The appeal of BBQ cooking lies in its unique ability to bring people together, blending rich flavors, tradition, and the joy of hands-on cooking.

BBQ is more than just a method of preparing food—it’s an experience rooted in patience, skill, and the art of cooking over an open flame.

The low-and-slow technique of smoking meat, the careful balancing of seasonings, and the wide variety of cooking methods used in BBQ, such as grilling, smoking, and rotisserie, make it a versatile and creative culinary pursuit.

The communal nature of BBQ, where family and friends gather around a grill or smoker to share stories and enjoy a meal, enhances its timeless charm.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pitmaster, the recipe creators we featured in this roundup offer valuable insights and demystify the art of BBQ, from mastering slow-smoked techniques to offering product recommendations.

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1. Miguel Raya - @cooking_with_fire___

Miguel Raya is a prominent culinary influencer specializing in BBQ, grilling, and creative food recipes. His content focuses on cooking with fire, blending traditional BBQ techniques with modern twists. Through daily recipes, cooking videos, and practical tips, Miguel caters to both beginners and experienced cooks, making him a popular resource for culinary inspiration.

With over 2 million Instagram followers, Miguel has built a thriving online community. His engagement goes beyond sharing recipes, as he actively involves his audience through giveaways, food challenges, and collaborations with seasoning and BBQ brands. His approachable and authentic style encourages followers to recreate his recipes at home.

2. James Brown - @grillnation

James Brown’s love for grilling began in his childhood, where family gatherings around the grill created some of his fondest memories.

For the Brown family, grilling wasn’t just about food; it was a time to bond and make lasting memories. After joining the Navy, James carried this tradition with him, using grilling as a way to build camaraderie with his fellow service members between deployments.

What started as a hobby for James quickly evolved into a career. After his Facebook group gained popularity, he expanded his tutorials to Instagram and TikTok. His goal remains the same: to share techniques, recipes, and tools that help others create lasting memories through the joy of grilling, just as he has done throughout his life.

3. Benjamin Kendrick - @kendrick_bbq

Benjamin Kendrick has made a name for himself in the world of barbecue. Born in Santa Maria, his passion for cooking over fire spans over 20 years, but it was discovering Traeger grills at age 39 that truly ignited his BBQ journey. What began as a therapeutic backyard hobby quickly grew into a full-time career.

Benjamin shares his BBQ creations and techniques on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok under @kendrick_bbq, building an engaged community of followers. His dedication led to the creation of his own line of rubs and merchandise. Traeger Grills recognized his talent and the thriving community he built around barbecue culture. Benjamin’s story reflects how a passion can turn into a profession, inspiring others as he continuously shares his love for BBQ and engages with fellow enthusiasts and chefs.

4. Nick Nesgoda - @burnt_pellet_bbq

Nick Nesgoda is an outdoor cooking enthusiast who believes in keeping recipes simple without compromising on flavor. His approach focuses on putting unique twists on classic dishes and experimenting with new cooking methods, all while making it easy for others to replicate.

Nick’s passion for the outdoors influences his cooking style, and when he’s not by the grill, he enjoys hiking, fishing, and hunting with his wife and three kids.

5. Jordan Hanger - @ninjacue

Jordan Hanger is an outdoor cooking and grilling enthusiast who specializes in bold, approachable recipes inspired by his American and Korean heritage.

His passion for food stems from its ability to bring people together, and he enjoys experimenting with flavors, often fusing Asian and American BBQ influences. Jordan’s creations have been featured on major TV shows like Good Morning America and The Drew Barrymore Show, and he has collaborated with brands like Pepsi, Ninja Kitchen, and King’s Hawaiian.

6. Malcolm Reed - @howtobbqright

Malcom Reed, the face of HowToBBQRight, is a renowned BBQ expert known for his YouTube channel and Instagram where he shares tips, tutorials, and innovative recipes like his famous Malcom Style Ribs. Starting in 2007 with his wife, Rachelle, he turned his passion for BBQ into a thriving business, including their line of rubs and sauces.

An active competitor on the BBQ circuit, Malcom participates in over 20 contests annually, keeping his content grounded in real-world expertise. His channel is a go-to resource for pitmasters of all levels, blending education and entertainment. Malcom’s contributions to BBQ have earned him recognition, including the title of Kentucky Colonel, solidifying his influence in the BBQ community.

7. Richard Eats - @richardeats_

Richard, the creator behind Richard Eats, began his cooking journey during the pandemic when restaurants were no longer an option and he needed to cook at home. Starting with no experience, he learned from online creators like Sam The Cooking Guy and MaxTheMeatGuy. In December 2020, one of his first food videos went viral, reaching over 2 million views in just a few hours (now with over 12 million views). This success motivated him to continue posting regularly.

Though not a professional chef, Richard cooks with heart, focusing on BBQ and using simple tools like a crockpot and air fryer. His approach is down-to-earth, and his content resonates with regular home cooks from his background in Michigan. Through Richard Eats, he’s built meaningful relationships with brands and continues to grow a community centered around his accessible cooking style.

8. Jake Fullington - @bbqwithbigjake

Jake Fullington, known as BBQWithBigJake, has gained a large following on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for his passion for barbecue. A paramedic by trade, Jake’s cooking journey started as a hobby but quickly went viral, with his “poor man’s burnt ends” recipe and other BBQ creations capturing the attention of over half a million TikTok fans. His content ranges from budget BBQ to gourmet dishes like lobster-stuffed ravioli, showcasing his versatility.

Jake has also launched his own line of seasonings, including a low-sodium option, reflecting his focus on health-conscious cooking. He actively engages with his audience and participates in events like the Bear and Burton Invitational. Despite his rising fame, Jake remains down-to-earth, sharing personal stories that make him relatable while continuing to inspire with his approachable BBQ techniques.

9. Danny Dobrzenski - @cookingintheyard

Danny Dobrzenski, a lifelong foodie, is passionate about creating delicious, approachable recipes for others to enjoy. Growing up, he helped prepare family meals and earned a reputation as a “good eater,” never leaving food behind. After moving to Texas, Danny immersed himself in the world of BBQ, determined to master the craft and create unforgettable meals for friends and family in his backyard.

During the pandemic, cooking became a stress-relieving hobby, leading Danny to share his culinary journey on social media, encouraged by his wife. Since then, he has built a dedicated following.

10. Joe Clements - @smokedbbqsource

Joe Clements is the founder of Smoked BBQ Source, a go-to resource for pitmasters of all levels looking to master grilling and smoking meat. What began as Joe's personal quest to learn the art of low-and-slow BBQ has evolved into one of the largest barbecue and grilling websites. Growing up with vegetarian parents, Joe craved meat from an early age and became obsessed with BBQ after purchasing his first grill.

Frustrated by conflicting advice online, Joe created Smoked BBQ Source in 2016 to document his BBQ journey and help others navigate the complexities of barbecue. Today, the site offers hundreds of guides, recipes, and reviews, streamlining the research process for BBQ enthusiasts. Joe is joined by a team of pitmasters from diverse backgrounds, united by their love for barbecue and their mission to share knowledge with the community.

11. Jared Pullman - @_howlowcanyouslow

Jared Pullman is a passionate expert in low-and-slow smoked barbecue, with a particular focus on rotisserie grilling. His love for BBQ goes beyond just creating delicious meals—he’s committed to sharing the techniques and joy of grilling with others.

Through Instagram reels and his book, The Rotisserie Grilling Cookbook, Jared offers a mix of traditional and innovative recipes, combining precise technique with creativity.

Jared actively engages with his community on Instagram, sharing tips, tricks, and detailed guides on mastering techniques like the reverse sear. His content reflects his dedication to transforming home cooking into an art form while fostering a supportive, food-loving community.

12. Heath Riles - @heathrilesbbq

Heath Riles has been grilling since joining a competition BBQ team at 18 in Ashland, Mississippi. Now a leading expert in BBQ and grilling, Heath has created an award-winning line of BBQ rubs, sauces, marinades, and injections that impress even BBQ skeptics. He has earned recognition from the Memphis BBQ Network, Kansas City BBQ Society, and the Steak Cook-Off Association, accumulating 70+ championships and multiple perfect scores.

Heath shares his expertise through video tutorials, walking viewers through his signature recipes and techniques, while showcasing his products. Fans can shop his BBQ rubs and sauces to recreate his next-level BBQ at home.

13. London Cooks - @londoncookss

London, the creator behind London Cooks, developed her love for cooking as a young girl growing up in Meadowbrook, Kingston, Jamaica, under the guidance of her grandmother. Despite early mishaps like burning pots and making overly salty meals, she persisted, viewing cooking as a fun and dynamic learning process. Her culinary journey began with mastering dishes like Curried Potatoes and expanded into more complex cuisines.

Though not a professional chef, London has gained extensive experience in various kitchens, from Jamaican to French and American. Cooking serves as both a creative outlet and a form of therapy for her. Now, she shares her culinary adventures through Londoncookss, a blog and YouTube channel where she provides recipes and tips, inspired by her love for family meals and passion for exploring new dishes.

14. Uncle Dibbz - @uncledibbz

Uncle Dibbz, raised in Georgia’s rich Southern traditions, blends homely comfort with worldly sophistication in his culinary creations.

His love for cooking began in his mother’s kitchen, inspired by the aromas of her dishes and the joy of sharing meals. Before pursuing his culinary passion, Uncle Dibbz enjoyed a successful career as an internationally known DJ and music producer. His travels not only broadened his musical tastes but also deepened his appreciation for global cuisines.

After returning to East Atlanta, he began hosting popular backyard BBQs, leading to sold-out pop-up dinners in Houston. During the pandemic, while living in Miami, Uncle Dibbz shifted to sharing his recipes online, quickly gaining over 500,000 followers. He also launched a line of organic seasonings, attracting high-profile customers from NFL stars to Atlanta United FC.

Though he has retired from DJing, Uncle Dibbz remains a music lover, with a prized vinyl collection that reflects his passion for both music and culinary exploration.

15. Steven Tomczyk - @redwhiteandbbq

Steven Tomczyk, known as redwhiteandbbq, has made a name for himself in the digital culinary world, especially on Instagram. Dubbed a “Meatfluencer,” Steven specializes in meat-centric BBQ dishes, sharing creative recipes like his popular Cowboy Butter and Blackberry Jalapeño Wing Sauce. His goal is to transform simple meals into flavorful experiences, making gourmet cooking accessible.

Steven’s content goes beyond food, embracing BBQ culture, community building, and a lifestyle centered around food, fun, and American pride. Through his authentic passion, he continues to inspire and engage a vibrant online audience.

16. Dom Holloway - @smokepointq

Dom Holloway has built a strong presence in the BBQ and grilling community, particularly on Instagram, where he has around 15K followers.

Dom’s content showcases his passion for cooking with fire, featuring detailed recipes like Texas Style Pork Brisket and creative dishes like Chicken Bacon Cheddar Ranch. He often highlights premium products like Jealous Devil charcoal, reflecting his commitment to quality.

Beyond sharing recipes, Dom fosters a community around BBQ, inviting followers to join “The Tribe” and engage with his BBQ ethos.

17. Larry Raymond - @duceraymond

Larry “Duce” Raymond has a lifelong background in the restaurant and catering industry. A graduate of Kendall College, Duce helped open numerous restaurants, refining his culinary expertise along the way. As the leader of Duce’s Wild Competition BBQ Team, he has earned over 70 awards in the last decade, specializing in Southern and Central American cuisine and BBQ.

Duce’s talents have been showcased at high-profile events like Taste of Chicago and Naperville Ribfest, as well as at Wrigley Field rooftops. Through Sweet Baby Ray’s Catering, he now shares his BBQ knowledge on his popular TikTok show, Barbecue Like a Boss, which has gained over 300K followers and 60+ episodes in just over a year, teaching tips and techniques to a wide audience.

18. Jay Gibbs - @phillyjaycooking

Jay Gibbs, a Philadelphia native, discovered his passion for cooking at just 11, learning from his grandmother, Gwendolyn Gibbs. With a family background steeped in culinary expertise—his grandfather was a chef for 30 years, and his father, Otis Gibbs, was a well-known cook—Jay honed his skills early on. His cooking style is best described as unique, creative, and versatile, transforming simple dishes into extraordinary meals.

Through his blog, Philly Jay Cooking, Jay shares tried-and-true recipes that cater to both beginners and seasoned cooks. His mission is to make cooking accessible and enjoyable, offering detailed, easy-to-follow recipes and tips. Jay draws inspiration from a variety of cuisines, including Soul food, Caribbean, Mexican, European, and Asian, ensuring that his blog appeals to diverse tastes and backgrounds.

19. Hammed - @theprinceeats

Hammed, the creator behind a support-based cooking experience, embraces simplicity and balance in both life and cooking. He specializes in creating easy, sophisticated meal solutions that are perfect for weeknight cooking, ensuring they’re accessible for all ages and occasions. His approach focuses on bringing people together, fostering laughter, and creating lasting memories through food.

Believing that food sparks genuine connections, Hammed treasures the moments shared with family, friends, and even strangers around a table. His goal is to introduce different cuisines and meal ideas through easy-to-follow cooking videos, helping home cooks level up their weeknight meals. Through his platform, Hammed aims to build a community where cooks of all skill levels can learn, share, and pass down essential cooking skills to future generations.

20. Charlie Andrews - @charliethecookandrews

Charlie Andrews is a home cook and baker from New Orleans, Louisiana, with a deep love for his city’s food and culture.

Growing up, he learned to cook by watching family members and experimenting in the kitchen. He also gained experience working in restaurants. Through his YouTube channel and Instagram, Charlie shares his passion for New Orleans cuisine, offering a variety of local recipes that reflect his hometown’s rich culinary traditions. His channel also features product reviews and special holiday content.

Proudly representing New Orleans, Charlie aims to bring authentic, native dishes to a wider audience and continues to celebrate his roots through cooking and baking.

Get your Instagram followers to cook more of your recipes!

Create your FREE Grocers List Creator account to:

1. Capture emails: Turn recipe tags into sign-ups, building your email list and owning your audience.

2. Boost website traffic: Drive fans back with exclusive recipe emails and branded plugs.

3. Unlock valuable insights: Understand which recipes resonate, inform brand partnerships, and track success.