Backyard Galley Kitchen

Curtis Rogers

8 Years of BBQ Passion

Mastering the Grill

I've been grilling, smoking, and barbecuing for about 8 years now, and it's been an incredible journey of flavor, experimentation, and growth. As a proud Masterbuilt ambassador, I cook mostly on my Gravity Series 1050, which has quickly become my go-to grill. I also love using my Masterbuilt electric smoker as a warming oven to hold my briskets, butts, and ribs until they're ready to be served at dinner time. My outdoor kitchen is equipped with 8 different types of cookers, but truth be told, most of them sit idle. Nothing beats the versatility and ease of my 1050 – it's by far my favorite, and it gets the most use out of all my gear.

Hometown:
Viroqua, WI
Favorite Recipe:
Anything using fire!
Fun Fact:
Appetizers are my favorite food to eat
Favorite Activity:
Playing Pickleball or golf

FAVORITE GRILL

Masterbuilt Product of Choice

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 Digital WiFi Charcoal Grill and Smoker

An open Gravity Series 1050 grill showing 3 racks of food including steaks, kabobs, ribs, and vegetables. Front shelf is folded down out of the way.

Featured Recipe

Peanut Butter Jalapeño Poppers

Try this recipe from Curtis Rogers to experience a fresh take on a favorite - you'll get a great fusion of flavors that is sweet, spicy, salty and crunchy!

Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers laid out on racks ready to go on the grill. A jar of Turn Em Red Crisp Morning seasoning is highlighted.

Mastering the Grill: Q&A with Curtis Rogers

What inspired you to start barbecuing?
I started out with just a simple gas grill for quick and easy cooking, but everything changed when my family gifted me a Masterbuilt electric smoker. That’s when I really got hooked. The more I smoked, the more I fell in love with the slow process of it all. Now, I love the 8, 10, and even 12-hour cooks and all the prep work that goes into them.
How long have you been barbecuing?
I’ve been grilling for many years, but I really dove into smoking and BBQ in the past several years. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for the slow process and the patience it requires. It’s become a true passion of mine.
What advice would you give someone new to grilling?
My advice is to invest in a grill that’s bigger than you think you’ll need, because as you get better, you’ll want to cook for more people and share your creations. Trust me, you’ll appreciate the extra space as you grow in your BBQ journey!
Do you have any advice for a new BBQ content creator?
Consistency is key. Post often and stay engaged with your followers. I know I need to take my own advice and post more frequently, but that’s definitely the best way to build a presence and grow your audience in this space.
What’s your favorite grilling technique and why?
My favorite technique has to be low and slow smoking. It’s all about taking your time, allowing the flavors to develop, and giving the proteins the attention they deserve. After smoking, I like holding them in a warming oven for a few hours to really lock in those flavors.
What’s your favorite recipe?
Peanut butter stuffed jalapeño poppers wrapped in bacon and smoked. They’re a crowd-pleaser and have the perfect balance of savory and spicy. It’s one of my go-to recipes when I want something fun and flavorful.

Curtis Rogers’s Favorite Recipes