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.
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...

How to Season a Smoker: The Right Way to Break In Your New Pit
everything-else
9 min read
How to Season a Smoker: The Right Way to Break In Your New Pit

How to Season a New Smoker Why Seasoning a New Smoker Matters When you bring home a brand-new smoker, it...

Should You Soak Wood Chips for a Smoker?
everything-else
6 min read
Should You Soak Wood Chips for a Smoker?

If you’ve spent any time researching barbecue techniques, you’ve probably come across the question: should you soak wood chips before...

Best Spices and Seasonings for Beef
Beef everything-else
7 min read
Best Spices and Seasonings for Beef

When it comes to cooking beef, the right seasoning can take a good cut of meat and turn it into...

Direct vs Indirect Heat on a Grill: How to Control Heat for Perfect BBQ | Heath Riles BBQ
everything-else
7 min read
Direct vs Indirect Heat on a Grill: How to Control Heat for Perfect BBQ | Heath Riles BBQ

Direct vs Indirect Heat on a Grill: When and How to Use Each Mastering direct heat grilling and indirect heat...

Wood Pellet Storage Tips | Heath Riles BBQ
everything-else
7 min read
Wood Pellet Storage Tips | Heath Riles BBQ

Wood Pellet Storage Tips: How to Store BBQ Pellets the Right Way Wood pellet storage isn’t complicated,  but it matters...

Dry Rub vs. Wet Rub: Which One Should You Use for BBQ?
everything-else
5 min read
Dry Rub vs. Wet Rub: Which One Should You Use for BBQ?

Dry Rub vs. Wet Rub: What’s the Difference and Which Works Best for BBQ? Dry rubs and wet rubs both...

Great Grilling Vegetables: Best Veggies for the Grill & How to Season Them
everything-else grilled sides
7 min read
Great Grilling Vegetables: Best Veggies for the Grill & How to Season Them

Great Grilling Vegetables: The Best Veggies for the Grill (and How to Cook Them Right) Grilling vegetables shouldn’t feel like...

Cold Weather BBQ Tips: How to Grill & Smoke Like a Pro in Winter | Heath Riles BBQ
everything-else
7 min read
Cold Weather BBQ Tips: How to Grill & Smoke Like a Pro in Winter | Heath Riles BBQ

When temperatures drop and daylight disappears early, a lot of backyard cooks assume BBQ season is over. Grills get covered,...

What 2025 Taught Us About BBQ
everything-else
5 min read
What 2025 Taught Us About BBQ

What 2025 Taught Us About BBQ The BBQ community didn’t slow down in 202, it stepped up. Throughout the year,...

Holiday Smoking Guide: Turkey, Ham & More with Heath Riles BBQ
everything-else holiday
7 min read
Holiday Smoking Guide: Turkey, Ham & More with Heath Riles BBQ

Why Holiday Smoking Is Worth the Effort There’s something special about firing up the smoker during the holidays, the aroma...

Tailgate Food Ideas: Handheld Mains, Sides & Snacks
everything-else gameday-apps
7 min read
Tailgate Food Ideas: Handheld Mains, Sides & Snacks

Game day isn’t complete without good food, and nothing beats the bold, smoky flavor of BBQ when it comes to...