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Is Cooking A Chore? 21 Reasons to Fire Up The ‘Q

If you’ve ever looked at cooking as just another chore, think again. Here are at least 21 ways to make grilling a fun part of your day. Maybe it’s the joy of playing with fire or the ease of making meals outdoors. Everyone can find something they enjoy when the grill is involved. Turning on the grill can do more for you than just cook your meal. It offers a chance to break away from the everyday kitchen routine and get some fresh air. Whether alone or with company, grilling allows for a relaxing outdoor experience, making meal preparation a more enjoyable part of your day.

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

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

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

For those who like their wings with a twist, our smoked dill pickle version offers a unique flavor profile. As the smoke curls up, these wings get a touch of pickle tang that’s hard to resist. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or a family meal, they’re a surefire way to make grilling feel less like routine cooking and more like an enjoyable pastime. Grab some napkins and enjoy the smoky, tangy punch these wings pack.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs on a black platter.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Imagine sinking your teeth into charred kernels of corn that pop with each bite, our grilled elote corn ribs turn a simple vegetable into a standout dish. Infused with the essence of the grill, these ribs are a playful take on a classic street food. It’s a sweet, smoky side that makes any barbecue spread complete. Gather friends around and watch these disappear as quickly as they come off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken

Smoked whole chicken on Ninja Woodfire Grill.
Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

The aroma of a whole chicken slow-roasting over a flame is hard to top. Our grilled smoky whole chicken becomes the centerpiece of any meal, its skin crisp and golden. Relish in how simple yet impressive this dish is, an ideal option for those who view cooking as a monotonous task. That all afternoon cook will seem worth it when you set this beauty on the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Take your regular burger up a notch with our version, where each patty is wrapped in bacon for that extra punch of flavor. As the bacon sizzles on the grill, it wraps the burgers in a smoky hug. These are perfect for anyone seeking to create a casual, yet indulgent meal experience. Watch them become a new favorite at any outdoor cookout.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Our smoked chicken al pastor brings a slice of Mexican-inspired cuisine to your backyard. The slow-smoked meat is tender and brimming with a gently spiced flavor that’s hard to replicate inside the kitchen. It’s an inviting break from the norm, with a subtlety that’ll have everyone asking for your cooking secret. It’s a dish that shows grilling can be as novel as it is satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Grilled Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce

Ninja Woodfire Grill Wings with Jack Daniel's BBQ Sauce on a white plate.
Grilled Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Wings are a crowd-pleaser and when they’re bathed in our Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce, they’re elevated to a whole new level. The combination of smoky wings and the rich, boozy sauce is a match made in grill heaven. They’re the kind of comfort food that makes standing by the grill an experience to look forward to. Fire up the ‘Q for these, and they’ll do the rest of the work.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoky Wings with Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Butter on a round white plate.
Smoked Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A humble spud transforms into something special once it’s smoked. Our smoked sweet potatoes come out of the smoker with a soft, caramelized texture you can’t get from a conventional oven. As a side dish, these are easy yet impressive, and perfect for those chilly nights when comfort food is in order. Turn up the heat and let the smoker do the magic.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Smoked Beef Stew

A smoked beef stew recipe with carrots and potatoes.
Smoked Beef Stew. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing says comfort quite like a hearty beef stew, and our smoked version is no different. The long, slow smoking process infuses the beef with flavors that can’t be mimicked by a stovetop simmer. It makes for a robust meal that invites you to slow down and savor each spoonful. It’s why firing up the smoker can transform even the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Stew

Smoked Carver Ham

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

There’s something truly festive about a smoked ham, and our carver ham is the perfect main dish for any special occasion—or just because. The smoker turns it into a succulent feast, with a glaze that shines under the open sky. This is the sort of meal that can turn a daily chore into a culinary celebration. Let the smoky aromas entice you as the ham cooks to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

A plate of chicken wings on a white plate with a slice of mango.
Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Add some sweet heat to your grill with our mango-chipotle chicken wings. The fruity spice makes them a standout dish, with a flavor that’s both bold and refined. Perfect for those who prefer their wings with a side of exotic flair. It proves that grilling can be as fun and creative as you make it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mango-Chipotle Chicken Wings

Traeger Smoked Turkey

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

Forget the oven—our Traeger smoked turkey brings a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. The smoke works its magic, wrapping the bird in a flavorful cloud, promising a tender and juicy centerpiece for your meal. It’s the perfect way to transform holiday cooking from a daunting task to a delightful experience. Impress your guests with something out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

Smoked Beef Tenderloin

A sliced smoked beef tenderloin on a white plate.
Smoked Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine a beef tenderloin so tender and imbued with smoke that it melts in your mouth. That’s exactly what you get with our smoked beef tenderloin. It’s for those who love their meat rich and full of flavor, without spending hours in the kitchen. Light the smoker, relax, and let the beef take center stage.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Tenderloin

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.

Our reverse-seared steaks change the grilling game, especially when topped with smoked garlic butter. The two-stage cooking method ensures a perfectly cooked steak with a smoke-kissed exterior. It’s a foolproof path to a memorable meal that makes grilling more of an anticipation than a chore. Break out the steak knives and get ready for a feast that truly rewards your time.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter

Smoked New York Strip Roast

A piece of smoked New York strip roast meat on a cutting board next to a knife.
Smoked New York Strip Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re after something that feels gourmet without the fuss, try our smoked New York strip roast. It tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, especially with the smoker adding that unbeatable flavor. This dish is for those times you want to treat yourself to a luxury meal at home. Let the smoke do the heavy lifting, and enjoy the fruits of minimal labor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked New York Strip Roast

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Sliced Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri on a white plate.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

There’s something truly vibrant about a steak topped with chimichurri, and our grilled hanger steak is no exception. The herbaceous sauce brings a pop of color and flavor, making it a favorite for anyone who loves to combine grilling with garden-fresh condiments. It’s a simple yet sophisticated meal that can turn an everyday gathering into a spontaneous feast. This dish proves that sometimes, less really is more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked cauliflower in a skillet on a wooden table.
Smoked Cauliflower. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a vegetarian twist that even meat-lovers will enjoy, try our smoked cauliflower. It emerges from the smoker transformed, with a depth that’ll have you looking at vegetables in a whole new light. This dish is a celebration of how the grill can bring excitement to the most basic of vegetables. It’s a reminder that creativity on the ‘Q knows no bounds.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb

Whole cooked leg of lamb on a board with a knife.
Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Change up your grill routine with our Traeger smoked leg of lamb. The subtle gamey-ness is perfectly complemented by the rich smokiness imparted by the slow cooking process. Serve this at your next gathering, and it’s sure to become the main talking point. This dish showcases how the right technique can make even the most traditional meats sing.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb

Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Ninja Grilled Tomahawk Pork Chops on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When pork tomahawk chops hit the grill, they become something truly special. The thick cut of meat offers a juicy and flavorful experience that’s enhanced by the flames. Our version serves up a hearty, satisfying meal that stands out at any barbecue. It’s proof that some cuts are just meant to be grilled.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Tomahawk Chops

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a refreshing side, our grilled corn guacamole brings a smoky twist to the classic dip. Each scoop is a blend of grilled corn and creamy avocado, making for a side that can easily steal the show. It’s great for dipping or as an accompaniment to any grilled dish. Turn up the heat and let this guacamole be the surprise hit of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

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

Our lemon oregano chicken kabobs bring a Mediterranean flair to the grill. The herbs and citrus are a bright contrast to the smoky char of the grill, offering a healthy and flavorful option. It’s the perfect meal for a balmy evening when light yet satisfying food is desired. Enjoy this refreshing take on grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs

Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone

Two bowls of soup on the counter.
Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Warm up with our smoked tomato soup, a comforting classic with a smoky undertone. The addition of creamy mascarpone enriches the soup and adds a decadent texture. It’s a starter or main that feels like a warm hug, and it highlights how the smoker can add dimension to even the coziest of dishes. Offer a spoonful of comfort and watch as it becomes a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone

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