The 15 Most Popular Recipes from 10 Years of Hey Grill Hey
On July 11, 2025
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If you like Hey Grill Hey and good BBQ (and who doesn’t?), then you’ve got to check out this list of the 15 most popular recipes from my first decade making BBQ professionally. All the most popular meats are here, and some seasonings, so you’re sure to find something your family will love.
My Top 15 Recipes From a Decade in BBQ
I’ve been making BBQ professionally for over a decade, and feeding my family of five even longer. I’ve also tasted incredible barbecue from the best Pitmasters across the country. So believe me when I say: these recipes are the real deal.
From slow-smoked brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs and rich, smoky mac, these are 15 of my most popular BBQ recipes. These are tried-and-true favorites with community approval, so they’re guaranteed to help you master the grill and feed the people you love.
And that’s not an opinion—these recipes have been used by Backyard BBQ Heroes over 50 MILLION times, so you know you can trust them to deliver.
1. Best Dry Rub for Ribs
This dry rub is your secret weapon to knockout ribs—sweet, smoky, savory, and just the right amount of heat. It’s loaded with classic BBQ flavors and works wonders on baby backs and spares alike, so it’s no wonder it’s the most popular recipe on the site.
Whether you make your own from scratch or grab a bottle in the store, I’m confident you’ll find what millions of others have already: this really is the BEST Dry Rub for Ribs.
Get the recipe: Best Dry Rub for Ribs
Grab a bottle: Rib Rub
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“Honestly, the best! We don’t like meat with heavy sauce on it, so this rub is the next best thing.” – Rosanne L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. Texas-Style Smoked Beef Brisket
Sure, this is a recipe, but it’s also the step-by-step process to melt-in-your-mouth Texas-Style Smoked Beef Brisket. With just a little salt and pepper—and some serious time in the smoke—you have the keys to mastering the king of all BBQ.
This mouthwatering brisket is the delicious payoff to hours of dedication, so make sure you’ve got plenty of people you love around to share with when it’s done.
Get the recipe: Texas-Style Smoked Beef Brisket
Don’t forget the sauce: Texas Style BBQ Sauce
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“Phenomenal 20 bikers ate this up in my kitchen in about 7 minutes today.” – Della E. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3. 321 Ribs
If you want foolproof fall-off-the-bone ribs, then you need to give this 321 Ribs method a try. Just like the name suggests, your ribs get 3 hours of direct smoke, 2 hours wrapped in a braising liquid, then 1 hour to finish unwrapped with your favorite BBQ sauce.
It’s not traditional, but this method is a surefire way to turn out tender, juicy ribs every time. You may not win a competition, but you’ll feel like you did when your guests rave about your ribs.
Get the recipe: 321 Ribs
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“I love this recipe, never fails! The most tender ribs I’ve ever had. Thank you!” – Tammy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4. Simple Smoked Pulled Pork Butt
This Simple Smoked Pulled Pork Butt (AKA Smoked Pork Shoulder) is about to become your go-to any time you need to feed a hungry crowd, but don’t want any fuss. With only 3 ingredients, you’ll create amazing pulled pork full of classic BBQ flavor.
If you didn’t know, pulled pork was practically made for BBQ sauce. You can find dozens of sauce recipes here on the site, or grab a bottle of your favorite stuff from my Store.
Get the recipe: Simple Smoked Pulled Pork Butt
Don’t forget the binder: Zesty Gold BBQ Sauce
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“This has been my go to recipe for pork shoulder for years and every time it’s been amazing. I even get compliments stating I should start my own food truck! Simple and easy low and slow cooking!” – James W. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5. The Best Smoked Turkey
Yes, this Smoked Turkey serves as a show-stopping centerpiece at Thanksgiving, but it’s also amazing for any occasion that needs a little something special. The whole bird is tender, juicy, and tastes like it came straight from an upscale restaurant.
Nothing beats a turkey you smoke right in your own backyard, and after your guests sink their teeth into the first slices, you’re going to hear all about it.
Get the recipe: The Best Smoked Turkey
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“This recipe was a HUGE hit on Thanksgiving. I used the turkey smoking kit with the apple spiced brine, smoked turkey rub and cranberry bbq glaze. All of the seasonings complimented the turkey perfectly. It was incredibly flavorful! This will for sure be my go-to cooking method for turkey from now on!” – Megan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6. Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings
If you’re already making smoked chicken wings, you might as well make the best Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings ever. That’s right, these bad boys combine the crispy, bite-through skin you love with a deep layer of smoky flavor.
I consider myself a connoisseur of chicken wings, and this recipe helps you achieve tender, juicy meat while getting that crispy crunchy skin on the outside.
Get the recipe: Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“These are the absolute best wings ever and they are SO EASY!! I’ve made them for my honey and several friends and everyone says best wings they’ve ever had. Thanks so much!” – Halye ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
7. Smoked Mac and Cheese
The rich, creamy goodness you love about this comfort-food dish, but with a smoky twist—this Smoked Mac and Cheese is the grownup version of a childhood classic. Make the smooth 3-cheese sauce, add your favorite pasta noodles, then top it all off with a panko crumble.
This Smoked Mac will make a yummy complement for any of the grilled and smoked goods from this collection, but it’s filling and delicious enough to be your main course.
Get the recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“This dish was amazing! My foodie husband and my teen daughter both said this was THE best Mac & cheese they’ve ever had!” – Meredith G. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
8. Smoked Prime Rib Roast
When you want to absolutely wow your guests with something special, this Smoked Prime Rib Roast is the ticket. This isn’t just any roast—it’s slow-smoked for incredible flavor, then flash-roasted to create that perfect crusty exterior that makes everyone’s mouth water.
Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or you just want to treat your family like royalty, this prime rib delivers restaurant-quality results right from your backyard smoker.
Get the recipe: Smoked Prime Rib Roast
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“This was my first Rib Roast. Father in Law loved it. He said it was cooked perfectly. Doing another next week. He hugged me and said don’t change a thing.” – Miguel T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
9. Poor Man’s Burnt Ends
Want all the classic BBQ glory of burnt ends without having to smoke a whole brisket? Then you want my Poor Man’s Burnt Ends. All the tender, fall-apart beef and chewy, caramelized goodness is there, but you don’t have to drop brisket bucks.
By using chuck roast instead of brisket, these burnt ends save you some pocket change as well as some time spent at the smoker.
Get the recipe: Poor Man’s Burnt Ends
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“My go-to recipe for burnt ends.” – Ed H. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
10. The Best Homemade Sweet Rub
Sweet, savory, and smoky—this rub is the one I reach for whenever I need to add a little BBQ flavor. A dark brown sugar base sets the stage for a bold blend of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, delivering savory depth with a subtle heat.
This rub is a must-have for ribs, pulled pork, and chicken—but don’t stop there. This smoky-sweet stuff adds rich, caramelized flavor to grilled seafood and roasted veggies.
Get the recipe: The Best Homemade Sweet Rub
Grab a bottle: Sweet Rub
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“This is now my go to rub! Pork butt magic! Love it! Love it! Love it! Thanks for the recipe.” – Scotty ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
11. The Best Pork Chop Seasoning
The Homemade Pork Chop Seasoning enhances pork so much, you’ll be making extra to have on hand all the time. It is the perfect blend of sweet and savory with simple spices so it is a breeze to whip up on a busy weeknight.
This recipe was developed as a grilled pork chop seasoning, however, it also works beautifully on baked pork chops, pan-seared pork chops, and more!
Get the recipe: The Best Pork Chop Seasoning
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“My family loves this flavor! Had it first on BBY Backs, amazing! Tonight Pork Chops. Glad I found you.” – Mr Echols ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
12. Smoked Tri Tip
Smoked Tri Tip is a flavorful and juicy steak that will soon become one of your favorites. When cooked correctly, it’s incredibly tender and completely delicious. When you follow this recipe, you’ll learn to cook tri tip like a pro.
I don’t know if anything will ever replace a good smoked brisket in my BBQ heart, but this Smoked Tri Tip is giving it a run for the money.
Get the recipe: Smoked Tri Tip
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“So happy how my tri tip turned out! It was PERFECT. Thank you so much!” – Taylor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
13. Smoked Chicken Breast
Smoked boneless chicken breast is one of my favorite ways to enjoy chicken. While I love my overnight briskets and putting in the time, energy, and attention to my slow-smoked ribs, there’s something close to my heart with smoking the perfect, simple chicken breast.
With a classic, herby poultry seasoning and just an hour in the smoker, you can create this juicy chicken for a busy weeknight entree, or chopped up in soups, salads, and more.
Get the recipe: Smoked Chicken Breast
Don’t forget the seasoning: Chicken Rub
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.” – Pamilla ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
14. Best Brisket Burnt Ends
These Brisket Burnt Ends may taste like they came from the Pitmasters in Kansas City, but you can make them on your smoker. Slow smoked brisket point cubed and braised in BBQ sauce results in the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites of meat candy you’ll ever try.
These golden BBQ nuggets originally started as a Friday special at BBQ joints after a week of collecting brisket ends, but they’re about to become your new favorite BBQ addiction.
Get the recipe: Best Brisket Burnt Ends
Don’t forget the sauce: Everything BBQ Sauce
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“The ABSOLUTE BEST!! Got compliments from everyone and was told we could make a fortune making and selling it!! it will be a regular part of our smoking routine!!” – Sharon ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
15. Homemade Beef Tallow
You may be wondering what a recipe for Beef Tallow is doing here, but you’ll get it once you cook with it. Making your own beef tallow is a great way to not only use those extra fat trimmings from brisket or other parts of the cow, but also do it in a new and delicious way.
The Beef Tallow is loaded with rich flavor, so it makes a delicious substitute for cooking oils and butter. It’s quite easy to make if you follow my simple method.
Get the recipe: Homemade Beef Tallow
Ask a Backyard BBQ Hero:
“I made it. It could not have been easier. I lined my strainer with a coffee filter and it came out crystal clear.” – Andy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Continue Your BBQ Journey
I hope this collection of recipes got you good and hungry, and excited to head to the backyard and fire up the smoker. If you make any of these easy BBQ recipes, remember to share some drool-worthy photos. Make sure you’re following my Instagram and Facebook pages, then tag @heygrillhey. I’ll cheer you on, and so will the best community of backyard grillers on the internet.
If you’re ready to tackle some of the biggest BBQ jobs, head over to The Grill Squad. I’ve got in-depth Pitmaster classes on all the most popular smoked meats, so you can make them all like a true Backyard BBQ Hero.
