Cooking with Big Poppa
Good Food. Big Flavor. No Rules.
Forty years of cooking, competing and feeding people—finally in one book. From championship brisket to Saturday morning biscuits and gravy, these are the recipes Sterling actually cooks.
Breakfast to dessert. Backyard to competition. If it tastes good, it belongs on the table.
BOOK LAUNCHES APRIL 27, 2027
Be one of the first to get Sterling’s new cookbook
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Meet the Man Behind the Book
Meet Sterling "Big Poppa" Ball
Sterling Ball’s life has always revolved around creating—music, businesses, food and, eventually, championship BBQ. What started with a smoker and time with his kids grew into decades of cooking, a World Championship, hundreds of first-place finishes and two BBQ Hall of Fame inductions.
Then, in 2024, Sterling was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. During his recovery, cooking became more than something he loved—it became part of finding his way back. It reinforced something he’d believed all along: great food isn’t really about trophies. It’s about the people you cook for, the table you gather around and the memories you make along the way.
That’s the story behind this book.
"Make something good. Feed somebody you love. That’s the whole deal."
- Sterling Ball
“If you’re not drooling all over my bow tie after reading this book then you need to have your vitals checked. Sterling, what an incredible book. Every recipe is amazing and the photos are brilliant. Also, your wise advice is a huge bonus."
Christopher Guest, Actor, Director, Producer
What's Inside
Recipes Made for Real Life.
These are real recipes Sterling has cooked, tested, tweaked and shared with friends, family and neighbors over the years. Now they’re ready for your kitchen, your table and the people you cook for.
Good Food
Food people actually want to eat. From breakfast and quick weeknight meals to BBQ, comfort food and weekend cooks, these are recipes made for real tables and the people gathered around them.
Big Flavor
Sterling doesn’t do boring. Learn how he builds layers of flavor with fire, seasoning, sauces, technique and a few tricks picked up over four decades of cooking.
No Rules
Cook the recipe. Then make it yours. Swap an ingredient. Change the cooker. Turn leftovers into tomorrow’s meal. Sterling gives you the starting point—you decide where to take it.
Exclusive Offer
Pre-Order Early. Get a Little Extra.
The first 100 pre-orders get a Big Poppa bonus.
Pre-order your cookbook through Big Poppa Smokers and we’ll include a 3 oz. Jallelujah Jalapeño seasoning, a Big Poppa T-shirt and an autograph copy with your order.
Ordering through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million or another retail partner? Send us your receipt and we’ll make sure you get your free gifts of Jallelujah Jalapeno seasoning and a Big Poppa T-shirt while supplies last.
From Our Table To Yours
This Book Was Made to Be Shared
Thank you for being part of the Big Poppa Smokers family. Inside these pages, you’ll find the recipes, lessons and flavors Sterling has spent decades sharing with the people around his table—now we can’t wait to see what you make, who you share it with and the memories you create along the way.
Everything you need to know about the cookbook, pre-orders, free gifts, shipping and more.
FAQ'S
Pre-orders for Sterling Ball’s cookbook are expected to ship no later than April 30, 2027. We’ll keep customers updated as we get closer to the official release.
The first 100 qualifying pre-orders placed through Big Poppa Smokers will receive a free 3 oz. Jallelujah Jalapeño seasoning, Big Poppa T-shirt and an autographed copy of the cookbook.
Pre-ordering through one of our retail partners? Submit your proof of purchase to receive the Jallelujah Jalapeño seasoning and Big Poppa T-shirt, while supplies last.
You can pre-order directly from Big Poppa Smokers or through participating booksellers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.
This is more than a traditional BBQ cookbook. You’ll find Sterling’s recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus BBQ techniques, cooking tips and lessons from more than 40 years behind the grill and in the kitchen.
Absolutely. Retailers interested in carrying the cookbook can order through Simon & Schuster or contact Big Poppa Smokers directly and we’ll help point you in the right direction.