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How to Use BBQ Rubs on More Than Just Meat

How to Use BBQ Rubs on More Than Just Meat

(Yes, even your popcorn deserves a glow-up.)

Think BBQ rubs are just for ribs, wings, and pulled pork? Bless your heart. The truth is, if you’re only using your seasoning blends on meat, you’re leaving flavor on the table — literally. Whether you’re spicing up a snack, elevating your leftovers, or turning side dishes into the star of the show, rubs like ours were built for more than the smoker.

At Those Florida Guys, we pack our blends with bold, balanced ingredients that go way beyond barbecue. So let’s shake things up (literally) and show you how to use your favorite rubs in totally unexpected — but totally delicious — ways.

Rubs 101: Why They Work on Everything

Let’s break it down. A good BBQ rub isn’t just a sprinkle of salt and paprika. It’s a flavor grenade — carefully balanced with salt, sweet, savory, smoke, and sometimes heat.

You’ve got:

  • Salt to make things pop
  • Sugar to caramelize and crisp
  • Spices for depth and kick
  • Herbs and aromatics for fragrance and balance

Put all that together, and you’ve got the perfect shortcut for making just about anything taste like it came from a pro kitchen (or a Florida backyard cookout).

Eggs That Don’t Suck

Tired of sad scrambled eggs? Hit them with a shake of All-Purp or SPF 7 for instant flavor that doesn’t require you to chop a single onion. Want a spicy breakfast taco situation? Try Sunburn — it brings a smoky citrusy heat that slaps on eggs, potatoes, and breakfast sausage.

Pro tip: Season after cooking if you want the full flavor punch on the surface.

Popcorn Night Just Got Wild

Step away from the fake butter. Pop your popcorn fresh, drizzle with melted butter (or olive oil if you’re feeling fancy), and toss in a few pinches of Errthang. You’ll never go back to microwave bags again.

Sweet tooth? Go with Apple Smack for a caramel-corn-meets-BBQ flavor that feels like a state fair in a bowl.

Compound Butters and Dips

Take your snacks to snack heaven. Stir your rub of choice into:

  • Softened butter → instant compound butter
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt → next-level dip
  • Mayo → sandwich spread that actually slaps

Some killer combos:

  • Steak Shake butter on grilled steak or toast
  • Gulf BBQ stirred into ranch dressing (yes, seriously)
  • Errthang + mayo = elite burger topping

Roasted Veggies That’ll Convert Meat-Lovers

We get it. Brussels sprouts aren’t everyone’s jam — until you roast them with olive oil and Sunburn. That light citrusy heat caramelizes on the edges and suddenly you’re fighting over the last one.

Other MVP combos:

  • Sweet potatoes + Apple Smack
  • Carrots + Gulf BBQ
  • Cauliflower + All-Purp

Pasta, Pizza, and Leftovers That Deserve Better

You know that last slice of pizza in the fridge? It’s practically begging for Errthang. Cold or reheated, just sprinkle and devour. Leftover mac and cheese? Add some SPF 7 to wake it up. Pasta salad? Hit it with Fin & Fowl for some herby magic.

We’ve even tossed Sunburn onto spaghetti squash. No regrets.

Cocktails, Rimmed Glasses, and Garnishes

If you haven’t rimmed a margarita glass with Sunburn, you haven’t lived. That smoky citrus heat pairs beautifully with tequila, mezcal, and even beer cocktails like micheladas.

Bonus: It makes your Bloody Mary look (and taste) like it’s from a bougie brunch spot.

 

Baking with Rubs? Yep.

It sounds weird, but trust us. Adding a pinch of Apple Smack to cornbread or biscuit dough gives you this rich, smoky-sweet note that’ll have people begging for the recipe.

Feeling wild? Try a touch of Gulf BBQ in chocolate brownies. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It works.

TL;DR: Shake It Like You Mean It

If you’ve only been using your rubs on pork chops and brisket, you’re missing out on a world of flavor. Our blends were built for:

  • Eggs, snacks, and sides
  • Sauces, dips, and dressings
  • Drinks, desserts, and even breakfast

So open the pantry, grab your favorite rub, and start experimenting. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, Those Florida Guys rubs are the ultimate flavor cheat code.

Ready to stock up? Shop all our blends and taste the Florida difference.

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