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 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
  • Quick and Easy Smoked Chicken Breasts

👩‍🍳 Looking for more information about smoking meat? Are you looking for more smoker recipes? I recently published a smoking cookbook that contains 65 smoker recipes that anyone can make!

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!

Order your of Smoking Meat Made Easy copy today!

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.

What do you need when you buy a smoker? ›

Check out our BBQ Smoker FAQ for many of their most common questions, conveniently already covered!
  • Smoking Wood Chips & Chunks. ...
  • BBQ Smoker Temperature Controllers. ...
  • Remote BBQ Thermometers. ...
  • Smoking Drip Pans. ...
  • Spray Bottles. ...
  • Basting Brushes. ...
  • Marinators & Injectors. ...
  • Heat Resistant Gloves.

What are the benefits of cooking with a smoker? ›

Smoked foods have a longer shelf life than conventionally cooked meats, reducing food waste and ensuring freshness. Moreover, smoking can enhance the tenderness of meats. The prolonged exposure to low heat breaks down tough connective tissues, resulting in tender, succulent dishes that practically melt in your mouth.

Why do people like smoked food? ›

Smoked meat is the result of a method of preparing red meat, white meat, and seafood which originated in the Paleolithic Era. Smoking adds flavor, improves the appearance of meat through the Maillard reaction, and when combined with curing it preserves the meat.

Which smoker gives the best flavor? ›

Hardwood and charcoal are the fuel of choice for smoking purists. This combination creates a high smoke output that maximizes smokey flavor. Maintaining a consistent low temperature takes time to learn, though, and it makes more of a mess.

What's the easiest thing to smoke? ›

The best meats to smoke are meats with a high amount of collagen and fats such as pork shoulder, beef briskets, beef cheeks and rib. The connective tissues and fats breakdown during the cooking process which will keep the meat moist and tender.

What is the best type of smoker for beginners? ›

The easiest type of smoker to operate is an electric smoker. As was mentioned above, these are more of a “set it” and “forget it” model, making them ideal for those who either don't care to learn the ins and outs of traditional smoking or don't want to bother with a whole-day chore.

How do I find the best smoker? ›

Final Considerations When Buying a Smoker
  1. Look for a smoker with great insulation. Heat and smoke retention are among the most important parts of low-and-slow smoking, which makes great insulation a must. ...
  2. Airflow & Temperature. ...
  3. Wood Chips & Chunks. ...
  4. Water Pans & Water Smokers.

What are the best smokers for the money? ›

More
  • Best Overall: Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24" Vertical Smoker » ...
  • Best Budget: Cuisinart 16-Inch Vertical Charcoal Smoker » ...
  • Best Vertical: Dyna-Glo Signature Series DGSS1382VCS-D Heavy-Duty Vertical Offset Charcoal Smoker & Grill » ...
  • Best Pellet: Z GRILLS 7002C Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker »

Why use a smoker instead of a grill? ›

Your smoker's heat source slowly generates smoke at a controlled rate and temperature, which gives your food a distinct flavor and cooks it over time. The indirect heat lets you cook meat, veggies, and other foods thoroughly without worrying about things getting out of hand.

Can a smoker stay healthy? ›

When it comes to cancer prevention, the damaging effects of smoking can't be reversed by exercise or a healthy diet. There's no such thing as a healthy smoker - especially when it comes to cancer prevention.

Is a smoker better than a BBQ? ›

In terms of flavour, both BBQ and smoking offer a unique and delicious taste that is beloved by many. BBQ offers a smoky, charred flavour that is often associated with summer and outdoor cooking, while smoking offers a more rich, smoky flavour that can be enhanced with different types of wood chips or seasonings.

Why is smoked food so tasty? ›

A: The science behind BBQ is the combination of heat, smoke, and the Maillard reaction. Heat helps to break down the proteins and fats in the meat, while smoke adds flavor and aroma. The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that creates the delicious flavor and aroma of BBQ.

Why is smoked meat so tasty? ›

Smoking is the process by which we achieve the delightful meat jello and rendered fat. The smoke created from burning hardwood breaks down the cellulose in said wood. This cellulose turns into sugar, which caramelizes creating flavor.

Why is smoked meat harmful? ›

The grilling and smoking processes that give meats that charred appearance and smoky flavor generate some potentially cancer-causing compounds in the food. Charred, blackened areas of the meat – particularly well-done cuts - contain heterocyclic aromatic amines.

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 can you smoke quickly in a smoker? ›

Simple, quick, and easy-to-cook foods like beef ribs, pork chops, turkey, duck, and salmon are the finest meats to smoke for a beginner. This will give you a solid foundation on food smoking before moving on to more luscious and flavorful meats like brisket, lamb, pork butt, and tri-tip.

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
10 more rows
Jan 13, 2023

What can you smoke in a smoker besides meat? ›

Best Foods to Smoke That Aren't From the Meat Department
  • Whole Cabbage Head. Cook this baby at around 225 degrees Fahrenheit. ...
  • Tomatoes. Why limit yourself to basic pasta sauces and salsas? ...
  • Cheese. Yes, you can smoke cheese. ...
  • Butter and Cream. These products require a cold-smoke environment. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Salt. ...
  • Ketchup.

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