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

Beef Brisket

Low-and-slow smoked beef brisket, the crown jewel of Central Texas barbecue.

1000pts

2

Pulled Chicken

Smoked and shredded chicken tossed in tangy sauce.

799pts

3

Pulled Pork

Slow-smoked pork shoulder shredded into tender strands, a Carolina staple.

777pts

4

Baby Back Ribs

Tender, meaty pork ribs from the loin, glazed and smoked to fall-off-the-bone.

666pts

5

Baked Beans

Sweet and smoky slow-cooked barbecue beans studded with pork.

666pts

6

Smoked Sausage

Coarse-ground, snappy smoked links, a hallmark of Texas meat markets.

605pts

7

Whole Hog

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

605pts

8

Cornbread

Golden, crumbly cornbread served alongside classic barbecue plates.

605pts

9

Beef Short Ribs

Massive, richly marbled smoked beef ribs known as 'dino ribs'.

605pts

10

Burnt Ends

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

605pts

11

Coleslaw

Crisp, creamy shredded cabbage slaw that cuts through rich smoked meat.

605pts

12

Mac and Cheese

Creamy baked macaroni and cheese, the essential barbecue side.

533pts

13

Smoked Turkey

Juicy whole turkey slow-smoked over wood, popular at barbecue joints.

532pts

14

St. Louis-Style Spare Ribs

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

444pts