A lot. BBQ flavor works in more places than most people think to use it. It can bring sweet smoke and savory depth to snacks, sides, vegetables, and quick dinners.
That is what makes Shawhan Farms Betty’s Best Sweet & Smoky BBQ Rub so useful. It is not just for burgers, ribs, or chicken. It can season popcorn for movie night, give roasted chickpeas more character, add more flavor to hummus, and bring something extra to potatoes, beans, and roasted vegetables.
Snack foods are an easy place to start
Plain popcorn, roasted chickpeas, and hummus all take well to BBQ flavor. A little butter and rub can make popcorn more interesting. Chickpeas crisp up well in the oven and hold seasoning nicely. Hummus picks up sweet smoke quickly, whether you stir it in or finish the top with a pinch and a little olive oil.
Sides take it well too
Potatoes, beans, corn, and roasted vegetables all work with sweet smoke. Roasted wedges, baked potatoes, black beans, baked beans, cauliflower, carrots, and green beans can all use a little more depth than salt alone. That is where a BBQ rub can help a simple side dish taste less plain.
It also helps with quick dinners
Sheet-pan chicken, skillet chicken, and even quick sandwich spreads can all benefit from a little BBQ flavor. A spoonful in mayo, ketchup, yogurt, or cream cheese can give a spread or dip more character. Used that way, it helps carry the flavor through more of the meal without much extra work.
Why Betty’s fits this so well
Betty was the kind of cook who could take what was already in the kitchen and turn it into something people wanted to come back for. This blend reflects that spirit. It is sweet and smoky, but it also has enough depth and character to keep simple food from tasting one-note.
Try This First
- stir a little into black beans before warming them
- season cauliflower or carrots before roasting
- mix some into softened cream cheese for crackers or sandwiches
- add a pinch to oven fries right after they come out
- brush corn with butter, then finish with a light dusting of rub
The Takeaway
A BBQ rub can do a lot more than season grilled meat. Once you start using it in snacks, sides, spreads, and quick dinners, it opens up a lot more possibilities.
Looking for more recipe ideas? Browse our Recipe of the Week collection
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