Fall, the Real Grilling Season
October 15, 2025
Growing up my mother always use to tell me, “Food always tastes better when it’s cold outside.” After 30 years of cooking professionally, I’m starting to understand what she was preaching.
Fall has a slight coolness in the air, so you just want to spend a little more time outside, which I think lends itself to better BBQ! It’s the perfect time to fire up your pellet grill and do some grilling, baking, smoking, and dehydrating. Don’t forget, you’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to your recteq.
Personally, I’ve heard for years that summer is the beginning of BBQ season, and for good reason. However, I’ve also witnessed major companies spend billions of dollars on selling us summer campaigns, and how much fun it is. Let me tell you, there isn’t anything fun about being extremely sweaty and uncomfortable from the heat. Summer grilling is only fun for the guests who show up 15 minutes before we eat!
Besides the fun of being outside in the fall, cooler temperatures are a great time to stay outside building DIY grilled gift baskets. Some of my friends and families most requested items include: Venison Jerky, Smoked Trail Mix, and various dehydrated fruits. Chef John’s gifting tip: Save yourself some cash by dehydrating your own fruit – it’s a great way to get a touch of smoke on your favorite fruit!
Although summer’s heat can make it difficult for your pellet grill to hold those low grilling temps, that’s not a challenge during the Fall season. From smoked cheese, smoked desserts, cold smoked fish, or beef ribs. With the temp range of a recteq, your options are truly endless.
Good food is good food in any season. However, I know my mom was right, the colder the temp is outside, the better the food is going to taste in our home. I’m hoping this fall bring you all amazing meals that you get to share with the ones you love the most!
-Chef John
Want to try some of John's favorite Fall Recipes? Here are his top picks!
Bacon Wrapped Oreos with Sriracha
Smoked Sweet Potato, Sausage, & Kale Soup
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