16 Recipes That Will Convince You To Buy A Smoker (2024)

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!

16 Recipes That Will Convince You To Buy A Smoker (1)

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 sausageare weavedtogether 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!

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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!

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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!

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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 superjuicy! With this smoked chicken recipe, you'll never have to endure dry chicken again!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib With Garlic Herb Butter

8. Whole Smoked Turkey

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!

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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!

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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 lovemaking 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!

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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!

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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 meansa 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!

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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!

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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!

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Recipe: How To Make The Best Smoked Turkey Breast

15. Smoked Chuck Roast

A simple way to prepare beef, this chuck roastis 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 occasionduring the year!

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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 wingsso you can enjoy these every single timeyou make them!

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Recipe: How To Make The Best Smoked Chicken Wings Every Time

More BBQ Posts

  • Smoked Baby Back Ribs
  • Smoked Beef Short Ribs
  • Smoked Asparagus With Bacon
  • Quick and Easy Smoked Chicken Breasts

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16 Recipes That Will Convince You To Buy A Smoker (2024)

FAQs

What is the best food to smoke in a smoker? ›

Our top choices are brisket, pork shoulder (for pulled pork), pork chops, and ribs. You can also give our St. Louis Ribs a try in your new smoker. Beef brisket, pork shoulder, and ribs are three cuts that offer sufficient fat to keep them juicy and tender when done.

How to make a cheap homemade smoker? ›

Place a hot plate, a metal pie pan filled with wood chips, and a small grill grate in a terracotta pot. Place another, inverted pot on top for a makeshift hot smoker. Set a hot plate, a pie pan with wood chips, and a large grill plate into a galvanized steel trash can to assemble a quick cold smoker.

What meat can you smoke in 3 hours? ›

Smoke Times & Temperatures Chart
Type of MeatSmoking TempTime to Complete *
Fatties250°F2 hrs
Meat Loaf250 -300°F3 hrs
Meatballs (2 inch)250°F1 hr
Spare Ribs225-250°F5-6 hrs
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What to cook in a smoker for beginners? ›

Meats. Beef, pork, and chicken all work well in the smoker, but beginners should choose carefully to avoid wasting an expensive cut of meat. The most forgiving pieces of meat are pork, especially pork butt. Start here, making sure to garner as much information as possible on smoking any piece of meat.

What are super foods for smokers? ›

Consume a minimum of 2-3 servings of oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines per week to nourish the body with Omega-3 fatty acids. Reduce frying and replace it with baking, steaming, and grilling. Increase intake of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and cereals.

What meat absorbs smoke the best? ›

  • Brisket. Considered the king of smoked meats, brisket is famous for its flavorful, tender result after hours of smoking. ...
  • Short Ribs. Beef short ribs are another of the finest beef cuts to smoke. ...
  • Tri-Tip. ...
  • Chuck Roast. ...
  • Ribeye Roast. ...
  • Beef Ribs. ...
  • Sirloin Tip Roast. ...
  • Top Round Roast.
Aug 29, 2023

What is the simplest meat to smoke? ›

The best meats to smoke as a beginner
  • Boston Butt (Pulled Pork) If you're new to meat smoking, this is what we recommend starting with first. ...
  • Whole Chicken. ...
  • Beef Brisket. ...
  • Pork Ribs. ...
  • Lamb Shank. ...
  • Beef Cheeks. ...
  • Tomahawk Steak. ...
  • We're all about low and slow.
Sep 29, 2020

What are the hardest meats to smoke? ›

Brisket is BBQ royalty and one of the hardest and toughest meats to smoke. It takes many hours, dedication and each brisket has a journey and a story to tell.

What is the 3/2:1 rule for brisket? ›

First off, you'd smoke or bake the brisket at 225 degrees for 3 hours; then you'd wrap it in foil and keep cooking it for 2 hours. Finally, uncovered and cook for 1 more hour before letting it rest for a few minutes prior serving.

What is the first thing I should smoke in my smoker? ›

If you're new to smoking, pulled pork is an ideal way to get started. In fact, the hardest part is making sure you buy the right cut.

Which smoker gives the best flavor? ›

Our top pick is the Traeger Pro 575, a pellet grill that offers hands-off grilling and smoking without sacrificing flavor. For a more traditional charcoal smoker, the Char-Griller Grand Slam XD is a sturdy, offset model that imparts stellar smokiness and can hold big batches of food.

What you need to know before buying a smoker? ›

If you're not sure how to choose a smoker that will fit your needs, consider your budgetary restrictions, what level of convenience you're looking for, what size smoker you want, how versatile you want your smoker to be and, finally, what level of quality and durability you're looking for.

What foods to eat if you smoke? ›

Foods to Promote Lung Health
  • Apples. Due to the presence of the antioxidant quercetin, apples have been proven to reduce lung decline and even reduce lung damage caused by smoking. ...
  • Beets. ...
  • Pumpkin. ...
  • Tomatoes. ...
  • Leafy Greens.

What vegetables are good to smoke in a smoker? ›

Bradley Tips and Tricks
VegetableSmoking TimeSmoking Temperature
Mushrooms90 minutes100°C (225°F) or until soft
Onions2 hours100°C (225°F) or until soft
Potatoes2 hours100°C (225°F) or until soft
Tomatoes45 minutes95°C (200°F) or until the skin starts peeling
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Jan 13, 2023

What is the best flavor for smoking? ›

  • Hickory Strong, bold, bacon-y flavor. This great flavor works well with pork,
  • Maple. Mildly smoky, somewhat sweet flavor. ...
  • Mesquite. One of the strongest smokewood flavors. ...
  • Mulberry. A mild smoke with a sweet, tangy, blackberry-like flavor. ...
  • Oak. ...
  • Peach Mild, slightly sweet, woodsy flavor. ...
  • Pear. ...
  • Pecan.

What is the hardest food to smoke? ›

Brisket is BBQ royalty and one of the hardest and toughest meats to smoke. It takes many hours, dedication and each brisket has a journey and a story to tell.

References

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