Brian Baumgartner Has A Sizzlin' New BBQ Cookbook Just In Time For Summer (& It Includes a Chili Recipe)

We interviewed Brian Baumgartner because we think you'll like his picks at these prices. One of the featured items is Brian's book. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

Get ready for a culinary adventure even Kevin Malone would approve of! Brian Baumgartner, best known for his iconic role as Kevin on The Office, is set to unveil his latest masterpiece: the Seriously Good Barbecue Cookbook. While Kevin may have had his struggles with accounting (who could forget "keleven"?), Brian's kitchen skills are truly impressive, and he's ready to share his secrets with the world. In a chat with E!, the seasoned pitmaster spilled all the beans on the inspiration for his book, his must-have grilling essentials, all-time favorite gifts, and more.

Packed with tantalizing recipes and expert tips, this cookbook is destined to become a staple for BBQ enthusiasts everywhere once it hits shelves on June 11, 2024. Ever wondered what puts Brian's signature sauce in a league of its own? Look no further than his 15-minute "Award-Winning BBQ Sauce" recipe, guaranteed to have you licking your fingers faster than Stanley grabs his Pretzel Day snack. With Father's Day around the corner, Brian's plans are as solid as Dwight's loyalty to Schrute Farms — a big family BBQ session is on the agenda. And if you're curious about Kevin's palate, Brian's got you covered with the "Central City BBQ Brisket Chili" — a nod to Kevin's unwavering love for the dish that would even impress Oscar (aka "Actually").

So, grab your spatula and let's fire up the grill!

All About the Seriously Good BBQ Cookbook

"In this book, I talk through the history of barbecue around the world, share tips on grilling vs. smoking, offer a guide to different types of barbecue wood, and more. From Texas-style brisket to Carolina pulled pork, Memphis-style ribs, and international variations, this cookbook is a comprehensive guide to all things barbecue. Plus, the book features a foreword by my friend and internet sensation Andrew Rea (Binging with Babish) and a recipe from celebrity chef Nick DiGiovanni."

Brian has put together a fantastic collection of over 100 mouth-watering BBQ recipes in his Seriously Good Barbecue Cookbook. You'll find everything from Texas and Kansas City styles to international dishes and sides, plus tips for making perfect rubs, sauces, desserts, and drinks.

Releasing on June 11, 2024, this cookbook is now available for pre-order on Amazon, Target, and other retailers.

Cameo is a cool platform where you can get personalized video messages from your favorite celebs. To book Brian Baumgartner (who we all know and love as Kevin from "The Office"), just find his profile on Cameo, let him know what kind of message you want, and follow the steps to book it.

Brian Baumgartner's Culinary Must-Haves

For the Perfect BBQ

"A Big Green Egg is the ultimate must-have for the perfect barbecue! I use mine every time I grill at home and it is my favorite grill that I've ever used. Mine is outdoors - if you want to keep your grill outside, too, make sure you order a cover!"

The Big Green Egg is a versatile ceramic grill that's perfect for cooking up delicious meals outdoors. What's neat is that it comes in different sizes, so whether you're cooking for a crowd or just a couple of people, there's an Egg that suits your needs. Plus, there are tons of accessories and add-ons available, like griddles and pizza stones, to take your grilling game to the next level.

For Anyone Who Owns a Grill

If you want to keep your grill in pristine condition for as long as possible, "A BBQ Daddy Grill Scrub Brush is essential for really cleaning your grill."

Featuring a unique mesh foam cleaning head that toughens when soaked in cold water, this scrubbing brush effortlessly tackles grime on pre-heated grills. The versatile tool also includes a metal scraper, grate mover, and bottle opener, making it a must-have for your BBQ arsenal. This value set comes with two refill heads for long-lasting use (considering a single brush usually retails at $30, this set is a steal because you're basically getting three brushes in one!).

For Any Home Chef

Brian highly recommends these $16 OXO Good Grip tongs for his kitchen. He says, "I have two of these. One for the kitchen and a longer one for the grill. If you are ever in doubt about what company you should purchase for kitchen utensils — OXO doesn't disappoint."

Available in two sizes on Amazon, these stainless steel tongs boast a range of convenient features. With a non-slip handle, lockable design for compact storage, and angled silicone heads, these tongs are heat-resistant up to 600°F, ensuring safe and efficient cooking every time.

For Those Who Want to Level Up Their BBQ Game

"Anyone who wants to move to the level of professional home pitmaster should have a precision cooker. You'll never have to worry about overcooking again - this brings meat to the perfect internal temperature before you sear it off on the grill!"

Brian's pick is the Anova Precision Cooker 3.0. With upgraded power, improved connectivity, and an updated touchscreen, it ensures perfectly cooked food every time. Easily control and monitor your cooking from anywhere using the Anova Culinary app, while its adjustable clamp and sleek design fit seamlessly into any kitchen.

Brian Baumgartner's Favorite Gift Picks

A Father's Day Gift That's Sure to Impress

When it comes the best Father's Day gift Brian's ever received, "Black Rain Salt and Pepper Mill was a gift I didn't know I needed, and now I use it almost every day. It is the ultimate salt & pepper grinder set."

The Black Rain Pepper Mill is super easy to use with one-touch operation, so you can multitask while seasoning your dish. It has five preset settings for grind coarseness along with cool LED lights to help you see where you're peppering. Plus, it's built tough with an aluminum housing and comes with a lifetime warranty on the grinding burrs. Complete the set with the matching White Rain Salt Mill.

A Grill Master-Approved Gift

"I love my Mark & Graham customized apron and wear it almost every time I'm at the grill. It was a gift and has my initials embroidered on it. Makes for a great Father's Day gift for any grill-master dads."

This durable apron is meticulously crafted from premium cotton canvas and coated with protective wax for a timeless appearance. With adjustable neck straps, an integrated bottle opener, and two robust front pockets, it can securely accommodate barbecue tools, utensils, or drinks. Add a personalized touch by embroidering a name, initials, or a playful phrase such as "grill master."

A Gift Any Host Will Adore (and Actually Use)

Brian suggests that a great gift for a host is the West Elm Pure Glass Drink Dispenser, as it's ideal for "making large batch lemonade or cocktails for your guests."

Featuring a sleek design complemented by a sturdy acacia wood lid and stand, the Pure Glass Drink Dispenser will add a touch of rustic sophistication to any gathering. With its generous 180 fluid-ounce capacity, it's a perfect gift for hosts who love entertaining with style and ease.

Speaking of Father's Day, check out Nail Patrick Harris' Father's Day gift ideas that start at just $15 and are all available on Amazon (read: they'll arrive in time for the holiday)!