Barbecue in Huntsville, Alabama, is a culinary treasure trove that goes beyond traditional smoked meats and classic sides. While Huntsville BBQ is renowned for its mouth-watering ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, the city also boasts a variety of unconventional barbecue dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. This blog explores some of the most innovative and unexpected BBQ dishes that you must try in Huntsville.
Smoked Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a comfort food classic, but when it’s given the Huntsville BBQ treatment, it transforms into something extraordinary. Smoked meatloaf combines the rich, savory flavors of traditional meatloaf with the smoky goodness of barbecue. The meatloaf is typically made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices, and then smoked to perfection.
The smoking process infuses the meatloaf with a deep, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with a tangy barbecue glaze. This unconventional dish is a perfect example of how Huntsville pitmasters are reinventing classic recipes with their unique barbecue twist.
BBQ Tacos
BBQ tacos are a delightful fusion of Southern barbecue and Mexican cuisine. These tacos feature tender, smoked meats such as pulled pork, brisket, or chicken, served on soft corn or flour tortillas. The smoky, savory meat is often complemented by fresh, zesty toppings like cilantro, lime, and pickled onions.
In Huntsville, BBQ tacos are a popular street food, offering a quick and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of barbecue in a convenient handheld form. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a tasty snack, BBQ tacos are a must-try dish that showcases the versatility of Huntsville barbecue.
Smoked Bologna
Bologna may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of barbecue, but smoked bologna is a beloved dish in Huntsville. This unconventional BBQ treat involves smoking a whole bologna sausage, which takes on a smoky, savory flavor that elevates this humble deli meat to new heights.
The smoked bologna is often sliced thick and served with a tangy barbecue sauce, making it a flavorful and satisfying option for barbecue lovers. It’s a unique dish that highlights the creativity of Huntsville pitmasters and their ability to turn simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.
BBQ Pizza
Pizza and barbecue are two of the most beloved comfort foods, so it’s no surprise that BBQ pizza has become a popular dish in Huntsville. This fusion dish features a pizza crust topped with smoky, tender barbecue meats such as pulled pork or brisket, along with traditional pizza toppings like cheese, onions, and peppers.
The combination of smoky barbecue flavors with the savory goodness of pizza creates a dish that is both familiar and innovative. BBQ pizza is a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds and experience Huntsville barbecue in a whole new way.
Barbecue Shrimp
Seafood and barbecue may seem like an unlikely pairing, but barbecue shrimp is a dish that proves otherwise. In Huntsville, this dish typically involves large, succulent shrimp that are marinated in a flavorful barbecue sauce and then grilled or smoked.
The result is a dish that combines the sweet, tender taste of shrimp with the bold, smoky flavors of barbecue. Barbecue shrimp is often served as an appetizer or main course, and it’s a delicious way to enjoy seafood with a Southern barbecue twist.
BBQ Stuffed Potatoes
Stuffed potatoes are a hearty and satisfying dish, but when they are filled with Huntsville BBQ, they become something truly special. BBQ stuffed potatoes are typically loaded with smoked meats such as pulled pork or brisket, along with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
The combination of fluffy baked potato and smoky, tender barbecue creates a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. BBQ stuffed potatoes are a popular choice for those looking for a filling and flavorful meal that showcases the best of Huntsville barbecue.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a comfort food favorite, but smoked mac and cheese takes it to a whole new level. In Huntsville, this dish involves cooking creamy, cheesy mac and cheese in a smoker, which infuses it with a rich, smoky flavor.
The smoky cheese sauce pairs perfectly with the tender pasta, creating a dish that is both decadent and satisfying. Smoked mac and cheese is a popular side dish at many Huntsville BBQ joints, and it’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience a unique twist on a classic comfort food.
BBQ Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are a staple of Asian cuisine, but in Huntsville, they get a barbecue makeover. BBQ egg rolls are typically filled with smoked meats such as pulled pork or brisket, along with vegetables like cabbage and carrots. The egg rolls are then fried to crispy perfection and served with a tangy barbecue dipping sauce.
This fusion dish combines the crispy, savory goodness of egg rolls with the bold flavors of barbecue, creating a unique and delicious snack or appetizer. BBQ egg rolls are a testament to the creativity of Huntsville pitmasters and their ability to blend different culinary traditions.
Barbecue Brisket Nachos
Nachos are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, but barbecue brisket nachos take this classic snack to a whole new level. In Huntsville, nachos are topped with tender, smoky brisket, melted cheese, jalapenos, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
The combination of crispy tortilla chips with the rich, flavorful brisket and gooey cheese creates a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent. Barbecue brisket nachos are perfect for sharing and are a great way to enjoy Huntsville BBQ in a fun and casual setting.
BBQ Cornbread
Cornbread is a traditional Southern side dish, but in Huntsville, it’s often enhanced with the flavors of barbecue. BBQ cornbread typically includes pieces of smoked meat, such as pulled pork, mixed into the cornbread batter before baking.
The result is a savory, smoky cornbread that pairs perfectly with other barbecue dishes. BBQ cornbread is a unique and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Huntsville barbecue and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience a Southern classic with a twist.
Huntsville BBQ is a culinary adventure that goes beyond traditional dishes to offer a variety of innovative and unexpected creations. From smoked meatloaf and BBQ tacos to barbecue shrimp and smoked mac and cheese, these unconventional BBQ dishes showcase the creativity and skill of Huntsville pitmasters. Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or a curious foodie, these unique dishes are a testament to the rich and diverse barbecue culture in Huntsville, Alabama.
