Modern Grilling Cookbook: Contemporary Recipes Beyond Basic BBQ

By Chris Johns •  Updated: April 18, 2025 •  3 min read

Vermont Castings' Modern Grilling Cookbook

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The Vermont Castings’ Modern Grilling cookbook brings a contemporary approach to outdoor cooking with over 300 recipes that extend well beyond traditional barbecue fare. Whether you’re an experienced grillmaster or just getting started with outdoor cooking, this comprehensive collection offers something for everyone with its diverse range of appetizers, entrées, side dishes, and even desserts prepared on the grill.

What Sets This Cookbook Apart

Unlike many traditional grilling books that focus primarily on steaks, burgers, and chicken, Vermont Castings’ Modern Grilling embraces current food trends with recipes for grilled pizzas, paninis, pasta dishes, and wraps. The cookbook explores innovative grilling techniques including cooking with smoked wood, vegetarian grilling options, and unique flavor combinations that reflect modern culinary preferences.

With more than 200 full-color photographs, this visually appealing cookbook not only provides clear instructions but also offers beautiful presentation inspiration for your grilled creations. The photography captures the vibrant, appetizing appearance of properly grilled foods and helps illustrate techniques for newer grillers.

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Standout Recipe Collections

One of the most impressive sections in this cookbook is dedicated to grilled pizzas. This exceptionally comprehensive collection offers numerous creative combinations that bring pizzeria-quality results to your backyard. From classic margherita to gourmet combinations with unexpected toppings, the pizza recipes alone make this cookbook worth adding to your collection.

Other notable recipe categories include:

What You Won’t Find

It’s important to note that this is not primarily a how-to grilling instructional book. While it does include a basic introduction to grill selection and some fundamental techniques, the primary focus is on recipes rather than teaching grilling fundamentals. If you’re a complete beginner seeking detailed guidance on grilling techniques, you might want to supplement this cookbook with a more instruction-focused resource.

Price and Value

Currently priced at $21.44 (originally $35.00), Vermont Castings’ Modern Grilling represents an excellent value for the extensive collection of recipes and beautiful photography included. With over 300 recipes spanning everything from quick weeknight meals to impressive entertaining menus, the cost per recipe makes this an extremely budget-friendly addition to your cookbook collection.

Specifications

Final Verdict

Vermont Castings’ Modern Grilling is an excellent resource for cooks looking to expand their outdoor cooking repertoire beyond traditional barbecue fare. The exceptional pizza section alone justifies the purchase for many grilling enthusiasts, while the diverse collection of contemporary recipes ensures you’ll find inspiration for every occasion. While not focused on teaching basics, the comprehensive recipe collection offers excellent value for anyone interested in modern grilling techniques and flavors.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests with unexpected grilled creations or simply want to expand your weeknight dinner options, this cookbook delivers creative yet approachable recipes suitable for both novice and experienced grillers.

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5/5 - (1 vote)

Chris Johns

Chris is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.

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