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Get ready to fire up the smoker or grill and indulge in some of the best Texas BBQ recipes! From brisket to ribs, the state of Texas has perfected the art of slow-cooked meats bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner grill enthusiast, these recipes will satisfy your craving for deliciously smoky and savory dishes.

Texas BBQ spread featuring a whole brisket being sliced with white bread, cheese, red onion, and beer around it.
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The King of Texas BBQ: Smoked Brisket

Welcome to the smoky kingdom of Texas, where flames dance, and flavors sing in perfect harmony. In this land of bold culinary traditions, one dish stands tall, commanding reverence and inspiring passion: the legendary smoked brisket. As the undisputed King of Texas BBQ, the smoked brisket reigns supreme, captivating taste buds with its tender, smoky perfection.

The most common sides for smoked brisket include white bread, sliced cheese, pickled red onions and dill pickles. And as always, sauce is served on the side, not on the meat!

Texas Brisket on peach paper, sliced with slices of bread, cheese, pickles and onions around.

Texas Smoked Brisket Recipe

5 from 2 votes
This Texas Smoked Brisket uses simple ingredients, but the process used creates meat so tender it will melt in your mouth. Apply a simple rub and let your smoker do the work!
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Rubs & Sauces

In Texas BBQ, two culinary pillars are the key to unlocking a symphony of flavors: the art of the dry rub and homemade BBQ sauce that is bold, layered and unique. These essential components elevate the smoking process to new heights, infusing the meat with layers of complexity and adding a punch of flavor in every bite.

While BBQ purists will tell you there’s nothing to it but salt & pepper (also known as a Dalmatian rub) it’s common to see BBQ spots mixing it up with other flavors and adding to their rubs.

Wooden spoon scooping up homemade texas style dry rub.

Sweet Texas Dry Rub- Perfect for Chicken & Pork!

5 from 10 votes
Texas Style BBQ Dry Rub. This sweet and spicy dry rub is perfect for all your grilling and BBQ needs! The sweet brown sugar mingled with the spicy chili powder gives the best of both worlds. This rub is perfect for steaks, chicken, pork, anything you desire!
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Texas BBQ Sauce

4.67 from 3 votes
Texas Style BBQ Sauce! The perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Use this on any grilled meats for an extra burst of flavor.
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Smoked Meats

While the smoked brisket undoubtedly reigns as the king of Texas BBQ, it’s not the only meat that’s served.

Prepare to be tempted by the others, each boasting distinctive charms and devoted followings. From succulent smoked ribs that fall off the bone to the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of pulled pork and the delicate smokiness of turkey breast, these esteemed dishes hold their own in the realm of barbecue excellence.

Platter of smoked chuck roast sliced and served with juices.

Smoked Chuck Roast (Texas Style)

5 from 6 votes
This smoked chuck roast yields a tender, juicy meat! Slow cooked at a low temperature, this smoked beef roast is the perfect weeknight family dinner or a twist on your usual Sunday Roast.
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Pulled smoked pork butt.

Texas Style Smoked Pulled Pork

5 from 20 votes
This simple, Texas Smoked Pulled Pork is the most tender, flavorful pulled pork. Cooked low and slow, this pulled pork is melt in your mouth good!
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Hand picking up a smoked pork rib dipped in BBQ sauce.

Smoked Pork Ribs

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Flavorful, and tender, this fool proof recipe for Smoked Pork Ribs is easy to make and always pleases!
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Smoked BBQ Brisket sandwich made with sauce, pickles and sliced onion. Served with chips

Smoked BBQ Beef Sandwich

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Chopped smoked beef with a light coating of a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce is piled onto soft hamburger buns and topped with tangy pickles and and white onion slices.
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Tin filled with shredded smoked pork carnitas.

Smoked Carnitas

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This non-traditional Smoked Pork Carnitas is a flavorful Tex Mex BBQ mash up recipe. Thanks to using a citrus marinade, and a homemade seasoning mix of Mexican spices, the pork comes out smoky, tender, flavorful and melt in your mouth rich with crispy edges.
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Sliced smoked turkey breast on a wood cutting board.

Smoked Turkey Breast

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Smoked Turkey Breast.ย This simple, Texas style smoked Turkey Breast is made flavorful thanks to a brine, and a basic dry rub. Be prepared to fall in love with this tender, moist, flavorful turkey!ย 
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Smoked ribeye on a white plate with a portion sliced showing pink middle.

Smoked Ribeye (Reverse Seared)

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Elevate your steak game with this easy-to-follow smoked ribeye recipe. Using the reverse sear technique, we slow smoke the steak, and then sear it for a mouthwatering crust.
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A plate of smoked chicken wings served with a small bowl of ranch, one wing dipped into the ranch.

Smoked Chicken Wings

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These smoked chicken wings are cooked with sweet smoke and low temps giving you tender, fall of the bone wings with crispy skin!ย 
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Grilled Meats

Grilled chicken legs on a wood cutting board with a bowl of bbq sauce and a beer.

Grilled Chicken Legs

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This recipe for grilled chicken legs is a beloved family classic. The chicken becomes deliciously tender and savory thanks to a simple marinade of lemon, garlic, and seasonings. While grilling adds a smoky, charred flavor that is ideal for summer.
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Salad in a white bowl topped with grilled chicken, peppers, and onion plus other ingredients.

Grilled Chicken Salad

5 from 1 vote
This grilled chicken salad is an easy, flavorful summer grilling recipe loaded with fresh greens and veggies. Tender, marinated chicken is served over lettuce with grilled poblanos, corn, onion, fresh avocado, tomato, and more! This mouthwatering salad is bursting with flavor and color that will leave you satisfied and nourished.
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Grilled fish tacos on charred corn tortillas served with avocado slices and cilantro crema drizzled on top.

Grilled Fish Tacos

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These healthy Grilled Fish Tacos are quick and easy, made with fresh ingredients, and cooked in 15 minutes on the grill, making them a great anytime meal! Flaky white fish, shredded cabbage, and smooth crema are all loaded into soft corn tortillas for the ultimate summer taco meal!
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Grilled chicken breast that has been sliced.

Mexican Grilled Chicken

4.50 from 2 votes
Mexican Grilled Chicken. Juicy, tender grilled chicken that has been marinaded in a flavorful blend of fruit juices and chili powders. Quick and easy to put together this is sure to be a hit with your next BBQ!
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Up close view of shrimp on skewers after being grilled.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

5 from 1 vote
Grilled shrimp. These shrimp are marinated in a garlic, cilantro, lime marinade. Then grilled over charcoal to give a wonderful smokey flavor. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option!ย 
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Sliced carne asada on a plate with lime wedges.

Authentic Carne Asada

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Carne Asada. This grilled flank steak is marinated in a flavorful mix of orange and lime juice, spices, onion and garlic. Smokey, juicy, and tender this meat is perfect for using in tacos, burritos, salads and more!
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The Burnt Ends

In the world of BBQ, there exists a delicacy revered by connoisseurs and pitmasters alike: the burnt ends. These coveted, charred treasures are born from the process of slow-smoking beef brisket until the collagen in the fat breaks down. Of course, you can use other meats also for ease or flavoring.

Burnt ends are the charred, succulent cubes of meat that emerge from the crusty edges of a well-smoked brisket. They’re then covered in sauce and cooked further until they caramelize. These bites are a blend of textures and flavorsโ€”tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels adorned with a flavorful crust.

Pork belly burnt ends served with a cup of bbq sauce and a beer on the side.

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

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Indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of smoked pork belly burnt ends. These delectable bites are the perfect smoky, tender, and flavorful combinationโ€”the secret lies in slow-smoking the pork belly until it reaches that ideal melt-in-your-mouth texture.ย 
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Smoked chunks of beef served with a cup of bbq sauce on a piece of brown parchment paper.

Smoked Chuck Roast Burnt Ends

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Get all the classic BBQ flavor of burnt ends in this easy-to-make Chuck Roast Burnt Ends recipe. Slow-smoked beef is seasoned with a simple rub, then braised in a sweet, sticky sauce with a hint of spice and black pepper kick.
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BBQ Sides

As you indulge in the smoky symphony of Texas BBQ, don’t forget about the world of mouth-watering sides. Picture a plate adorned with creamy coleslaw, its crisp freshness providing a cool contrast to the richness of the meats.

Imagine sinking your teeth into golden, buttery cornbread, its tender crumb and subtle sweetness enhancing the smoky essence of the barbecue.

And let your imagination roam to a bowl brimming with tangy, vinegar-based potato salad or perhaps a scoop of rich and smoky baked beans, each bite transporting you deeper into the heart of barbecue bliss.

Cast iron skillet filled with baked beans topped with crispy bacon and coarse ground black pepper.

Smoked Baked Beans

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These smoked baked beans are a delightful addition to any barbecue or gathering, bringing a unique twist to the classic comfort food.ย 
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Bowl of creamy potato salad made with egg and dill pickle. Topped with sliced apart hard boiled egg.

Southern Potato Salad

4.75 from 4 votes
This creamy southern potato salad is perfect for all your Summer BBQs. Made with tender potatoes, hardboiled eggs, dill pickle relish, in a tangy mayonnaise, mustard based dressing.
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Macaroni salad in a bowl with soda being poured on the side.

Classic Macaroni Salad

5 from 2 votes
This classic macaroni salad is the perfect side dish to any picnic or BBQ. Coated with a creamy dressing, loaded with fresh crisp veggies, this simple, easy to make recipe is sure to be a winner!ย 
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Dutch oven filled with creamy Mac and cheese with wooden spoon to serve.

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

4.60 from 5 votes
Say goodbye to boxed mac and cheese with this Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe. This classic family favorite comes together on the stovetop in less than 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
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Serving bowl filled with creamy elote corn salad.

Elote Corn Salad

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Quick and easy, this elote corn salad comes together with fresh ingredients in a creamy, tangy dressing.
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Bowl filled with a creamy southern coleslaw served with wooden spoons.

Classic Southern Coleslaw

5 from 6 votes
This quick and easy classic Southern Coleslaw recipe comes together in minutes using only a handful ingredients. The cold, tangy flavors are perfect for pairing with some smokey BBQ meats.
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Dish of southern green beans topped with crispy bacon.

Southern Green Beans

5 from 1 vote
These Southern Style Green Beans are slow simmered in a broth of bacon, onion and garlic. These beans come out tender, flavorful and melt in your mouth tender. This comforting side dish will complement all of your favorite Southern style family meals.
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Overhead view of baking dish with baked beans, topped with fresh parsley as a garnish.

Favorite Baked Beans

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Favorite Baked Beans with Bacon! These are the baked beans that EVERYONE loves! Loaded with a sweet, brown sugar sauce and seasoned with black pepper bacon. These beans are the perfect side for all your BBQs
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Slices of cornbread being served with butter and a drizzle of honey.

Cornbread

5 from 1 vote
This buttermilk cornbread is tender, flavorful and sweetened with a little bit of honey. The perfect side dish for chilies and stews.
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Overhead view of creamy red potato salad being served with a spoon.

Red White & Blue Potato Salad

5 from 11 votes
This Creamy Red Potato Salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs and picnics! Simple and easy to make, this side dish can be made ahead of time. Loaded up with red potatoes, blue cheese crumbles and a creamy white dressing this Red White & Blue potato salad is patriotic to serve all summer long!
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A jar filled with tangy and sweet pickled red onion being served up with a fork.

Pickled Red Onions

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Pickled red onions are the tangy, crunchy topping that can instantly brighten up tacos, salads, sandwiches, and more. With just a few simple ingredients, youโ€™ll have a batch ready in no time, perfect for adding a zesty twist to any meal!
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Summer Dessert

End the meal with one of our favorite Southern Dessert recipes that are perfect for any cookout!

Fresas con Crema served with extra strawberries.

Fresas Con Crema (Strawberries and Cream)

5 from 5 votes
Quick and easy Fresas Con Crema (Strawberries and Cream) recipe! Ripe, juicy strawberries in a cold, sweet cream sauce. Perfect easy no bake dessert recipe!
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Banana pudding in a baking dish being scooped up showing sliced bananas and nilla wafers with pudding and whipped cream.

Homemade Banana Pudding

5 from 1 vote
Creamy, homemade Southern Banana Pudding with vanilla pudding made from scratch layered with vanilla wafers, slices of banana, and topped with a whipped topping! An easy to make, Southern dessert recipe sure to please a crowd!
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Baked peach cobbler in a round dish.

Homemade Peach Cobbler

4.91 from 21 votes
This classic Peach Cobbler has a crisp, buttery, vanilla topping. Plus this recipe can be made withย fresh, frozen or cannedย peaches so that you can enjoy it year round.
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Mixed berry cobbler in a bowl topped with ice cream, being served with a spoon.

Mixed Berry Cobbler

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Indulge in this classic mixed berry cobbler's delightful combination of juicy sweet berries and a buttery-rich biscuit topping. This easy dessert recipe is made with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, then topped with an easy-to-make cobbler topping!
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Strawberry shortcake served on a white scalloped plate, gold fork on the side.

Strawberry Shortcake

5 from 1 vote
This made-from-scratch Strawberry Shortcake recipe features sweet buttermilk biscuits, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy strawberries.
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Grilled pineapple served with a coconut rum sauce.

Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Rum Sauce

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Grilled pineapple is the ultimate easy summer dessertโ€”sweet, caramelized, and just a little smoky from the grill. Paired with a creamy coconut rum dipping sauce, itโ€™s a quick crowd-pleaser perfect for cookouts and warm evenings.
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Refreshing Drinks

Cooking with fire and smoke can be sweaty business. Here’s some cold, refreshing drinks to enjoy!

Cup of sweet tea in a glass topped with crushed ice, lemon wedge and a sprig of mint.

Classic Sweet Tea

No ratings yet
This home-brewed Southern Sweet Tea is smooth, refreshing, and simple. This classic southern drink is quick and easy to make at home.
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Frozen mango margarita served with a lime wedge.

Mango Margarita

5 from 7 votes
This frozen Mango Margarita recipe is frosty, creamy, tart and sweet. The perfect drink to pair with your favorite Mexican dishes or to simply enjoy on its own.
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Glasses of agua fresca lined up showing strawberry, watermelon and a pineapple mango.

Agua Fresca Recipe (Basic Recipe for ANY fruit)

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This easy Agua Fresca Recipe can be used to make a refreshing, non-alcoholic, fruit drink using any of your favorite fruits. Perfect for cooling down and relaxing on a hot summer day.
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A glass cup with tajin on the side and ice with clear liquid and a lime wedge inside.

Ranch Water

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Beat the Texas heat with the ultimate refreshing cocktail โ€“ Ranch Water! This tequila highball mixed with lime and Topo Chico is the perfect cooling drink that youโ€™ve been looking for.
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Glass filled with Texas margarita, garnished with a lime wedge, on a cutting board surrounded by sliced limes.

Texas Margarita

No ratings yet
This Texas Margarita has a refreshing citrus flavor with the combination of lime and orange juices. This sweet, citrusy cocktail is the perfect companion for all your Tex Mex and Mexican meals.ย 
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Welcome to my kitchen!

Welcome to the House of Yumm!! My name is Serene. I’m the food photographer, recipe developer, and official taste tester around these parts.

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