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10 Best Grilling Cookbooks 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Cooking on the Big Green Egg: Everything you need to know from set-up to cooking techniques, with 70 recipes

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,180
Experience Level
Type of Grill
Recipe Variety

Most important from
329 reviews

Experience Level
Perfect for beginners, with clear instructions on configuring your grill for various recipes.
Type of Grill
A must-have for 'Eggheads', packed with essential information for setting up and using your Big Green Egg.
Recipe Variety
The variety of recipes helps in switching up your grilling routine and exploring different dishes.

The cookbook 'Cooking on the Big Green Egg: Everything you need to know from set-up to cooking techniques, with 70 recipes' is a comprehensive guide tailored for users of the Big Green Egg grill. It caters to various experience levels, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced cooks. One of its strengths lies in its detailed set-up instructions, ensuring that users can start grilling with confidence.

The book offers a decent variety of recipes (70 in total), covering different types of dishes that showcase the versatility of the Big Green Egg. This variety can keep your grilling experience exciting and help you explore different cuisines. The instructions are clear and well-organized, making it easy for readers to follow along and replicate the recipes accurately. Additionally, the book provides a wealth of tips and techniques that can enhance your grilling skills and help you make the most of your grill.

However, the book's focus on the Big Green Egg means it may not be as useful for those using other types of grills. At 208 pages and weighing 2 pounds, it's a substantial hardcover that feels durable but may be a bit heavy for some users to handle easily. All content is in English, with high-quality publishing standards from Quadrille, released in April 2021. This makes it a current and reliable resource for Big Green Egg enthusiasts.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,180
Experience Level
Type of Grill
Recipe Variety

Most important from
329 reviews

Experience Level
Perfect for beginners, with clear instructions on configuring your grill for various recipes.
Type of Grill
A must-have for 'Eggheads', packed with essential information for setting up and using your Big Green Egg.
Recipe Variety
The variety of recipes helps in switching up your grilling routine and exploring different dishes.
#2

Project Smoke: Seven Steps to Smoked Food Nirvana, Plus 100 Irresistible Recipes from Classic (Slam-Dunk Brisket) to Adventurous (Smoked Bacon-Bourbon ... (Steven Raichlen Barbecue Bible Cookbooks)

Rating
9.4
Experience Level
Type of Grill
Recipe Variety

Most important from
10166 reviews

Experience Level
The book masterfully breaks down smoking into seven clear steps, making the process accessible and less intimidating.
Type of Grill
Covers a wide range of smoking methods and equipment, from high-end smokers to basic grills, ensuring everyone can participate.
Recipe Variety
Offers an impressive variety with recipes for smoked meats, vegetables, fish, cheese, and even sauces and spice rubs.
Instruction Clarity
Provides detailed instructions and insider tips that help both novices and seasoned grillers improve their smoking skills.

'Project Smoke' by Steven Raichlen is a solid choice for anyone interested in mastering smoked foods, whether you're a beginner or already have some grilling experience. The book is well-structured around seven key steps to smoking, which helps make the process less intimidating for newcomers. It covers a variety of grill types and smoking methods, making it adaptable no matter what kind of equipment you have.

With 100 recipes that range from classic favorites like brisket to more unique options such as smoked bacon with bourbon, it offers plenty of variety to keep things interesting. The instructions are clear and approachable, guiding you through each recipe and technique with enough detail to help you succeed without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, the book provides useful tips and insights to improve your smoking skills over time.

A limitation is that the book focuses solely on smoking rather than general grilling, so if you're looking for a wide range of grilling styles beyond smoking, this might feel a bit narrow. Also, while the recipes aim to be accessible, some might require ingredients or equipment not everyone has on hand, which could be a minor hurdle. At around 336 pages, it’s comprehensive yet still manageable to explore. This makes 'Project Smoke' a great pick for anyone looking to dive into smoked cooking with clear guidance and recipe variety, especially if you want to focus on smoking techniques rather than all grilling styles.

Rating
9.4
Experience Level
Type of Grill
Recipe Variety

Most important from
10166 reviews

Experience Level
The book masterfully breaks down smoking into seven clear steps, making the process accessible and less intimidating.
Type of Grill
Covers a wide range of smoking methods and equipment, from high-end smokers to basic grills, ensuring everyone can participate.
Recipe Variety
Offers an impressive variety with recipes for smoked meats, vegetables, fish, cheese, and even sauces and spice rubs.
Instruction Clarity
Provides detailed instructions and insider tips that help both novices and seasoned grillers improve their smoking skills.
#3

The Backyard Traeger Cookbook: Your All-in-One Cookbook to Go from Weekend Griller to Backyard Legend - Packed with Simple and Delicious Recipes for Unforgettable Gatherings. Grill Like a Pro.

Rating
9.4
Experience Level
Type of Grill
Recipe Variety

Most important from
205 reviews

Experience Level
Step-by-step instructions and special tips make even complex grilling techniques approachable for beginners and enjoyable for experienced cooks.
Type of Grill
A detailed and helpful guide that makes backyard barbecues better with clear explanations about Traeger wood pellet grills, including basics, safety, and maintenance.
Recipe Variety
The cookbook offers a great mix of classic smoked meats and creative dishes like cedar-planked salmon and wood-fired pizza, plus sides and sauces for complete meals.
Instruction Clarity
Step-by-step instructions and special tips make even complex grilling techniques approachable for beginners and enjoyable for experienced cooks.
Additional Tips and Techniques
Helpful extras like cooking time charts, temperature guides, and wood pellet pairing advice make mastering pellet grilling easier and more consistent.

The Backyard Traeger Cookbook is designed for weekend grillers who want to step up their game and become confident backyard chefs. It offers a good mix of simple recipes that don’t overwhelm beginners but still provide flavorful results. Since it's focused on Traeger grills, which are pellet grills, it’s best suited for users who own or plan to use this type of grill, as the techniques and recipes are tailored to pellet grilling.

The instructions are straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for those new to grilling or anyone looking to improve their skills. With 110 pages, the book covers a decent variety of recipes and includes tips to help you get more consistent results and explore different flavors. If you’re looking for a cookbook with very advanced techniques or a wide variety of grill types (like charcoal or gas), this might feel a bit limited.

For Traeger grill owners or those wanting to master pellet grilling, this book serves as a practical, friendly guide to making memorable meals for gatherings without feeling too complicated.

Rating
9.4
Experience Level
Type of Grill
Recipe Variety

Most important from
205 reviews

Experience Level
Step-by-step instructions and special tips make even complex grilling techniques approachable for beginners and enjoyable for experienced cooks.
Type of Grill
A detailed and helpful guide that makes backyard barbecues better with clear explanations about Traeger wood pellet grills, including basics, safety, and maintenance.
Recipe Variety
The cookbook offers a great mix of classic smoked meats and creative dishes like cedar-planked salmon and wood-fired pizza, plus sides and sauces for complete meals.
Instruction Clarity
Step-by-step instructions and special tips make even complex grilling techniques approachable for beginners and enjoyable for experienced cooks.
Additional Tips and Techniques
Helpful extras like cooking time charts, temperature guides, and wood pellet pairing advice make mastering pellet grilling easier and more consistent.

Buying Guide for the Best Grilling Cookbooks

Choosing the right grilling cookbook can greatly enhance your grilling skills and help you create delicious meals. When selecting a grilling cookbook, consider your experience level, the type of grill you use, and the kinds of recipes you want to explore. A good cookbook should offer clear instructions, helpful tips, and a variety of recipes that cater to your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some key aspects to consider when picking a grilling cookbook.
Experience LevelThis spec refers to the level of grilling expertise the cookbook is designed for. Cookbooks can range from beginner to advanced levels. Beginner cookbooks typically include basic techniques, simple recipes, and step-by-step instructions, making them ideal for those new to grilling. Intermediate cookbooks offer more complex recipes and techniques, suitable for those who have some grilling experience. Advanced cookbooks are geared towards seasoned grillers looking to master intricate recipes and advanced grilling methods. Choose a cookbook that matches your skill level to ensure you can follow along and grow your grilling abilities.
Type of GrillDifferent cookbooks may focus on specific types of grills, such as gas, charcoal, electric, or wood pellet grills. The type of grill you use can affect cooking times, temperatures, and techniques. A cookbook tailored to your grill type will provide more accurate instructions and better results. If you use a gas grill, look for cookbooks that offer tips on managing heat and direct vs. indirect grilling. Charcoal grill cookbooks often include information on controlling airflow and maintaining consistent temperatures. Electric and wood pellet grill cookbooks may focus on convenience and flavor enhancement. Choose a cookbook that aligns with your grill type for optimal guidance.
Recipe VarietyThis spec refers to the range of recipes included in the cookbook. A good grilling cookbook should offer a diverse selection of recipes, including appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts. Some cookbooks may focus on specific cuisines, dietary preferences, or cooking styles, such as BBQ, vegetarian, or healthy grilling. Consider your personal taste and dietary needs when selecting a cookbook. If you enjoy experimenting with different flavors, look for a cookbook with a wide variety of recipes. If you have dietary restrictions, choose a cookbook that offers suitable options. A diverse cookbook will keep your grilling experience exciting and enjoyable.
Instruction ClarityClear and concise instructions are crucial for successful grilling. This spec refers to how well the cookbook explains recipes and techniques. Look for cookbooks that provide detailed steps, helpful tips, and visual aids like photos or illustrations. Cookbooks with clear instructions help you understand the process and avoid mistakes. If you're a beginner, choose a cookbook with straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions. For more experienced grillers, a cookbook with detailed explanations of advanced techniques can be beneficial. Ensure the cookbook's instructions match your learning style for a smooth grilling experience.
Additional Tips and TechniquesBeyond recipes, a good grilling cookbook should offer extra tips and techniques to enhance your grilling skills. This spec includes information on grill maintenance, safety, flavoring methods, and cooking times. Cookbooks that provide insights into choosing the right cuts of meat, marinating, and seasoning can help you achieve better results. Look for cookbooks that offer advice on troubleshooting common grilling issues and optimizing your grill's performance. These additional tips can be especially helpful for those looking to deepen their grilling knowledge and improve their overall cooking experience.

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