Five All-Time Great BBQ Cookbooks You Need to Read
In the world of American barbecue, one of the most important ways restaurateurs and backyard cooks have perfected their craft is through reading BBQ books. The recipes and techniques found in the top tier of books have been fundamental in creating a shared knowledge base that barbecue enthusiasts use often.
With many BBQ books published each year, we thought it would make sense to look back and pick a few that have been indispensable and influential. It’s also that time of year when people are trying to buy holiday gifts. Given supply chain issues, you may want to get your orders placed earlier than usual.
With that in mind, here are five essential barbecue cookbooks that have stood the test of time and will warm the heart (and belly) of nearly any barbecue lover.
Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto by Aaron Franklin and Jordan Mackay
Celebrated pitmaster Aaron Franklin and co-author Jordan MacKay published this New York Times bestseller in 2015 and helped launch the Craft BBQ movement. In this book, Franklin shares his secrets for what makes truly great barbecue. He also includes information on building your own smoker, selecting the right kind of wood, managing a clean fire, and cooking the best food imaginable. Also, it’s not hard to imagine that many of the top pitmasters from the new Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ joints list have read this book cover to cover, showing how important this tome is to modern barbecue. BUY THE BOOK HERE.
Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling by Meathead Goldwyn and Greg Blonder
Meathead Goldwyn, pitmaster and founder of the popular barbecue and grilling website AmazingRibs.com, delves into the science behind fire and food in the book Meathead. In the process, he debunks a lot of commonly-held myths about barbecue. He also includes incredible recipes that have become the staples of backyard cooks across the globe. BUY THE BOOK HERE.
The Barbecue! Bible by Steven Raichlen
The Barbecue! Bible from prolific barbecue author and TV show host Steven Raichlen includes one of the most extensive collections of barbecue and grilling recipes and techniques. This award-winning book, which was published in 2008, includes over 500 delicious recipes from around the world. Raichlen also shares tips, tricks, and comprehensive notes to make your live-fire cooking a success. BUY THE BOOK HERE.
Peace, Love & Barbecue: Recipes, Secrets, Tall Tales, and Outright Lies from the Legends of Barbecue by Mike Mills and Amy Mills
Peace, Love, & Barbecue from the late Mike Mills and his daughter Amy is a unique collection of recipes, history, and photos from the world of barbecue. While it is focused on Mills’ legendary life and the story behind his experiences as a restaurateur and successful competitor on the barbecue circuit, the book also includes anecdotes from some of the biggest names in the industry. Over 100 recipes are included from the Mills family as well as contributions from pitmaster friends from across the country. BUY THE BOOK HERE.
Smokin' with Myron Mixon: Recipes Made Simple, from the Winningest Man in Barbecue by Myron Mixon and Kelly Alexander
Champion pitmaster Myron Mixon (dubbed the ‘Winningest Man in Barbecue’) shares his secrets for world-class barbecue in his debut book Smokin’ with Myron Mixon. He demonstrates how keeping things simple is the surest way to achieving success in barbecue. From the basics of choosing the right fuel for your smoker to 75 of his award-winning recipes, this book has everything you’ll need to start down the path to barbecue success. BUY THE BOOK HERE.
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This list is just a small sampling of the top barbecue cookbooks of all time. Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter what your all-time favorite is and don’t forget to buy those holiday gifts early this year.
Ryan Cooper (BBQ Tourist) and Sean Ludwig (NYC BBQ)
Co-Founders, The Smoke Shee
The FireBoard 2 Drive is the SMART BBQ thermometer with integrated Drive technology that helps you maintain precise temperature control of your grill or smoker. Remotely monitor up to six (6) temperature channels, set notifications, and configure custom Drive programs — to ensure your BBQ sessions are consistent and perfect every time. Get yours today!
—Pitmasters from across Texas and beyond celebrated the 3rd Anniversary of Bretty’s Backyard Bar-B-Que last weekend. (Photo by Conor Moran)—
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Last weekend, Brett’s Backyard BBQ in Rockdale, Texas celebrated its 3rd anniversary with live music, delicious bites, and crafted cocktails. Owner Brett Boren gathered pitmasters and enthusiasts from across Texas and beyond for what he called the “party of the year.” Pitmasters cooked up everything from homemade empanadas, grilled steaks with chimichurri, onigirazu, chocolate chip cookies, kimchi pulled pork sliders, tacos, and BBQ eggrolls, while vendors handed out samples of hot sauce, pickles, beer, and cocktails. Guests of the event not only ate to their hearts’ delight but also collected signatures from the pitmasters in their newly printed Texas Monthly magazines. Conor Moran of On3Media was on hand as a special correspondent for The Smoke Sheet and captured photos of the festivities. SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE and HERE OR WATCH THE VIDEO RECAP HERE.
Waco-area barbecue joint owners like Phillip Helberg of Helberg Barbecue and Gene Vinnykov of Guess Family Barbecue spoke with the Waco Tribune-Herald about the astounding rise in beef prices. The costs have not come down in the past year or two and has forced some menu changes and new ingenuity. “We try to use every bit of brisket we possibly can, including the trimming, which we grind to make beef tallow used in sausage and hamburger,” Helberg said. “There is not a shortage of meat. The cause of higher prices is two-fold. Brisket is in higher demand than it’s ever been in history. And a lot of these packing plants in larger cities in other states are facing labor shortages due to union strikes and COVID-related unemployment.” READ MORE HERE.
Sruli "Izzy" Eidelman, owner of acclaimed NYC-based kosher barbecue joint Izzy's Brooklyn Smokehouse, has just opened a new location in Miami. "With all the restrictions and constraints in New York City, coming to Miami felt like the right fit at the right time," Eidelman, who also has plans to relocate to the area part-time, told the Miami New Times. "We happen to be kosher barbecue, but we have plenty of people who come in who aren’t kosher and say, ‘This is one of the best barbecues I’ve ever had.’ My goal is to share this barbecue with the community — not just the Jewish community." READ MORE HERE.
The San Diego, Calif. area may only have a handful of top-notch barbecue joints, but now a relatively new joint called El Barbecue can be added to the list. El Barbecue draws on both Argentinian and Texan barbecue traditions. While everything is good, be sure to order the Santa Maria tri-tip if you visit. READ MORE HERE.
ADDITIONAL READS
Kevin's BBQ Joints has compiled helpful advice for visiting Texas Monthly's new Top 10 BBQ Joints.
Pig Beach BBQ, one of the top barbecue restaurants in New York City, has opened its second NYC location in the borough of Queens.
Popular Denver-based BBQ joint Smōk has just opened its third location — this time in Fort Collins at the Foothills shopping district.
Philadelphia Magazine spotlighted a couple who threw a surprise wedding under the guise that guests were attending a birthday barbecue.
Huntsville’s best barbecue sandwich (from Boarhog’s Barbecue) has a long story behind it, and AL.com has all the details.
While Goldee’s BBQ is the new No. 1 Texas BBQ joint according to Texas Monthly, Bud Kennedy writes that there are other Fort Worth joints that shouldn’t be missed.
Promising new restaurant The BBQ Shop has just opened in North Naples, Florida, but it is Saturday-only just to start.
Stanley's is the lone East Texas representative on Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ list.
Ribs 101: Here are four foolproof methods for cooking baby back and spare ribs.
Thank you to our sponsor DennyMike's, which offers outstanding seasonings and rubs for every situation. Learn more about DennyMike's here.
—Pitmaster Erica Blaire visits her former BBQ Brawl competitor Ara Malekian at his Harlem Road Texas BBQ restaurant. (Photo by Conor Moran)—
WATCH
Pitmaster Erica Blaire Goes to BBQ Church at Harlem Road Texas BBQ — The Smoke Sheet
Pitmaster Erica Blaire, who was recently crowned Master of 'Cue during Season 2 of the Food Network show BBQ Brawl, visits Harlem Road Texas BBQ in Richmond, Texas. She sits down with her former BBQ Brawl competitor Ara Malekian to give her impressions of his restaurant and the food he serves. Stay tuned for more in future episodes of this interview. Special thanks to Conor Moran of On3Media for producing this video on behalf of The Smoke Sheet. WATCH HERE.
LISTEN
BBQ Tourist and The Smoke Sheet’s Ryan Cooper — Eat More Barbecue
In this episode of the Eat More Barbecue podcast, host Ryan Sanderson is joined by Ryan Cooper of BBQ Tourist and The Smoke Sheet. The two discuss Cooper’s latest barbecue adventures, what it takes to produce The Smoke Sheet and his battle with cancer. LISTEN HERE.
READ
Burgoo, Barbecue, and Bourbon: A Kentucky Culinary Trinity — Albert W.A. Schmind
Award-winning author and chef Albert W. A. Schmid serves up a feast for readers in Burgoo, Barbecue, and Bourbon, sharing recipes and lore surrounding these storied culinary traditions. He introduces readers to new and forgotten versions of favorite regional dishes from the time of Daniel Boone to today and uncovers many lost recipes, such as Mush Biscuits and Half Moon Fried Pies. He also highlights classic bourbon drinks that pair well with burgoo and barbecue, including Moon Glow, Bourbaree, and the Hot Tom and Jerry. Featuring cuisine from the early American frontier to the present day, this entertaining book is filled with fascinating tidbits and innovative recipes for the modern cook. ORDER HERE.
—You will want to try these sweet and delicious Smoked Honey Garlic Ribs from Postal Barbecue.—
Honey Garlic Ribs
By Postal Barbecue
This week, we chose this Smoked Honey Garlic Ribs recipe from Postal Barbecue as our Recipe of the Week. Jabin Postal seasons the ribs with two different rubs to add some extra BBQ flavor then glazes them with a homemade honey garlic sauce. The result is a smoky, sticky, sweet and incredibly delicious treat that is going to be a new family favorite for sure.
—The KCBS World Invitational in November will be one of the last big competition barbecue events of the year.—
November 5-7, 2021: Austin Food and Wine Festival — Austin, Texas
The Austin Food + Wine Festival returns in April to spoil your palate with a handful of global and nationally renowned talent. This 3-day weekend in the culinary capital of Texas is the epitome of high spirits, with a packed schedule of hands-on grilling demos, tastings with top pitmasters, chefs, and sommeliers. Plus, there will be interactive demos and panels. MORE INFO HERE.
November 6, 2021: Troubadour Festival — Celina, Texas
The first-ever Troubadour Festival will feature an all-star lineup of musical acts and BBQ joints from all over Texas. More than 40 of the best BBQ joints in Texas (many on the Texas Monthly Top 50 list) will be there slinging smoked meats, so don't miss out. MORE INFO HERE.
November 11-14, 2021: KCBS World Invitational — Shawnee, Oklahoma
The Kansas City Barbeque Society’s biggest event for the rest of the year is the third annual KCBS World Invitational Barbeque Competition in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The event will bring together top champion pitmasters to compete for the title of “KCBS World Champion.” This event has been elevated and made bigger, with three full days of contests and events. There will be both an open contest and a Master Series contest. Plus, backyard teams will be eligible to compete in the open against Master Series teams without impacting their Backyard status. MORE INFO HERE.
November 13, 2021: Holy Smokes: Lowcountry BBQ Festival — Charleston, South Carolina
The Holy Smokes BBQ Festival from Home Team BBQ, Swig & Swine, and Robert Moss will be held November 13 in Charleston. The big new event will include pitmasters from around the country including Chris Lilly of Big Bob Gibson BBQ, Patrick Feges and Erin Smith, Feges BBQ, Billy Durney of Hometown BBQ, Matt Horn of Horn Barbecue, and Rodney Scott of Rodney Scott’s BBQ. MORE INFO HERE.
November 20, 2021: Tex Mex BBQ Festival — San Antonio, Texas
This event will be full of the best food, education, and entertainment ever assembled in one spot. The menu will be masterminded by Miguel Vidal of Valentina’s Tex-Mex from Austin, Tx. The food will be executed by some of the most talented pitmasters, chefs, and cooks coming in from all over the nation. Mark your calendar for an amazing experience! MORE INFO HERE.
December 10-12, 2021: Jacksonville BBQ Fest — Jacksonville, Florida
The inaugural Jacksonville BBQ Fest is happening this December at TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jaguars. Don’t miss this chance to grab an ice-cold brew and sample pure smoked bliss from award-winning pitmasters from across the country. MORE INFO HERE.
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