Recipes
These slow-cooked beans are smoky, sweet, and deeply savory—the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show. They’re rich, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Best time to cook this: Backyard cookouts, potlucks, or anytime the grill is already hot.
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2. Salmon Candy
Sweet, smoky, and glazed to perfection, this salmon candy hits that irresistible sweet-salty balance. It’s a reader favorite for good reason—and dangerously snackable.
Best time to cook this: Weekend smoking sessions or as a make-ahead appetizer.
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3. Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich
Juicy beef, soaked in savory jus, piled high on a crusty roll—this is comfort food with attitude. It’s bold, messy, and completely satisfying.
Best time to cook this: Game days, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re feeding hungry guests.
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4. Smoked Osso Buco
This low-and-slow classic delivers deep, beefy flavor with a touch of elegance. Smoking transforms an old-school dish into something truly memorable.
Best time to cook this: Cool-weather weekends when you want to linger by the smoker.
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5. Corned Beef Made From Scratch
Once you try making corned beef yourself, it’s hard to go back. The flavor is cleaner, beefier, and far more rewarding than store-bought.
Best time to cook this: Late winter, early spring, or when you’re planning ahead for a special meal.
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8. Smoked Brisket Flat
This recipe focuses on technique, delivering tender slices without over complicating the process. It’s a go-to for cooks looking to sharpen their brisket skills.
Best time to cook this: Long weekend cooks or overnight smoking sessions.
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9. Brazilian Churrasco with Molho à Campanha
Simply seasoned meat and a bright, fresh sauce let the grill do the talking. It’s proof that great barbecue doesn’t need to be complicated.
Best time to cook this: Summer grilling nights when you want big flavor with minimal prep.
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Looking back, what stands out isn’t just what we cooked—it’s what we kept coming back to. These recipes earned their place by delivering every time, whether it was a weeknight dinner or a long weekend cook. If you’re planning your next round of grilling, this list is a solid place to start—and you’ll find plenty more inspiration waiting across the site and in the Up in Smoke newsletter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were the top recipes of the year chosen?
The list is based on reader engagement throughout the year, including page views and repeat visits to individual recipes.
Are these recipes beginner-friendly?
Many are approachable for newer grillers, while others are ideal weekend projects for cooks looking to sharpen their skills.
Do these recipes work on different grills and smokers?
Yes. Most recipes include variations or tips for gas, charcoal, pellet grills, and smokers.
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