Char marks are like nature’s stamp of approval on food. Put together 21 options and suddenly mealtime feels like an outdoor event, even if you’re indoors. The smoke does half the advertising before the food even hits the plate. It’s the kind of flavor that makes friends text “what’s cooking?” without waiting for an invite.

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.

Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

There’s something special about the charred grill flavor that hits just right with chicken. Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts bring a balance of tanginess and smokiness you can’t fake. The grilling process adds a depth you won’t find in the oven. Perfect for anything from a backyard dinner to meal prep for the week.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lime Garlic Chicken Breasts

Smoked Asparagus

Veggies on the smoker often don’t get enough attention, but that changes with Smoked Asparagus. It leans on smoke to highlight its natural flavors while adding layers of depth. You’ll find it’s a great pairing for anything grilled, but it’s bold enough to stand alone, too. Even those hesitant about veggies might rethink their stance after trying this smoky twist.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Grilled Teriyaki Mango Skewers

Not everything on the grill has to be meaty, and Grilled Teriyaki Mango Skewers prove that. The sweet and smoky char creates a satisfying balance you don’t find often. The addition of teriyaki gives it that irresistible glaze and pop of flavor. These skewers are like a BBQ conversation starter for anyone looking to mix it up.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Teriyaki Mango Skewers

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips with mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, garnished with chives on a white plate. — Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sometimes, BBQ needs that homemade comfort-food vibe, and that’s where Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips shine. They pack in rich flavor with that irresistible flame-kissed touch. This take on beef tips makes your outdoor grilling feel restaurant-worthy, without much effort. It’s a straightforward way to mix familiar tastes with something fresh from the grill.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Three ears of husked corn were arranged on a dark slate plate. — Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilling transforms a simple side into something amazing. With Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob, you get sweet, smoky flavors in every bite. This is the kind of dish that’s loved by everyone at a cookout. Add it to your lineup to keep main dishes company without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT

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

Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT knows how to fit itself into any lineup at a BBQ. The crispy grill elements mixed with the bold, smoky touch in a classic make it more memorable. It feels familiar but levels up with the heavy flavors inspired by Texas-style twists. All in all, it’s a mix of smoky finesse and crisp textures coming together perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Griddle Texas BLT

Grilled Fruit Quesadillas

Four pieces of Fruit Quesadillas on a white plate. — Grilled Fruit Quesadillas. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Feeling adventurous with grilling doesn’t have to be complicated, and Grilled Fruit Quesadillas are proof of that. The warm, charred sweetness combined with that crisp outer shell creates just the right balance. Your guests might be surprised to see something like this served, but it won’t take long to win them over. It’s one of those dishes that pushes BBQ boundaries just for fun.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Fruit Quesadillas

Smoked Meatloaf

Before you think meatloaf’s an indoor-only meal, give Smoked Meatloaf its chance on the BBQ stage. The smoker adds a better depth to ground meat that you can’t get in the oven. Every bite has layers of boldness that traditional methods just can’t achieve. You get all of the familiarity with a refreshingly smoky BBQ twist.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatloaf

Grilled Ratatouille

Grills aren’t just for meat; they can shine for veggie-filled dishes too. Grilled Ratatouille is a mix of fresh vegetables united by smoke and char. Every bite gives a layered flavor profile improved by the grilling process. It’s a great choice for serving something both bold and healthy to your guests.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Smoked Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs on a cutting board with tomatoes. — Smoked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s a smoking secret for juicy chicken lovers. Smoked Chicken Thighs boast bold flavors, tender meat, and an aroma that’ll stop you in your tracks. These thighs are perfect for those who want BBQ with an exciting twist. Impress everyone with chicken that’s far from ordinary at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Rich cuts like Pork Belly Burnt Ends are made for grilling. Carefully cooked over smoke, they develop caramelized edges with tender insides. They’re a guaranteed hit for anyone who loves that mix of crunchy and juicy meat. These are perfect for sharing or showcasing as part of a main spread.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Everyone’s take on Brussels sprouts changes when they’re smoked. In Smoked Brussels Sprouts, charred edges create smoky bites that stand out. Whether served on their own or with other sides, they’re hard to resist. Grilling makes them comforting, bold, and a little addictive for veggie lovers and skeptics alike.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Bourbon BBQ Sauce

When you want a sauce with more punch, Bourbon BBQ Sauce keeps things interesting. The smoky flavor and slight edge from the bourbon cut through and blend with barbecue basics perfectly. It adds an almost effortless energy to typical BBQ sauces while avoiding being overpowering. Pair it with meats or sides, and it’s the sauce people remember long after.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Smoked Meatballs

You know meatballs, but Smoked Meatballs lean into BBQ’s smoky vibes to change what you expect. They pick up flavors that grilling alone doesn’t deliver. These meatballs feel bolder, richer, and downright perfect in the smoker. It’s BBQ tweaked in an easy way that anyone can pull off.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs

Best Pork Rub

A jar of pork rub on a marble table. — Best Pork Rub. Photo credit: .

Grills always call for bold spices, and this Best Pork Rub delivers. It levels up any cut of pork with deep, smoky richness and complements the natural flavor. Whether ribs, chops, or smoked pork shoulder, it’s versatile and packed with flavor. Keep it as your go-to spice mix for outdoor cooking.
Get the Recipe: Best Pork Rub

Steaks on the Blackstone

A steak on a cutting board with butter on it. — Steaks on the Blackstone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You don’t need a big grill to make great steak. With Steaks on the Blackstone, flat-surface grilling creates crispy edges and juicy centers. It’s a straightforward way to cook steak without sacrificing flavor or quality. Perfect for quick grilling and equally loved by backyard cooks and pros.
Get the Recipe: Steaks on the Blackstone

Pulled Pork Stuffed Cornbread

If you think BBQ got creative before, Pulled Pork Stuffed Cornbread takes it up another notch. The smoky flavor of pork paired with the cornbread’s dense texture takes comfort food up a level. It’s like combining two BBQ staples into one bite that’s hard to ignore. You don’t see many dishes that merge BBQ flavors like this and maintain that balance.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Stuffed Cornbread

Over the Top Chili

Chili’s a legend, but adding a grill twist makes it next-level. Over the Top Chili combines smoky meat with bold, saucy flavors. By smoking the meat above the chili pot, the smoke does double-duty for flavor. One bowl of this will change how you see chili forever.
Get the Recipe: Over the Top Chili

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby. — Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Anything on skewers is a go-to for grills, and Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo are no exception. Packed with juicy, grilled steak paired with bold dips, this dish has a punch. They’re great for sharing or just having as a main dish. Skewers make grilling fun and easy for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Bacon Fried Corn

Fried dishes don’t need to shy away from smoke. Bacon Fried Corn blends smoky, grilled bacon and caramelized corn into a bold side dish. This is one for BBQ plates that need a little extra heartiness. It fits easily with any meat-heavy main course without complicating meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Smoked Cream Cheese

Cheese on a grill might sound wild, but Smoked Cream Cheese proves how good it can be. The grilling process brings a smokiness into every creamy bite, improved by perfect char lines. Perfect as a dip or spread, it’s simple yet bold enough for parties or small gatherings. This one’s a must-try for cheese lovers.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cream Cheese