The 14 Best American Barbecue Dishes

Smoky low-and-slow meats square off against the creamy, tangy sides that complete the tray. Which one rules the pit?

1. 1
   Beef Brisket

   Low-and-slow smoked beef brisket, the crown jewel of Central Texas barbecue.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Pulled Chicken

   Smoked and shredded chicken tossed in tangy sauce.
   700pts
3. 3
   Pulled Pork

   Slow-smoked pork shoulder shredded into tender strands, a Carolina staple.
   666pts
4. 4
   Baby Back Ribs

   Tender, meaty pork ribs from the loin, glazed and smoked to fall-off-the-bone.
   500pts
5. 5
   Baked Beans

   Sweet and smoky slow-cooked barbecue beans studded with pork.
   500pts
6. 6
   Smoked Sausage

   Coarse-ground, snappy smoked links, a hallmark of Texas meat markets.
   409pts
7. 7
   Whole Hog

   An entire pig pit-smoked for hours, the centerpiece of Eastern Carolina barbecue.
   409pts
8. 8
   Cornbread

   Golden, crumbly cornbread served alongside classic barbecue plates.
   409pts
9. 9
   Beef Short Ribs

   Massive, richly marbled smoked beef ribs known as 'dino ribs'.
   409pts
10. 10
    Burnt Ends

    Caramelized, twice-smoked cubes cut from the point of a brisket, a Kansas City delicacy.
    409pts
11. 11
    Coleslaw

    Crisp, creamy shredded cabbage slaw that cuts through rich smoked meat.
    409pts
12. 12
    Mac and Cheese

    Creamy baked macaroni and cheese, the essential barbecue side.
    300pts
13. 13
    Smoked Turkey

    Juicy whole turkey slow-smoked over wood, popular at barbecue joints.
    300pts
14. 14
    St. Louis-Style Spare Ribs

    Trimmed, rectangular pork spare ribs prized for their rich marbling.
    0pts

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