Barbecue Essentials — Weekend Cookout

This summer, Food Network’s Grilling Central is packed with recipes for the entire family’s taste buds, boasting the best in burgers, dogs, chicken and more all season long. But with so many recipes, where do you start? Each Friday, FN Dish is giving you a complete menu that is stress-free, and this weekend’s spread is all about barbecue.

The secret to creating down-home barbecue is cooking it in a way that lets the meat become tender and juicy. In this video, Pat and Gina Neely, the self-proclaimed “First Family of Barbecue,” share simple tips and tricks — like using hickory chips to smoke the meat and tongs to turn it — for grilling succulent pork, brisket, ribs and more every time.

The Neelys’ overflowing pork sandwich from Food Network Magazine (pictured above) is representative of Memphis-style barbecue, dry rubbed and with a vinegar-based sauce. Check out these step-by-step photos to see how Pat and Gina prepare this barbecued beauty.

Dessert: Buttermilk Pie

Planning on making one of these dishes? Snap a photo and post it on Food Network’s Facebook wall.

Next Up

Chefs' Top BBQ Dishes to Make Before Summer's End

Check Food Network chefs' smoky, top-rated barbecue recipes off your to-do list before summer's end.

Pellet Grills 101: Your Guide to Cooking on a Smoker

Pellet grills can do the work of a smoker, grill and oven — all in your backyard. Here's why you need one, pronto.

7 Best Smokers of 2023, According to Experts

Whether you're looking to smoke a brisket, salmon or whole bird, these top-rated smokers will get the job done.

6 Best Digital Meat Thermometers to Use with Your Smoker

Cooking meat low and slow requires a thermometer that can handle the heat — and keep you updated for hours.

18 Must-Have Barbecue and Grilling Tools

Make sure you're ready with all the essentials this grilling season!

Barbecue Without a Grill — Weekend Cookout

Check out Food Network's Weekend Cookout menu, featuring authentic barbecue recipes that can be made without an outdoor grill.

Liquid Gold: Regional BBQ Sauces

Upgrade your barbecue sauce with help from six legendary pit masters in South Carolina, Memphis, North Carolina, Texas, Kansas City and Kentucky.

How to Upgrade Store-Bought Barbecue Sauce

Learn how to transform everyday barbecue sauce so that it has the flavors you're craving.

Bobby's Going Back to Basics on All-New Barbecue Series

Get the first look at Food Network's Bobby Flay's all-new series, Back to Basics on All-New Barbecue Series, premiering on Sunday, June 22 at 11a|10c.