Give an extra bump of flavor to your eggs with these Smoked Eggs that are “hard-boiled” directly on the smoker to infuse them with smoke while cooking.
It might sound a little strange, but let me assure you that these smoked eggs are worth the effort. Why? Because they get this unique smoky flavor that makes them extra fun to eat.
You can smoke eggs from raw in the shell, or you can hard-boil them first and then smoke them out of the shell (I do both, because why not!). Both ways will give you a tasty smoked profile.
Why You’ll Love It
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich, smoky infusion adds a depth of taste that’s both savory and satisfying, making Smoked Eggs a standout addition to your snack or side dish rotation.
- Perfect Pairing: Whether it’s alongside your favorite BBQ dishes or as a standalone snack, these Smoked Eggs complement a variety of flavors, making them a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice.
- Fuss-Free Preparation: No need for complicated recipes or elaborate techniques. With just a few simple steps, you can create a memorable dish that will have everyone asking for more.
» You might also like these Easy Smoked Biscuits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Large Eggs – The heart of the dish, make sure to choose high-quality large eggs for the best results.
Equipment Needed
- Smoker – I use a Traeger Pro Series 575 for most of my smoking, though I also have a Z Grills 700 series. You can use whatever smoker you have – they all work the same.
- Wood pellets – There are many types of pellets available. If you’ve already got pellets in your smoker, use whatever you have. I really like these Bear Mountain Gourmet Blend pellets. I use them for a lot of things.
- Kitchen Tongs – These will help you extract the eggs from the smoker.
Helpful Tips
- While applewood and hickory are popular choices, don’t hesitate to experiment with other wood chip varieties like cherry, mesquite, or even pecan for unique smoky flavors.
- If you prefer a milder smoky flavor, start with a smaller amount of wood pellets and adjust to your liking. It’s easier to add more smoke than to reduce it once the eggs are cooking.
- If you smoke your eggs a second time outside the shell, watch them closely so you don’t overdo it, or they’ll become rubbery.
How to Make Smoked Eggs
To Cook Eggs From Raw
Preheat your smoker or pellet grill 325°F(165°C) (we do not recommend cooking at a lower temperature than this, for food safety). Fill the hopper with your preferred pellets.
Place the eggs (in their shells) directly on the grill grates. Close the lid, and cook for 30 minutes. You can turn them a time or two for even cooking.
Place the cooked eggs into an ice bath until fully chilled. The second step of the process is to peel the eggs and put them back on the smoker to all for a second layer of smoke. If you don’t want to do that, you can skip the second smoking.
Second Smoking (or to smoke eggs from hard-boiled)
Peel your cooked eggs. You can do this whether the eggs were originally smoked in the shells or if you hard-boiled them by another method first.
You can leave them whole or half them. I halved mine in this image to use for deviled eggs, so I also removed the yolks. Whole eggs (with the yolks left in) tend to take a bit longer to smoke than halves, which become rubbery faster, so keep that in mind.
Set the temperature of the smoker to 175°F(80°C). This low temperature will prevent the eggs from getting overcooked. Since they are already cooked, we’re just trying to impart smoke flavor. I’m using my trusty Ninja Woodfire Grill for this. You can use a pellet grill or a regular BBQ with a wood smoke box.
Place the eggs on the grill. Smoke them for 30 minutes. Note that it only took 10 minutes in my Ninja with halved eggs. It would take more like 30 minutes in my Traeger pellet grill.
How to Store
Store any leftover smoked eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing may affect the texture of the eggs, so it’s recommended to enjoy them fresh or within the suggested refrigeration timeframe.
How to Eat Them
We like to make smoked eggs to serve as appetizers at our outdoor parties. You can make any kind of Deviled Eggs out of them (see our basic smoked deviled eggs recipe), or just serve them with unique dipping sauces.
Take your smoked egg enjoyment to the next level by pairing them with delectable dipping sauces. Explore choices such as aioli, sriracha mayo, or a refreshing herbed yogurt to add an extra layer of indulgence.
What to Serve It With
This side dish goes great with all kinds of grilling favorites. Here are a few of our go-to main dishes to serve with this:
Questions About the Recipe
Can I use smaller eggs for this recipe?
While large eggs are recommended for their ideal size and flavor, you can use smaller eggs. Keep in mind that cooking times may need adjustment, and the smoky flavor might be more pronounced due to the smaller size.
Can I smoke eggs without a dedicated smoker?
If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a stovetop smoker, a charcoal grill with indirect heat, or even a DIY foil pouch method. Experiment with what you have on hand to achieve that delicious smoky essence.
Can I freeze smoked eggs?
It’s not recommended to freeze smoked eggs, as freezing may alter their texture. To enjoy them at their best, store in the refrigerator and consume within a few days.
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How to Make Smoked Eggs
Equipment
- Kitchen tongs
Ingredients
- 6-12 large fresh eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker or pellet grill 325°F(165°C) (don’t cook at a lower temperature, for food safety). Fill the hopper with your preferred pellets.
- Place the eggs directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and cook for 30 minutes. You can turn the eggs during cooking, to brown them evenly.
- Place the cooked eggs into an ice bath until fully chilled. If you don’t plan to use the eggs immediately, store them in the refrigerator.
- Peel your cooked eggs.
- If you want, you can double smoker your eggs for more flavor. Set the temperature of the smoker to 175°F(80°C). This low temperature will prevent the eggs from getting overcooked. They are already cooked, so we're just trying to impart smoke flavor.
- Place the eggs on the grill. Smoke for 30 minutes.
Notes
- While applewood and hickory are popular choices, don’t hesitate to experiment with other wood chip varieties like cherry, mesquite, or even pecan for unique smoky flavors.
- If you prefer a milder smoky flavor, start with a smaller amount of wood pellets and adjust to your liking. It’s easier to add more smoke than to reduce it once the eggs are cooking.
- If you smoke your eggs a second time outside the shell, watch them closely so you don’t overdo it, or they’ll become rubbery.
Nutrition
Laura is a passionate home cook and grill enthusiast who has spent years perfecting her culinary skills, with a particular focus on grilling techniques and flavor combinations. Her fascination with the grill, smoke, and the mouthwatering results they produce has led her on an exciting journey to discover the best methods for grilling delicious and unforgettable meals.