Recipes, Tips, and Cooking Ideas

Some recipes don’t fit neatly into one category, but they’re still too good not to share. This collection brings together a mix of creative BBQ recipes, helpful cooking tips, and unique backyard ideas from Heath Riles. From experimenting with new flavors to learning practical grilling and smoking techniques, these posts are packed with inspiration to help you try something new on the smoker or grill.
How Brining Works: Wet Brine, Dry Brine, and Injection
chicken everything-else turkey
9 min read
How Brining Works: Wet Brine, Dry Brine, and Injection

How Brining Works and When It's Worth Doing Why spend hours waiting for your turkey or chicken to soak in...

Grilled Rack of Lamb with Lemon, Garlic & Mint Sauce
everything-else
10 min read
Grilled Rack of Lamb with Lemon, Garlic & Mint Sauce

If you think cooking lamb has to be complicated, this recipe will change your mind. My buddy Bobby T stopped...

Bourbon & Meat Pairing with the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection
beef chicken everything-else fish-seafood pork steaks-burgers
13 min read
Bourbon & Meat Pairing with the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection

We’re doing something a little different on this episode of Cooking With Friends. I’ve got my buddy Matt Kuesk, Senior...

The Pitmaster Guide to Hot and Fast vs Low and Slow BBQ
everything-else
10 min read
The Pitmaster Guide to Hot and Fast vs Low and Slow BBQ

Slow and Steady Doesn't Always Win This Race In BBQ, temperature is the variable that defines your whole approach to...

What Blue Smoke vs White Smoke Means for BBQ
everything-else
9 min read
What Blue Smoke vs White Smoke Means for BBQ

Your Fire Is Talking. Here Is How to Read It. Thick smoke rolling off the pit can feel like proof...

Tailgate Food Ideas: How to Plan and Execute a Full Game Day Cook
everything-else gameday-apps
10 min read
Tailgate Food Ideas: How to Plan and Execute a Full Game Day Cook

How to Plan a Full Tailgate Cook: Food, Timing, and Everything in Between Football season is the perfect excuse to...

Foil vs. Butcher Paper vs. Butter Bath: What Each Wrapping Method Does
beef everything-else Pork
12 min read
Foil vs. Butcher Paper vs. Butter Bath: What Each Wrapping Method Does

Wrapping Brisket and Pork: What Foil, Butcher Paper, and Butter Bath Actually Do Wrapping is one of those decisions that...

The Ultimate Rib Guide: How to Make Award Winning Ribs
everything-else Pork Ribs
3 min read
The Ultimate Rib Guide: How to Make Award Winning Ribs
Let's face it, cooking ribs is hard. Pitmaster Heath Riles shares his award winning recipe alongside step-by-step instructions to achieve the absolute best flavors!
Margherita Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet
everything-else gameday-apps
5 min read
Margherita Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet

Are you in the mood for an authentic-tasting Margherita Pizza? If so, you’ll love this classic recipe with a cheesy,...

Fourth of July BBQ: How to Plan a Full Day Cook for a Crowd
everything-else
9 min read
Fourth of July BBQ: How to Plan a Full Day Cook for a Crowd

How to Plan Your Fourth of July BBQ Cook From Start to Finish You've got one cooker, maybe two, and...

The BBQ Stall: What’s Happening and What to Do About It
everything-else
8 min read
The BBQ Stall: What’s Happening and What to Do About It

The BBQ Stall: What's Happening and What to Do About It If you’ve smoked    enough briskets or pork shoulders,...

Brisket Injection: Best Liquids, Technique, and Pitmaster Tips
Beef everything-else
10 min read
Brisket Injection: Best Liquids, Technique, and Pitmaster Tips

Let’s Talk Brisket Injection Brisket cooks are long, demanding, and unforgiving if you don’t manage moisture correctly. That’s why brisket...

Back-to-Back at Memphis in May: Team Heath Riles BBQ Makes History in 2026
everything-else
14 min read
Back-to-Back at Memphis in May: Team Heath Riles BBQ Makes History in 2026

Heath Riles BBQ Wins Back-to-Back Grand Champion at Memphis in May 2026 There are barbecue contests all across the country,...

How to Build BBQ Bark on Brisket (Pitmaster Tips)
everything-else
5 min read
How to Build BBQ Bark on Brisket (Pitmaster Tips)

Tips on Building BBQ Bark What Is BBQ Bark? BBQ bark is the dark, flavorful crust that forms on the...