Who says smoking is only for summer time? I've got 16 of the best smoker recipes that will make you want to buy a smoker. When it comes to cooking on your smoker, there are countless possibilities you can enjoy all year!
I love using my smoker to smoke meat and side dishes! Beef, pork, seafood, chicken...you name it and I'll smoke it. The smoker is one of the best purchases I've ever made! I'm able to make recipes like this smoked bacon wrapped meatloaf stuffed with cheese and these sweet and juicy beef brisket burnt ends.
I'm sharing some of my all time favorite smoker recipes. You'll find the best meats to smoke that are good for both beginners and experienced pitmasters! From smoking baby back ribs using the 2-2-1 method to making a smoked pork butt for pulled pork sandwiches, you'll get all the expert tips for making the best smoker recipes that everyone will enjoy!
Jump to:
- 1. Bacon Explosion
- 2. Chinese BBQ Pork
- 3. Smoked Mac and Cheese
- 4. Applewood Smoked Whole Chicken
- 5. Smoked Ham Recipe
- 6. Smoked Lobster Tail
- 7. Easy Smoked Prime Rib
- 8. Whole Smoked Turkey
- 9. Smoked Brisket
- 10. Buttery Smoked Corn On The Cob
- 11. Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
- 12. Smoked Pork Butt Tacos
- 13. Quick Smoked Salmon Recipe
- 14. Smoked Turkey Breast
- 15. Smoked Chuck Roast
- 16. Barbecue Smoked Chicken Wings
- More BBQ Posts
1. Bacon Explosion
Who doesn't love bacon?! This smoker recipe is perfect for a summer get together, picnic or BBQ. Easy to prep, the bacon and sausage are weaved together and it only takes 3 hours to smoke! Incredible juicy flavor in every bite!
Try pairing this with these hickory smoked green beans with bacon and this smoked velveeta mac and cheese!
Recipe: How To Smoke A Bacon Bomb (Bacon Explosion)
2. Chinese BBQ Pork
Sweet and spicy sums the flavor up perfectly! Delicious and authentic char siu is achievable to make in your own kitchen. Pork shoulder and tofu is used to make this sweet and sticky Chinese BBQ pork and it's out-of-this-world delicious!
Try serving it with this easy rice pilaf recipe and these balsamic green beans and mushrooms!
Recipe: Sweet and Sticky Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
3. Smoked Mac and Cheese
Did you know you can smoke macaroni and cheese? Who would have thought? Every good smoked meat needs some good side dishes. And this smoked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor! Top it with scallions, bacon, or parsley!
Recipe: Smoked Macaroni and Cheese
4. Applewood Smoked Whole Chicken
Smoking a chicken is so EASY! Wow your taste buds with this melt-in-your-mouth Applewood Smoked Chicken! Prepped with a brown sugar, smoky paprika, and garlic based rub, this smoked chicken tastes amazing! And it's super juicy! With this smoked chicken recipe, you'll never have to endure dry chicken again!
Recipe: How To Smoke A Whole Chicken
5. Smoked Ham Recipe
A fail proof smoker recipe! You really can't mess up this BBQ smoked ham because it's already fully cooked. Add several slices of this homemade compound cranberry honey butter and put it on the ham before smoking. Soon, you'll end up with a delicious smoked ham with the most delicious and succulent sweet crust!
And it's perfect for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving or even a summer BBQ! It pairs perfectly with these smoked mini potatoes!
Recipe: Easy Smoked Ham with Cranberry Compound Butter
6. Smoked Lobster Tail
Smoked Lobster is super easy to make and this recipe only calls for 3 ingredients! These smoked lobster tails are huge on flavor and elegance. Make sure to dip the meat in melted butter or this melted garlic herb compound butter!
Recipe: Easy Smoked Lobster Tail
7. Easy Smoked Prime Rib
This smoked garlic butter prime rib has a Montreal seasoning rub and is incredibly juicy! Smoked low and slow, this steak forms the most incredible outer bark that is full of succulent flavor in every bite! Try serving this alongside these creamy mashed potatoes.
Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib With Garlic Herb Butter
8. Whole Smoked Turkey
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Smoking a whole turkey is easy and is guaranteed to be juicy if you smoke it to 165°F. You'll brine the turkey for extra juiciness, flavor, and tenderness. Then, you'll massage a rub to perfectly season that turkey. Last, smoke that turkey on the smoker low and slow, basting with a butter-based solution. Absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Recipe: How To Smoke A Whole Turkey
9. Smoked Brisket
When you slow smoke a beef brisket, it's incredibly juicy and absolutely explodes with flavor! But have you ever experienced "the stall"? If so, there is a simple way to get around it. And in this recipe post, there are step-by-step instructions that teaches you how to get past the stall!
Recipe: How To Smoke A Beef Brisket
10. Buttery Smoked Corn On The Cob
If you love to grill corn on the cob, then you're going to love making it on the smoker! Buttery describes this corn perfectly! Smoked corn on the cob is an easy and crazy flavorful way to spice up this staple side dish! And it's a must have companion for this smoked tri tip and these easy smoked chicken thighs!
Recipe: Buttery Smoked Corn On The Cob
11. Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
I love to cut up a chicken and smoke individual pieces! Or you can buy the prepackaged at a local grocery store. If you want to smoke meat that doesn't take all day, then chicken quarters work amazing on the smoker! We're talking 2 hours of smoke time instead of the typical 6-13 hours of smoking! Try using this easy homemade BBQ sauce with this recipe!
Recipe: How To Smoke Chicken Leg Quarters
12. Smoked Pork Butt Tacos
"Pork butt" is a cut from the shoulder of the pig. This cut of meat has a lot of marbling which means a lot of tender meat! So why this cut of meat? Versatility! I'm feature some tacos but you can also use this cut to make pulled pork sandwiches! Looking to spice up a homemade pizza? Yep - add some pulled pork and melt the cheese!
Recipe: How To Make Smoked Pork Butt Tacos
13. Quick Smoked Salmon Recipe
Smoking salmon filets is easy, fast, and crazy flavorful! With only 5 simple ingredients, this salmon will be ready in less than 2 hours! It's the perfect addition to your morning bagel, a protein packed topping for any salad, and the perfect dinner, especially when paired with these crockpot potatoes and these smoked tomatoes!
Recipe: Brown Sugar Smoked Salmon
14. Smoked Turkey Breast
If you don't feel like messing with the whole turkey, just smoke the turkey breast. And brining will help add a lot of moisture to the white meat. Juicy and delicious, it's easy to smoked and turns out moist, tender, and full of flavor every time!
Recipe: How To Make The Best Smoked Turkey Breast
15. Smoked Chuck Roast
A simple way to prepare beef, this chuck roast is covered in a simple garlic and herb butter rub that forms the most flavorful bark. It truly is the most perfect meal for dinner on a weekend any occasion during the year!
Recipe: Smoked Chuck Roast Recipe
16. Barbecue Smoked Chicken Wings
If you've never smoked wings before, you're going to be amazed at how quick and easy it is! Not only are these tender and juicy, but they are the best wings that you can make at home! You'll get step-by-step instructions to master the art of smoking chicken wings so you can enjoy these every single time you make them!
Recipe: How To Make The Best Smoked Chicken Wings Every Time
More BBQ Posts
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Whether you're new to the practice or just want to brush up on the basics, Smoking Meat Made Easy is your ultimate guide to backyard smoking.
Master the best smoker recipes and the most flavorful techniques with dozens of options that are easy to follow. And, all these smoker recipes will work with any type of smoker!
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Amy Liu Dong
This is definitely a big reason for me to buy a smoker, and I am so ready to share this with my husband. All these recipes are delicious!
Amanda Mason
Yes- they are all amazing! I've made every single one of these and can attest they are fantastic!!
Ann
Our smoker was one of the best things we have ever bought! I find myself using it all of the time! Definitely worth the money!
Amanda Mason
100% agree with you!!
Amy Liu Dong
These are all delicious, and now I am decided to buy a smoker to make these recipes for my family!
Amanda Mason
You will be so glad you did!
Jamie
Wow! These smoked recipes look incredibly delicious! It a mouth-watering, it's very enticing and tempting! A complete list of recipes for any given occasion! I'll definitely get a smoker!
Amanda Mason
It will be one of the best purchases you make!
Steven R Coursey
Hi Amanda
Just purchased my first smoker and found your applewood smoked recipe and it was a hit with the family. I smoked it for 5 hours and the internal temp was around 155 not 165 as suggested. I had the temp around 180-200 c for the entire time so not sure why the internal temp didn't reach the 165F. Anyway it was defiantly cooked and was delish so thanks for the rub recipe. I'll try your smoked salmon next.
Amanda Mason
Hi Steven!! I'm SO glad the chicken turned out so great! It's a favorite for sure! I can't wait to hear how the next recipe turns out for you!!
Norm Maw
Just found your site it sounds pretty good. Just got my pitboss a major upgrade from our traeger so its time to get serious.
Amanda Mason
Nice!! Congrats on the new pitboss!! Yes! Let's get to smoking!! I cant wait to hear what recipes of mine you try so let me know!!
Jeffrey
I have a few for you,the Mac and cheese of course however mine is different containing bacon chicken mushrooms fine chopped smoked sweet peppers and a little jalapeno pepper fine chopped and swiss cheese and just a touch of white truffle,I also am playing with smoked pears and smoked caramel sauce put over vanilla ice cream with cinnamon or chili powder in moderation, needles to say I have cooked once or twice,it's a fun art, don't forget your side salad with arugula and nasturtium flowers,
Amanda Mason
I'm so glad you are having fun with the recipes!! And yes - there are SO MANY wonderful foods to smoke! The options are truly endless! Enjoy!
Alex H
Smoker has arrived, itโs time to get getting it done. Your recipes are inspiring!
Amanda Mason
Thank you, Alex!! I can't wait to hear what you make and how it turns out!
Jenny
Hi amanda!
Thanks for the tips on smoking recipes. Just started today on my smoked recipes journey so excited to try some of these. However, number 2 on your list is really confusing because you said itโs Chinese (the char Sui is Chinese) but then you said itโs korean ingredients so maybe you can clarify which it is? Obviously, those are completely different, so please let us know if itโs korean or Chinese because it canโt be both(:
Amanda Mason
Hi Jenny! Thanks for calling that out! It's Chinese. I fixed the typo. Thanks!!
dwb1957
Of course it can be both.
Bo
Just bought a Pitboss pellet smoker and I will be trying some of these
Amanda Mason
I can't wait to hear which recipes you try and which ones you like best!
Harold Browning
Thanks Amanda. Just got a smoker can't wait to try those recipes.
Amanda Mason
Yeah Harold!! Let me know which ones you try and how they turn out!!!
Max Morter
My favorite one I started doing is a bacon wrapped stuffed pork loin filet pork loin and add cream cheese ranch seasoning pepperoncinis and artichoke hearts as well as most things garlic always helps. Wrap in bacon and tie closed with butcher twine
Amanda Mason
Sounds amazing! Love your modifications!!!!
Max Morter
It's always a hit give it a try. I just kinda made it up after everyone doin wrapped meatloaf
Amanda Mason
Hi Max! So glad you love the recipe!!