The Little Book of KC BBQ by Jonathan Bender – Hardback Cookbook

The Little Book of KC BBQ is a pocket-sized hardback by Jonathan Bender, founder of the Museum of BBQ in Kansas City, that tells the story of Kansas City barbecue and shares 15 recipes from the city's pitmasters, competition cooks and restaurants. It's small enough for a Christmas stocking, with history, burnt ends lore and drink pairings packed in alongside the cooks.

Kansas City's smoky story in your pocket

Kansas City and barbecue are forever linked, and Bender explains why, starting with Henry Perry, the self-proclaimed Barbecue King whose pit shaped the city's barbecue scene. He then shows how KC's approach differs from Texas, Memphis and the Carolinas, and how the competition circuit and one famous sauce put the city on the map.

What's inside

The chapters cover what makes KC barbecue different, the city's barbecue history, the competition scene, grilling versus smoking, the origin of burnt ends, the story behind KC's most famous sauce, the legend of fire sauce, and what to drink with a barbecue plate.

The 15 recipes come from KC's best-known names, including a Magic KC Dry Rub, Slap's Competition-Style Ribs, Plowboys Competition BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Arthur Bryant's BBQ Meatballs, Jack Stack Cheesy Corn Bake, Q39 Brisket, Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Smoked Peach Cobbler and a Bloody Bull.

Who it's for

Fans of sticky, saucy Kansas City barbecue, competition-curious cooks and anyone who likes to know the history behind the food. It's a quick read and a brilliant stocking stuffer for the barbecue nut in your life.

About Jonathan Bender

Jonathan Bender is the founder of the Museum of BBQ in Kansas City and the author of four books, including LEGO: A Love Story, Cookies & Beer and Stock, Broth & Bowl. He has judged the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, reviewed grills for national publications, and won an Emmy for a documentary about sandlot baseball. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Rub Smuggler's Verdict

Word from the docks: good things come in small packages, and this one's stuffed with Kansas City smoke. Bender squeezes the whole KC story into a book that fits in your jacket pocket, and the chapter on the origin of burnt ends is a ripper. Grab it, read it in one sitting, then fire up the smoker that same arvo. Pair it with BBQ Revolution for Meat Mitch's KC competition firepower and Big Moe's Book of BBQ for more championship cooking, and since the book includes a Plowboys rib recipe, dust your ribs with Plowboys BBQ Yardbird Rub.

Questions answered

Who wrote The Little Book of KC BBQ?

It was written by Jonathan Bender, founder of the Museum of BBQ in Kansas City and a former American Royal barbecue judge.

How many recipes are in The Little Book of KC BBQ?

There are 15 recipes from Kansas City pitmasters, competition cooks and restaurants, including Q39 Brisket, Pork Belly Burnt Ends and Slap's Competition-Style Ribs.

Is The Little Book of KC BBQ good for beginners?

Yes. It's an easy read that explains Kansas City barbecue from the ground up, and the recipes are short and approachable.

How big is The Little Book of KC BBQ?

It's a mini hardback of 128 pages, about 4.2 x 5.7 inches, published by Andrews McMeel in 2026.

What makes Kansas City barbecue different?

Kansas City is known for smoking a wide range of meats, thick sweet-and-tangy tomato-based sauces and burnt ends, and the book explains how that style compares with Texas, Memphis and the Carolinas.