Recipes, Smoker

28 Best Smoker Recipes For Max Flavor

Last updated on April 5, 2024 by Angela Morris

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Smoking food has been a mouth-watering tradition for centuries, but it’s not just for pit masters anymore. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just getting started, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of smoking.

With a backyard pellet grill, you’re not just limited to traditional barbecue fare like brisket and ribs either. You can smoke everything from chicken to vegetables to desserts with these smoker recipes.

Sliced smoked brisket, smoked cauliflower head, and smoked cream cheese.

The key to successful smoking is finding the right balance of smoke, temperature, and time. With a little practice and experimentation, you can create mouthwatering dishes that will surprise you and your guests.

So whether you’re looking to up your barbecue game or try something new, join us as we explore the 28 Best Smoker Recipes For Max Flavor.

» You might also like these 10 All-Time Best Grilling Recipes.

Grilling Equipment You’ll Need

Before you fire up the smoker, make sure you have the right tools for the job. Don’t worry if you haven’t stocked up yet – we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of our favorite smoking equipment, complete with links to make your shopping experience a breeze.

Equipment Needed

Smoker – We use a Traeger Grills Pro 575 for most of our smoking, though I also have a Z Grills 700 series. Whenever we’re smoking something small, we use our Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill.
Wood pellets – There are many types of pellets available. We like Traeger Signature blend or Bear Mountain Gourmet Blend. If you’ve already got pellets in your smoker, use whatever you have.
Meat thermometer – Many smokers have a thermometer built in, but if yours doesn’t, get an instant-read thermometer. I love this Thermapen.

What Smokers We Use

Traeger grills pro series 22 electric wood pellet grill and smoker, bronze, extra large

Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker

Did you know that Traeger created the original wood-pellet grill? The Pro Series 22 is the one most people choose because it’s compact, yet has plenty of space for cooking. You can use any type of wood pellets you like. See the Traeger Series 22 Grill on Amazon.

Z grills 2023 newest pellet grill smoker with pid 2. 0 controller, meat probes, rain cover, 450e

Z Grills 7002C2E Pellet Grill & Smoker

We use the 7002C2E, which has dual temperature probes, a huge pellet hopper and pellet viewing window, with a large grill space and streamlined design. See this grill and more on the Z Grills site.

Other Recipe Compilations To Try

Smoker Recipes To Try

Appetizers

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked Shotgun Shells are the perfect BBQ treat, featuring manicotti tubes stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef and cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and glazed with BBQ sauce.

Smoked shotgun shells

Smoked Cream Cheese

If you haven't tried Smoked Cream Cheese yet, you must give this tasty appetizer a try. With just two ingredients – cream cheese and dry rub – it's a serious flavor bomb when smoked.

Smoked cream cheese

Smoked Armadillo Eggs

These Smoked Armadillo Eggs are jalapeno poppers with a creamy, cheesy center, encased in sausage meat, then rolled in bacon and smoked to soak up all that classic wood flavor.

Smoked armadillo eggs

Smoked Pig Shots

These Smoked Pig Shots make an excellent appetizer when you're outside smoking some meat for a BBQ. They are sausages, wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cream cheese and green chilis.

Smoked pig shots

Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Combining the smoky essence of the grill with a creamy, cheesy filling and a touch of heat from the jalapeños, these Smoked Jalapeno Poppers will leave you craving more.

Smoked jalapeno poppers

Vegetables

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

These delicious smoked sweet potatoes are cooked on the smoker to add intense smoky flavor and aroma.

Smoked sweet potatoes

Traeger Baked Potatoes

Slow-baked potatoes with crispy skin and a fluffy interior are a perfect side dish to serve with a grilled BBQ main course. Traeger Baked Potatoes are not just easy to make but are loaded with nutrients and flavor.

Traeger smoked baked potatoes

Easy Smoked Vegetables

These easy smoked vegetables are slow cooked on the smoker for about 45 minutes, until delicious smoky aroma and flavor is imparted.

A grill pan full of smoked veggies

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

These delicious smoked Brussels Sprouts are tender and infused with great smoky flavor from the grill.

Smoked brussels sprouts

Smoked Cauliflower

This Smoked Cauliflower head is rubbed with a flavorful blend of seasonings and placed on the smoker or BBQ to get soft and tender while soaking up the smoky goodness.

A whole head of smoked cauliflower

Side Dishes

Smoked Baked Beans

Smoking your baked beans can add a whole new level of flavor and complexity.

Smoked beans

The Best Smoked Mac and Cheese

This Smoked Mac and Cheese is loaded with cheese and incredibly creamy, but with a signature smoked flavor that makes it absolutely irresistible.

A scoop of smoked mac and cheese

Smoked Stuffing With Sausage

A quick and easy way to make a delicious side dish on the smoker, this Smoked Stuffing with Sausage is the perfect pairing for your smoked turkey.

A plate of smoked stuffing with sausage

Main Dish

How to Smoke a Brisket on a Pellet Grill

If you’re wondering how to smoke a brisket on a pellet grill, we’ve got your answer! In this recipe we’ll show you how to smoke a tender, juicy and delicious brisket.

Brisket

Smoked Spatchcocked Chicken

This Smoked Spatchcocked Chicken is a great way to showcase a whole chicken with great flavor. It's a technique that not only speeds up cooking time but also results in even cooking and crispier skin.

Smoked spatchcock chicken

Smoked Duck Breast

This easy Smoked Duck Breast combines tender duck with a tasty dry rub that's then smoked on a pellet grill to impart amazing smoke flavor.

Smoked duck breast

Smoked Chicken Legs

Smoked Chicken Legs are the perfect go-to meat for outdoor cooking. They take on a ton of smoked flavor, but take half the time to smoke as some meats, like brisket or pork shoulder.

A plate of smoked chicken legs

3-2-1 Rib Recipe

These 321 ribs are fall apart tender while super juicy and packed with smoky flavor.

321 ribs

Smoked Pork Tenderloin

This delicious smoked pork tenderloin soaks up all that wonderful smoke flavor and aroma from the grill.

Smoked pork tenderloin

Smoked Chicken Breast

This recipe is for easy Smoked Chicken Breast that is coated in a delicious dry rub and slow cooked on the smoker for about 2 hours, until some delicious smoky aromas and flavor is imparted.

Smoked chicken breast

Best Smoked Tri Tip

This smoked tri tip takes just 2 hours on the smoker to produce amazing smoke flavor.

Smoked tri tip

The Best Smoked Meatloaf Recipe

This dish combines the rich and hearty flavors of meatloaf with the smoky and savory taste of smoked meat.

Smoked meatloaf

Smoked Whole Chicken

Smoked Whole Chicken that turns out tender, slightly smoky, and super juicy.

Smoked chicken

Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Smoked Baby Back Ribs are a delightful experience where the succulent meat just falls off the bone and each mouthful bursts with flavors that dance on your palate. It's the kind of meal that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.

Smoked baby back ribs

The Ultimate Smoked Pork Belly Recipe

There's nothing quite like the heavenly aroma of Smoked Pork Belly filling your backyard as your smoker or pellet grill works its magic. The juiciness of the meat, combined with the perfect balance of salt, smoke, and tenderness is a true delight.

Sliced smoked pork belly

Pellet Grill Pizza

Pellet Grill pizza is a unique way to infuse the pie with a smoky, wood-fired flavor that's hard to resist.

Smoked pizza feature

Easy Smoked Chicken Thigh Recipe

This Easy Smoked Chicken Thigh recipe is a great way to add tons of flavor to simple chicken thighs. They are coated in a delicious dry rub and slow cooked on the smoker for about 2 hours, imparting delicious smoky flavors.

Smoked chicken thigh

Smoked Ahi Tuna Steaks

Smoked Ahi Tuna Steaks are out of this world with flavor, starting with a seasoning of paprika, lemon pepper, and garlic powder and then smoked for about an hour.

Smoked ahi tuna steaks

What Pellets to Use for the Smoker?

You’ll also need pellets for your smoker, if you’ve got a pellet grill like we do. Pellets come in many different types that you can choose from. I like to use the Bear Mountain Gourmet Blend, hickory wood, or cherry wood pellets for mine. They also have a bourbon wood pellet that’s very good. My friend Todd swears by the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey pellets.

Bear mountain 40 pound ultimate premium smoky low moisture all natural hardwood gourmet blend bbq smoker pellets for outdoor grilling

Jack daniel's smoking bbq pellets 20 pounds

Traeger grills signature blend 100% all-natural wood pellets for smokers and pellet grills, bbq, bake, roast, and grill, 20 lb. Bag

Before You Go

Since you made it to the end of this article, you’re probably pretty interested in your smoker. Here are a few more articles we think you might enjoy.

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Smoked mac and cheese

Angie is a dedicated grilling aficionado who has experimented with a wide variety of techniques, equipment, and ingredients, to discover the endless possibilities of flavors and textures that grilling can achieve.

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