and unique off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks With Smoked Garlic Butter

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter on a plate with asparagus.
Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks With Smoked Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Combining the best of searing and smoking creates steak that’s tough to beat. Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks With Smoked Garlic Butter deliver juicy insides and caramelized, smoky outsides that make steak night legendary. The addition of garlic butter takes it up another notch, creating layers of depth you didn’t know you wanted. This is the recipe for anyone serious about perfecting their steak game.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks With Smoked Garlic Butter

Big Mac Tacos

Two Big Mac tacos filled with ground beef, shredded lettuce, and pickles, and drizzled with a creamy sauce, placed on a white plate.
Big Mac Tacos. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Turning a fan-favorite fast-food burger into tacos is a genius idea. Big Mac Tacos give you the same iconic flavors you love in a handheld taco style that’s perfect for sharing. The grilling process gives the ground meat and tortillas a smoky touch that stays true to the original while adding a twist. These tacos are great for parties or quick meals when cravings call for something familiar but different.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Traeger Smoked Garlic

Close-up of roasted garlic cloves.
Traeger Smoked Garlic. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A smoker can make simple ingredients shine, and garlic is no exception. Traeger Smoked Garlic transforms its flavor into something deeper and richer while staying mellow enough to work in just about anything. Use it as a topping or mix it into cooked dishes to maximize your smoky efforts. This recipe lets you embrace creative cooking without taking up too much time.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans On The Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans On The Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Pork and green beans take on bold flavors when cooked together on a Blackstone griddle. Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans On The Blackstone Griddle combines smoky seared pork with fresh, crisp vegetables for a flavor-packed dish. The grilling process locks in juices and textures, making each bite memorable. This option is perfect when you crave something hearty and easy to throw together for any day.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans On The Blackstone Griddle

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