Game Day Grilling: John Mull’s Favorite BBQ Recipes

When game day rolls around, the food is just as important as the action on the screen. At John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill, we believe the perfect BBQ spread can take your game day experience to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or tailgating with friends, these BBQ recipes are guaranteed to keep everyone cheering—no matter which team is winning.

Here are John Mull’s top grilling recipes to ensure your game day is a flavorful success.

1. Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Nothing says game day like a rack of perfectly smoked ribs. These baby back ribs are tender, smoky, and coated with a tangy glaze that will have your guests licking their fingers.

Ingredients:

• 1 rack of baby back ribs
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
2. Mix the dry rub ingredients (brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper). Rub generously over both sides of the ribs.
3. Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add applewood chips for a sweet, smoky flavor.
4. Smoke the ribs for 5–6 hours, basting with BBQ sauce during the final hour.
5. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Pro Tip: Use the “bend test” to check doneness—when you pick up the rack with tongs, it should bend slightly and crack.

2. Pulled Pork Sliders

Pulled pork sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Easy to eat and packed with flavor, these sliders are perfect for game day grazing.

Ingredients:

• 4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 3 tablespoons BBQ rub
• ½ cup apple juice
• Slider buns
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rub the pork shoulder with mustard, then coat with BBQ rub.
2. Smoke at 225°F for 6–8 hours, spritzing with apple juice every hour.
3. Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195°F, let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Shred the pork and mix with your favorite BBQ sauce.
5. Assemble sliders with pulled pork and coleslaw on toasted buns.

Pro Tip: Serve sliders with pickles and a side of kettle chips for a complete snack.

3. Grilled Hot Links

Add some spice to your game day spread with hot links. These flavorful sausages are easy to prepare and perfect for guests who love bold, smoky flavors.

Ingredients:

• Hot links (pre-cooked or fresh)
• Sliced onions and bell peppers
• Hoagie rolls

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Grill the hot links for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and slightly charred.
3. Sauté onions and bell peppers in a skillet until caramelized.
4. Serve the hot links in hoagie rolls topped with the sautéed vegetables.

Pro Tip: Offer a variety of condiments like mustard, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce for customization.

4. Smoked Chicken Wings

Wings are a game day staple, and smoking them adds a whole new level of flavor. These wings are crispy, juicy, and customizable with your favorite sauces.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Toss the wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Preheat your smoker to 250°F.
3. Smoke the wings for 1.5–2 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Toss the cooked wings in your favorite sauce and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Finish the wings on a hot grill for a crispy skin.

5. BBQ Nachos

BBQ nachos are the ultimate fusion of comfort food and game day fare. This recipe layers tortilla chips with smoky pulled pork, melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce.

Ingredients:

• Tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded pulled pork
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• Pickled jalapeños
• Chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with pulled pork, cheeses, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
3. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
4. Garnish with pickled jalapeños and green onions before serving.

Pro Tip: Serve with sour cream and guacamole on the side.

6. BBQ Brisket Chili

Take your chili game to the next level with BBQ brisket. This hearty dish is perfect for colder game days and can be made in advance.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked brisket, chopped
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve hot with shredded cheese and cornbread.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of beer to the chili for extra depth of flavor.

7. Grilled Veggie Skewers

Don’t forget the vegetarians! Grilled veggie skewers are a colorful, healthy addition to your game day spread.

Ingredients:

• Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Thread vegetables onto skewers and brush with olive oil.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.

Pro Tip: Serve with a side of hummus or ranch dressing for dipping.

8. Smoked Sausage Queso Dip

This creamy, smoky dip is a guaranteed hit. Serve it warm with tortilla chips for the ultimate game day snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
• ½ cup milk

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the smoked sausage until browned.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, Velveeta, and milk. Stir until the cheese is melted and creamy.
3. Serve hot with tortilla chips.

Pro Tip: Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.

9. BBQ Burgers

Grill up classic BBQ burgers with a smoky twist.

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (80/20 blend)
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
• Cheddar cheese slices
• Brioche buns
• BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Form ground beef into patties and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
3. Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking.
4. Serve on brioche buns with BBQ sauce and your favorite toppings.

Pro Tip: Toast the buns on the grill for extra flavor.

10. BBQ Corn on the Cob

Elevate corn on the cob with smoky flavors and a buttery BBQ glaze.

Ingredients:

• Corn on the cob
• Butter
• BBQ seasoning

Instructions:

1. Brush corn with melted butter and sprinkle it with BBQ seasoning.
2. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until charred and tender.

Pro Tip: Top with crumbled cotija cheese for a Mexican street corn vibe.

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Conclusion

Game day grilling is about more than just food—it’s about bringing people together over smoky, delicious flavors. With these recipes from John Mull’s Meats, your BBQ spread will be as exciting as the big game itself.

Head to Road Kill Grill for high-quality meats and even more BBQ inspiration, and get ready to fire up the grill for a game day to remember!