The holiday season is all about gathering with loved ones, enjoying delicious food, and creating lasting memories. At Big Poppa Smokers, we believe BBQ belongs at every celebration, no matter the season. That’s why we’ve created the 12 Days of BBQ, featuring festive recipes, BBQ tips, and product highlights that will bring cheer to your table and warmth to your grill. 

This guide is designed to make your holiday BBQ experience simple, delicious, and fun. From smoked prime rib to holiday wings, get ready to fire up the smoker and enjoy the flavors of the season!

Day 1: Smoked Prime Rib Perfection

Treat your holiday guests to an unforgettable feast with a perfectly cooked prime rib. This tender, juicy cut is a showstopper on any holiday table, delivering rich, mouthwatering flavors that’ll impress every guest. From seasoning to resting time, our expert tips ensure your prime rib roast turns out perfect every time. Discover how to achieve that sought-after crust and juicy center, making this the ultimate prime rib recipe for your holiday celebrations. For a memorable meal, make prime rib the star of your holiday spread!   

Pro Tip:  Always let your prime rib rest for 20 minutes after smoking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite.

FAQ:  

Q: What wood should I use for smoking prime rib? 

A: Oak, pecan and hickory work best, giving the meat a balanced, smoky flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the beef.

Day 2: Big Poppa’s BBQ Wings for the Holidays

Wings aren’t just for game day; they’re a festive favorite too! Season your wings with Big Poppa’s Jallelujah Jalapeno seasoning and toss them in your own glaze using Jallelujah Lime for that flavor packed wing.

Pro Tip:  For crispy wings, increase the heat in your smoker to 400°F for the last 5 minutes.

FAQ:  

Q: Can I use frozen wings?

A: Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed before smoking to achieve the best texture and flavor and dry before seasoning with your favorite seasoning.   In addition, to season, consider using a baggie to get a nice even coat.

Day 3: Holiday Pork Loin with a Twist

Pork loin is a lean and flavorful option that cooks quickly. Big Poppa’s Sweet Money Hot Rub adds a savory depth that’s perfect for holiday meals.  Add candied bacon and jalapenos to make it even more spiced up for the holdays.

Pro Tip:  Add a touch of sweetness by serving smoked apples or grilled pears on the side. The sweet and heat combination is unbeatable!

FAQ:  

Q: How do I keep my pork loin from drying out? 

A: Inject your pork loin with Big Poppa’s Pork Prod before smoking to help retain moisture, and let it for 15 minutes after seasoning to allow the meat to incorporate all the flavors.

Day 4: Big Poppa’s Famous Sausage Stuffing

Elevate your holiday stuffing with Big Poppa’s Desert Gold seasoning and savory sausage for a dish that will become a new family tradition.   Learn more from Big Poppa to make this amazing holiday side dish.

Pro Tip:  Prepare this dish the day before and bake it right before serving to save time on the big day.

FAQ:  

Q: Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?

A: Absolutely! Swap the sausage for mushrooms and veggie broth for a flavorful vegetarian alternative.

Day 5: Spiced Smoked Ham

Add a little heat to your holiday meal with a smoked ham glazed in Big Poppa’s Jallelujah Jalapeño Seasoning. The blend of spice and honey creates a sweet and spicy flavor profile.

Pro Tip:  Keep the glaze warm and baste every hour to build a beautiful crust.

FAQ:  

Q: Should I use a bone-in or boneless ham? 

A: Bone-in ham retains moisture better and is ideal for smoking, but both options work well.

Day 6: BBQ Mac and Cheese on the Smoker

Nothing says comfort food like mac and cheese, and when it’s smoked with Little Louie’s Garlic Salt, it becomes a BBQ masterpiece.  Loaded with extra cheese makes it so yummy!

Pro Tip:  Add breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunchy texture. 

FAQ:  

Q: Can I prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time?  

A: Yes, assemble it in the skillet, cover, and refrigerate. Smoke when ready to serve.

Day 7: Championship-Style Brisket

A holiday brisket is a labor of love, and Big Poppa’s Competition Brisket & Steak seasoning makes it worth every minute. It creates a perfect bark and a deep flavor profile.  Follow along in this 24 hour cook of a brisket with Big Poppa as he provides you all the tips to make for this holiday season.

Pro Tip:  Wrap the brisket in butcher paper midway through the cook to lock in moisture and create a tender finish.

FAQ:  

Q: What’s the best wood for smoking brisket?  

A: Pecan, mesquite and oak are ideal for brisket, offering bold flavors that complement the meat.

Day 8: Smoked Salmon with Lemon Pepper Zest

Smoked salmon adds a touch of elegance to your holiday menu. Big Poppa’s Desert Gold seasoning brings out the fish’s natural flavors while adding a citrusy punch.

Pro Tip: Serve with a dill cream sauce for a refreshing and festive touch.

FAQ:  

Q: How do I know when the salmon is done? 

A: It should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F.

Day 9: Big Poppa’s Sweet Money Holiday Ribs

Ribs aren’t just for summer! Coat them with Big Poppa’s Sweet Money Rub, smoke until tender, and glaze with your favorite BBQ sauce for a holiday treat.

Pro Tip: Wrap your ribs in foil with apple juice for the last hour of cooking to keep them juicy.

FAQ:  

Q: How long should I smoke ribs? 

A: Smoke for about 4-6 hours at 225°F for the best texture.  Make sure to give them a bend test to make sure they are ready.

Day 10: Grilled Veggies with Desert Gold

Healthy, delicious, and full of flavor, grilled veggies seasoned with Big Poppa's Desert Gold are a great side dish for any holiday meal.  One of our favorite's is Big Poppa's Brussel Sprouts. 

Pro Tip: Use a grilling basket or a cast iron pan to keep smaller veggies from falling through the grates and to get even char marks.

FAQ:  

Q: Which vegetables work best for grilling?  

A: Zucchini, bell peppers, onions, Brussel Sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and asparagus are perfect options.

Day 11: Smoked Turkey Breast

If you want a lighter alternative to a full turkey, a smoked turkey breast is perfect. Big Poppa’s Desert Gold and Little Louie’s Seasoning will give it a flavorful kick.  Check out Big Poppa's Quick Turkey recipe, as it will be a game changer for you this holiday season.

Pro Tip: Smoke the turkey breast at 225°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Rest for 15 minutes before slicing.  Remember that mayo is a great binder for your seasoning.

FAQ:  

Q: How long does it take to smoke a turkey breast?  

A: Plan for about 3-4 hours, depending on the size.

If you need more tips on how to smoke a turkey, visit Big Poppa's How to Smoke a Turkey Blog.

Day 12: BBQ Dessert – Smoked Apple Crisp

End your holiday meal with a smoky twist on a classic dessert. Smoked apple crisp, using Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon, pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tip: Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and to capture the smoky flavor from the grill.

FAQ:  

Q: Can I use other fruits for this dessert?  

A: Yes! Pears or peaches make great alternatives and work well with a smoky flavor.

Additional Tips for a Successful Holiday BBQ

• Stay Organized: Prep as much as you can the day before, including chopping vegetables and marinating meats. It saves time and reduces stress on the day of.
• Mind the Weather: If you’re grilling outdoors in cooler temperatures, plan for longer cook times as your grill or smoker may take longer to maintain heat.
• Make Use of Your Equipment: From drum smokers to MAK Grills, ensure your gear is in top shape before the big cook. Big Poppa Smokers offers a range of accessories to make your BBQ experience smooth and efficient.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I smoke a turkey and ham at the same time?  

A: Absolutely! Just monitor the internal temperatures closely and adjust cook times accordingly. Turkey typically cooks faster than ham, so keep the smoker’s heat consistent.

Q: How do I keep my smoker at the right temperature during winter? 

A: Insulate your smoker with a welding blanket or invest in a smoker jacket. Keeping the smoker out of direct wind also helps maintain consistent heat.

Q: What’s the best way to keep food warm during the holiday meal? 

A: Use warming trays, slow cookers, or chafing dishes to maintain the temperature of sides and main dishes.

Q: How can I use leftovers creatively?  

A: Turn smoked meats into sandwiches, tacos, or soups. The smoky flavor enhances many dishes and adds depth to your next meal.  Check out your blog on recipes for leftovers that we are sure you will love.

The 12 Days of BBQ are a celebration of flavors, creativity, and holiday cheer. With Big Poppa Smokers’ products and these expert tips, you’re ready to create a festive feast that will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Embrace the BBQ lifestyle this holiday season, and let Big Poppa Smokers be your go-to resource for all things BBQ.

Happy Holidays and Happy Grilling!