Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just fired up your first smoker, this ultimate collection of smoker recipes has something for everyone. These recipes are packed with bold, smoky flavor to make your next barbecue the talk of the neighborhood.
This list of smoker recipes is organized by ingredients to make it easy to find the perfect recipe for any cut of meat or skill level. You can also scroll to the bottom of this post for answers to the most commonly asked smoking questions and pro tips to help you get the best results from your smoker.
Table of Contents
Full List of Smoker Recipes by Category
A mouthwatering collection of recipes for your smoker! These work with any smoker and every level of experience. Bold flavor, low and slow!
Smoked Appetizers and Sides
Add one of these appetizers or sides alongside whatever else you're smoking and you'll have a smoked dinner ready in no time.
Smoked Queso Dip
This easy smoked queso dip is perfect to go alongside whatever you’ve already got smoking. It takes just minutes to throw together and is always the perfect appetizer!
Smoked Cream Cheese
You’ll love the few minutes prep time but loads of flavor you get with this easy recipe for smoked cream cheese. It’s quick, versatile, and absolutely delicious!
Smoked Corn On The Cob
Add smoky flavor to your favorite summer veggie with smoked corn on the cob. It's sweet, savory, juicy, fresh, and a delicious addition to any backyard BBQ.
Cold Smoked Deviled Eggs
Cold smoked with the wood-fired flavor of all-natural BBQ pellets, this bite-sized delight is amplified with smoky flavor unlike anything you've ever tried before.
Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon & Chipotle
These smoky baked beans are absolutely incredible! Make them as mild or as spicy as you like.
Smoked Hasselback Potatoes
Learn how to make smoked baked potatoes using a technique that maximizes the smoky flavor!
Potato Skins
This recipe features thick slices of russet potato cooked to golden-brown perfection, topped with shredded cheese and crispy bacon crumbles.
Smoked pig shots
These bacon shot glasses are filed with a cream cheese filling and topped with a pickled jalapeño. Then they are smoked and glazed for one amazing bite!
Smoked Pork Recipes
From juicy pork butt to tender ribs and smoky pork loin, these smoked pork recipes are packed with bold flavor and perfect for any backyard cookout.
Smoked Pork Butt
This smoked pork butt takes just a few minutes of prep time, but has so much flavor! It's easy to make, it just needs time to hang out on your smoker to transform into a juicy, flavorful feast!
3-2-1 Method Smoked Ribs
Easy as 3, 2, 1. Just 3 hours in the smoker, 2 hours wrapped, 1 hour with sauce.
Bourbon & Cola Pulled Ham on the Traeger
You'll smoke this ham for several hours and then braise it in a mixture of bourbon and cola until the ham is pull-apart tender.
Smoked Baby Back Ribs Recipe
This recipe results in smoky, pull-apart tender and succulent baby back ribs.
Smoked Pork Belly Recipe
Smoked pork belly is an easy and delicious recipe and perfect as an appetizer, side dish or main course.
Smoked Spare Ribs
These smoked spare ribs have a dry rub and a tasty Texas-style barbecue sauce.
Smoked Bacon
Smoked bacon is incredibly easy to make. All you need is a smoker and bacon.
Smoked Sausage
Smoking juicy, flavorful sausage with deep smoky flavors is one of the easiest things you can do with a smoker.
Smoked Pork Chops
These tender juicy pork chops have a delicious smoky flavor.
Smoked Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are good, but smoked hot dogs are even better. If you’ve never had one, now is the time to change that because you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Smoked Ham
This smoked ham recipe has a delicious smoky flavor with a maple brown sugar and bourbon glaze.
Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Eat healthy with incredibly lean pork tenderloin without sacrificing flavor with this recipe.
Smoked Al Pastor Tacos Recipe
These smoked tacos are made with pork butt and marinated in a pineapple chili red sauce.
Smoked Bologna
Smoked Bologna is a smoked, sweet and spicy slice of meat. It's delicious on it's own or make a smoked bologna burger with your favorite toppings.
Smoked Chicken Recipes
These smoked chicken recipes are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any smoker. From whole chickens to wings, thighs, and everything in between!
Smoked Fried Chicken
Smoked fried chicken combines two of the best cooking methods, yielding phenomenal results. Crispy, juicy, smoke-infused fried chicken? Yes, please!
Smoked Chicken Salad
This easy smoked chicken salad recipe is made with seasoned chicken breasts along with crunchy celery, green onion.
Smoked Pulled Chicken
This smoked pulled chicken is juicy and tender with an excellent smoky flavor.
Smoked Chicken Legs
Coated with a dry rub and then cooked in flavorful smoke these smoked chicken legs are perfect for summer.
Smoked Spatchcock Chicken Recipe
Halve the time it takes to smoke a whole chicken and spatchcock it (removes the chicken's backbone so that it lays flat.)
Smoked Chicken (whole)
This smoked chicken is made with a whole bird.
Smoked Chicken Thighs
Everything is better in the smoker and these smoked chicken thighs are no exception!
Smoked Beer Can Chicken
Simply add beer and smoke and you have a perfectly cooked, beer-infused, smoky chicken meal.
Smoked Chicken Wings
Looking for a finger-licking good appetizer? These smoked chicken wings are seasoned perfectly and cooked low and slow so they're tender and juicy.
Smoked Chicken Breast
Smoked chicken breast are deliciously juicy and smoked to perfection and a very quick and easy smoker recipe.
Smoked Beef Recipes
These smoked beef recipes deliver rich, bold flavor in every bite, from classic brisket to smoked burgers, meatloaf, and tender beef roasts.
Smoked Beef Short Ribs
These smoked beef short ribs have a flavorful, crispy bark with a beefy, tender inside.
Smoked Beef Ribs
These smoked beef ribs are cooked low to bring out the flavor of the seasonings and allow the wood smoke to penetrate the ribs.
Easy Smoked Brisket
Brisket is one of the easiest large cuts of meat to smoke. It takes time to achieve tender, juicy beef with bark and a smoke ring, but it is time well spent!
Smoked Tri-Tip Recipe
This straight-forward smoker method yields a tender, juicy smoked tri tip that is full of flavor!
Smoked Mexican Shredded Beef Tacos Recipe - With Crispy Tortillas
This recipe starts with slowly smoked chuck roast that is finished in a beef broth braise and then shredded for the most amazing and tender filling for your next taco night.
Ultra Juicy Smoked Beef Chuck Roast Recipe
This chuck roast is packed full of flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun twist on your usual Sunday roast.
Smoked Prime Rib
Smoked prime rib is a unique twist on a classic holiday meal.
Smoked meatloaf with sweet BBQ glaze
Mom's favorite comfort food just leveled up with this smoked meat loaf recipe.
Smoked Corned Beef Recipe
The smoke wonderfully enhances the salty flavors of corned beef.
Smoked Hamburgers
Smoked hamburgers are simply mouthwatering. Perfectly cooked to juicy perfection, these smoked burgers are a must-try for any meat lover. It’s time to indulge.
Perfectly Smoked Steak (Ribeye)
One of the best methods to cook steak is by smoking it. The results are delicious!
Brisket Burnt Ends
Smoked burnt ends are irresistible, juicy bites of mouthwatering meat cut from the fattier point end of a brisket.
How to Smoke Beef Jerky
This easy jerky recipe results in delicious strips of homemade smoked beef jerky.
Smoked Pulled Beef
This smoked pulled beef recipe is made with chuck roast and is smoky, moist, tender, and delicious.
Smoked London Broil (Top Round Roast)
Smoking meat doesn't have to be expensive with this London Broil recipe.
Smoked Picanha
Picanha. Top Sirloin. Rump Cap. It has many names but it's also an easy cut of meat to smoke and the fat cap that melts into the beefs makes it oh so delicious.
Smoked Fish and Seafood Recipes
Light, flavorful, and perfect for the smoker, these smoked fish and seafood recipes include salmon, shrimp, and more for your next coastal-inspired cookout.
How to Smoke Salmon
Smoked salmon is made in a lot different ways but this recipe keeps it simple with an easy salmon cure that is also versatile in how you can prepare.
Easy Smoked Fish Recipe
Learn how to smoke any type of fish in a smoker.
Smoked Scallops With Garlic
These smoked scallops are tender, flaky, and super juicy. The coconut oil and garlic, along with the smoke, add subtle flavor without being overpowering.
Smoked Oysters
Don't confuse these oysters with the canned things. Freshly smoked oysters deliver flavor and taste in every bite.
How to Smoke Trout + Smoked Trout Dip
This easy recipe shows you how to smoke trout and create a creamy smoked trout dip.
How to Smoke Shrimp
Smoking shrimp is a quick and easy smoker recipe and adds tasty but subtle smoke flavor.
Smoked Turkey Recipes
These smoked turkey recipes are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for holidays or weekend meals.
Smoked Turkey Legs
Learn how to smoke turkey that tastes just like the legs you find at fairs, festivals and even Disneyland.
Smoked Turkey Breast
Moist, juicy and full of flavor smoked turkey breast is perfect for an easy Sunday dinner or a festive holiday meal.
How To Smoke A Turkey
There is nothing worse than dry turkey. I promise that if you follow my directions, your turkey will me moist and fall off the bone tender.
Crispy Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
This turkey is coated with a flavorful dry rub and then smoked low and slow to infuse the perfect kiss of smoke into wonderfully tender, moist meat.
Smoked Duck Recipes
Rich, flavorful, and elegant, these smoked duck recipes bring restaurant-quality results to your backyard smoker.
Perfect Spiced Smoked Duck
This simple smoked duck is so easy anyone can make it and have amazing results – even if it’s your first time working with the bird!
Smoked Duck, Duck, Smoked Goose
This recipe shows you how to smoke a duck or goose so that it's packed with a smoky flavor and moisture.
Smoked Tofu Recipes
These smoked tofu recipes are smoky, savory, and perfect for plant-based meals like sandwiches, bowls, or served as a hearty vegetarian main.
Smoked Tofu Burnt Ends Recipe with Delicious Marinade
Chewy, smoky, crispy, savory, juicy, and rich.
Smoked Tofu
In case you have any vegans or vegetarians at your next BBQ try making this smoked tofu recipe so nobody feels left out.
What are the easiest smoker recipes for beginners?
If you're new to smoking, start with cuts that are forgiving for newbies. Pork butt (or pork shoulder) is a great choice because it's hard to overcook, full of marbling, and turns into tender pulled pork without much effort.
Smoked chicken thighs are another great choice as they cook relatively quickly, stay juicy, and absorb smoky flavor easily. You can also try smoked sausage, meatloaf, or smoked cream cheese while you get your smoking feet wet.
What's the best meat to smoke for a crowd?
When feeding a group, choose smoker recipes that are big, flavorful, and easy to portion. Smoked pork butt and brisket are top choices since they yield large quantities, can be shredded or sliced, and are perfect for serving buffet-style.
A whole smoked turkey or multiple racks of ribs also make for a show-stopping centerpiece. For variety, consider smoking several proteins at once, like turkey breasts, wings, and sausages, to offer different options without extra smoker time. These cuts also reheat well, making them ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
Can I smoke multiple meats at the same time?
Yes, and it's one of the best ways to maximize your time. You can absolutely smoke different meats together (like chicken thighs, ribs, and sausages) as long as you account for their cooking temperatures and times. Place quicker-cooking items (like smoked mac and cheese or smoked corn on the cob) on upper racks and pull them earlier, while longer-cooking meats like pork butt or brisket stay on the bottom.
Use a digital meat thermometer to track internal temps and avoid overcooking your meats. It's the only reliable way to tell when it's ready to come off the smoker!
What's the best wood for smoking meat?
Choosing the right wood makes a big difference in flavor. Here's a quick guide by protein type:
- Pork: Apple, cherry, hickory, or pecan. Sweet woods are a great match for pork.
- Beef: Oak, hickory, or mesquite. You need stronger-flavored woods to stand up to beef.
- Chicken: Apple, pecan, or maple. These are mild and slightly sweet and work really well with chicken.
- Fish/Seafood: Alder, cherry, or apple. You definitely need a light-flavored smoke that won't overpower delicate seafood.
You might want to avoid using mesquite, especially with milder proteins, as it's very strong and can become bitter. It has a great flavor but only use it if you've been smoking for awhile.
What can I smoke besides meat?
This is where smoking gets really fun. Brisket and ribs are great, but once you start branching out, you'll be tossing everything in your smoker!
- Smoked mac and cheese - rich, creamy, and perfect as a side dish
- Smoked cream cheese - very simple and it's a fantastic appetizer
- Smoked corn on the cob - sweet and smoky, perfect for summer!
- Smoked tofu - tofu easily takes on a smoky flavor and can be used in all kinds of recipes
- Smoked seafood - salmon, shrimp, or scallops are all fantastic
- Smoked desserts - smoked peaches or cheesecake, for example
What should I smoke if I only have 1-2 hours?
If you're short on time, there are some smoker recipes that don't require a long cooking time. Smoked chicken wings, sausages, chicken thighs, and even smoked cream cheese are all fantastic choices that can be ready in under two hours.
Smoked tofu, shrimp, and vegetables like corn on the cob also cook fast and have enough time get a nice smoky flavor. Stick to smaller cuts and higher smoker temps (around 250-275°F) for quicker results.
You can even try smoking meat without a smoker!
How do you keep meat moist in a smoker?
Moisture is key for juicy, tender smoked meat. Start with a well-marbled cut (like pork butt or brisket), and keep your smoker's temperature low and steady, ideally between 225-250°F.
You can also use a water pan inside the smoker to add humidity (but avoid opening the lid too often if you try this method).
Brining meats ahead of time or spritzing them while they're cooking with a water-apple juice mixture also helps to keep meats nice and moist!
Should I wrap my meat in foil while smoking?
Wrapping meat is commonly used for larger cuts like brisket, pork butt, or ribs. Wrapping the meat in foil or butcher paper once the meat hits the "stall" (usually around 160°F internal temp) helps retain moisture and reduce cooking time. But follow the recommendations if you're using a recipe, as usually the writer will tell you if this is necessary.
What's the difference between dry rub and marinade when smoking?
Dry rubs are spice blends applied directly to the surface of the meat. They create a flavorful crust (or "bark") during the smoking process and are ideal for ribs, brisket, chicken, and pork.
Marinades are liquid-based and typically used for soaking the meat before smoking to both tenderize and infuse flavor.
You can even use both, just be sure to pat the meat dry before applying a rub over a marinade.
Essential Smoker Accessories
If you are planning on buying a smoker, or already have one, you may want to consider some of these accessories.
- Wood Chips & Chunks: These add heat when you need it and add extra smoke to your meats. There are different varieties of wood to add varying flavors such as hickory, maple, mesquite, oak, pecan, alder, apple, cherry, pine, and cedar.
- Temperature Controller: If your unit doesn't have one of these built in, you can buy an external one to help keep your temp regulated.
- Remote BBQ Thermometer: Keep an eye on the internal temp of your meat while you're smoking with a remote thermometer.
- Gloves: Get yourself a good pair of gloves to protect your hands from heat while adding and removing your meat and checking the temp while cooking.
Have a favorite smoker recipe that's not on our list? Leave a comment below and let us know!
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