10 Best Grilling Cookbooks 2026 in the United States

‘Smokin' and Grillin' with Aaron Brown: More Than 100 Spectacular Recipes for Cooking Outdoors’ is a robust grilling cookbook designed for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Its 208 pages are packed with a diverse range of recipes that cater to various grilling skill levels, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced grillers.

The book covers an array of grilling techniques suited for different types of grills, which is great for those who own multiple grilling devices or are looking to expand their grilling repertoire. The recipes are well-explained with clear instructions, making it easier for users to follow along and achieve the desired results. Additionally, the book includes useful tips and techniques that can enhance the grilling experience and help users improve their skills over time.

However, at 1.75 pounds and with dimensions of 8.25 x 1 x 9.25 inches, it might be a bit bulky for some users to handle comfortably while cooking. The hardcover format makes it durable but less flexible compared to paperback options. Published by Harvard Common Press, the book is relatively new, hitting the shelves in April 2024, which means the recipes incorporate modern trends and techniques in outdoor cooking. It's a suitable choice for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game with a variety of recipes and expert guidance.

'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.

The Pit Boss Smoker Cookbook for Beginners is a solid choice if you’re new to smoking meat or using a Pit Boss grill. It’s designed specifically with beginners in mind, offering over 200 recipes that cover a good variety of smoked foods, which helps keep your grilling options exciting. The book is fairly concise at 113 pages, so it focuses on straightforward, foolproof cooking methods rather than overwhelming you with too much detail. Instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it friendly for those who may not have much experience with smoking techniques.

One of its strengths is including smart tips and wood pairing advice that can elevate your smoke flavor, helping you understand the nuances of the process better. Since it’s independently published, the presentation is simple but practical. Some more advanced grillers might find the recipe variety a bit basic or want deeper explanations for complex techniques.

The book is tailored to Pit Boss smokers specifically, so if you use a different brand or type of grill, some tips might not apply directly. For anyone starting out or owning a Pit Boss smoker, this book offers a helpful, no-fuss guide to smoking that encourages confidence and tasty results.