This Isn’t Just Another BBQ Book

This is about showing up with confidence, knowing your food is going to hit.

It’s about pulling steaks off the grill at the perfect moment.

Serving ribs that get people talking.

And creating those “where did you learn to cook like this?” moments.

No guesswork. No overthinking. Just better BBQ.

“This book is a home run.” -Famous Dave, Pitmaster

Jack and Dave at the Annual NBBQA event in Texas

“Dear Jack,
“I can confidently say this is one of the best and most practical backyard BBQ cookbooks I’ve ever seen. Jack Groot is the real deal…a true backyard barbecue warrior with a deep passion for fire, flavor, and feeding people well.

This book is detailed, easy to follow, and packed with real-world knowledge that can take your backyard BBQ from good to unforgettable. If you want to impress your friends, cook with confidence, and level up your barbecue game, this book is a home run.”

Rib-O-Liciously,
Famous Dave Anderson
Founder, Famous Dave’s BBQ Restaurants
America’s Rib King & Barbecue Hall of Fame

“A go-to resource for backyard cooks.” Ben Lang

Jack, picking up his 2nd Lang smoker from Lang BBQ Smokers in Nahunta GA

“Dear Jack,
“Thank you for asking me to read your manuscript, Backyard BBQ: Grilling & Smoking Made Simple. I truly enjoyed it-fantastic work.

The book is easy to read, thoughtfully laid out, and incredibly informative. It’s a spoon-fed, no-nonsense guide that builds confidence and skill with every chapter.

This is sure to become a go-to resource. Anyone who reads it and keeps it close at hand will greatly benefit on their barbecue journey.”

Ben Lang
Owner, Lang BBQ Smokers®
2025 BBQ Hall of Fame Nominee

Why This Book

There are a lot of BBQ books out there, and a lot of really good ones. Technical guides, coffee table books, personality-driven books, and everything in between.

This one’s different.

It started as a simple manual for a grilling and smoking class I teach. After one of my first classes, a guy told me he hosted a few parties in the weeks that followed and for the first time…

"I haven't had a bad steak since this class! This class gave me the skills I didn't have and confidence I lacked. Thank you Jack!

He told me he hosted a few parties in the weeks after the class and for the first time, had complete confidence at the grill. He knew he could cook the perfect rib-eye steaks… and he did.

That’s why I created this book.

I wanted something that feels less like a textbook and more like a friend showing you how to grill the perfect steak, smoke great ribs, choose the right cuts, and pull it all together when it matters. How to entertain. How to create those “OMG” moments when you share great food with others.

I’ve learned from a lot of people over 40+ years in the food world, and I love passing that along…what works, what doesn’t, and how to get better results without overcomplicating it.

This book is about:

Building real confidence at the grill
Cooking with instinct and flavor
Avoiding common mistakes and learning faster
Making outdoor cooking fun again

Good luck on the giveaway!

How to Enter the Giveaway

Enter your information below for a chance to win a free copy when the book launches.

You’ll also get:

Early recipe previews
Bonus BBQ tips & content
First access when the book drops