Poppa's Corner

Big Poppa's Memorial Day Playbook

Memorial Day is the official kickoff to summer grilling — and for a lot of backyard cooks, it's the first time all year they're cooking for a crowd. Feeding 10 is one thing. Feeding 30 is a complet...

Your Memorial Day Menu

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer and the test case for every pitmaster's skills. Your guests are hungry, the weather is perfect, and expectations are high.

7 Rookie BBQ Mistakes Every Backyard Cook Makes (And How to Avoid Them)

Every backyard cook—whether you’re grilling burgers for the family or smoking ribs for the neighborhood—makes a few mistakes along the way. The good news? Most of them are easy to fix once you know...

How to Grill Fish & Seafood: Easy Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Here’s the truth: fish and seafood are some of the easiest proteins you can cook on the grill when you know a few simple techniques. Once you learn how to control heat, choose the right seafood, an...

Smoked Chicken 101

This guide walks you through smoked chicken from start to finish using proven pitmaster techniques, simple seasoning strategies, and reliable temperature control. Whether you’re cooking for the fam...

How to Winterize Your Smoker

For BBQ enthusiasts, the arrival of winter doesn’t mean an end to smoking delicious meats. However, smoking in cold weather presents unique challenges. Winter-proofing your smoker ensures that it p...

10 Winter BBQ Tips

Most backyard cooks pack up their grills when temperatures drop. But winter BBQ isn’t a punishment—it’s a competitive edge. Cold air creates cleaner smoke, bark sets beautifully, and winter cooks s...

The Top 10 Thanksgiving Emergencies

Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and gratitude—but let’s be real, it’s also the Super Bowl of cooking stress. Things rarely go perfectly, and when they don’t, you need fast fixes. Here are t...

5 Tools Every Griller Should Own

Pellet smoker, gas or charcoal grill, or flat-top griddle—different heat, same mission: cook incredible food with confidence. The secret isn’t more gadgets; it’s a tight kit of essentials you’ll re...

Beat the Heat BBQ: 5 Tips to Beat the Summer Heat

Hot weather grilling doesn’t have to be miserable. These five expert tips will help you cook smart, stay cool, and serve up bold, light flavors all summer long.

How to Grill Corn Like a Pro

When it comes to summer sides, grilled corn on the cob reigns supreme. It’s sweet, smoky, and totally irresistible—whether it’s buttered and simple or topped with bold flavors like cotija, lime, an...

Fall in to Flavor - Fall BBQ Ideas

As the leaves turn to vibrant hues and the crisp air signals the arrival of fall, it's the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy some hearty BBQ cooking. Fall brings a unique set of flavors a...

You Ask, We Answer: Do You Add Seasoning Before or After Grilling?

Discover the best practices for seasoning your BBQ meats with tips from Big Poppa Smokers. Learn when to add seasoning for optimal flavor and texture.