We’ve rounded up some of the best smoker recipes for you, so you can make the most out of your smoker, and really see the full potential of this popular cooking tool.
But first, if you are new to the world of smokers, here’s what you need to know about them.
Scroll Down for the Smoker Recipes ⬇
What Is A Smoker?
Smokers are a type of cooking apparatus designed to cook food in a smoky environment at a low temperature. Smokers are often used to prepare barbecue style meats, but it is equally efficient at preparing a variety of vegetables and other ingredients.
There are many different styles of smokers on the market today, including small electric smokers, propane/gas smokers, vertical smokers, kamado smokers, wood smokers, pellet smokers, and cold smokers, to name a few. Choosing the best smoker will be best determined by your budget, how often you plan to use it, how much space you have available for it, and if you are purchasing one for home use or retail use.
If you are a regular home chef looking to add a smoker to your repertoire, you may want to consider one of the Weber brand vertical smokers as they aren’t too big and bulky, and they are reasonably priced. Alternatively, the larger grill-style smokers are about the same size as a traditional outdoor grill, usually can be used for regular grilling, and while slightly higher in price, can still be a budget-friendly option.
What Types Of Fuel Do Smokers Use?
Smokers come with a variety of fuel types. Here’s a quick overview of each.
Charcoal Smokers: Like old charcoal grills, smokers can use charcoal as a primary fuel source. You can use charcoal to get the fire going, then add wood chips to infuse your foods.
Gas and Propane Smokers: Just like your gas grill, smokers can use propane/natural gas. This is a good choice for beginners as temperature regulation is easier on these units.
Pellet Smokers: Small wooden pellets are used as the primary fuel source. Wood pellets are great for maintaining steady temperatures.
Electric Smokers: Electric smokers are easy to manage temperatures so they are great for beginners, but the downfall to these is a reduction of the smokiness.
Who Should Buy A Smoker
If you grill a lot of meat, smokers are a great alternative to traditional grilling. Smokers add a great, smoky flavor essential to world-class barbecue and the meat comes out tender and juicy. And unless you’re getting a giant commercial smoker, today’s home smokers are easy to use and don’t take up more space than the average outdoor barbecue grill. There are even smaller, portable options on the market so you can still have a smoker, even in smaller spaces.
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.
What Can You Cook On A Smoker?
Smokers are mostly used for cooking meat and poultry, but can also be used for cooking seafood, vegetables, and fruits. Smokers are great for everything from Tri Tip to Cabbage and even tofu. We have a great list of recipes for you to try. If you’re ready to fire up your skills on the smoker, check out this list of the best smoker recipes.
If you don’t have a smoker try these methods to smoke meats without a smoker and discover these ingredients that will infuse a bit of smokiness into your dishes.
The Smoker Recipes List
We've rounded up some of the best smoker recipes for you, so you can make the most out of your smoker, and really see the full potential of this popular cooking tool.
3-2-1 Method Smoked Ribs
Easy as 3, 2, 1. Just 3 hours in the smoker, 2 hours wrapped, 1 hour with sauce.
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 Pulled Pork Shoulder Recipe (Pork Butt)
Not only does a perfectly smoked pulled pork shoulder taste divine but it's also fun to pull apart the pork with a meat claw.
Smoked Chicken (whole)
This smoked chicken is made with a whole bird.
Smoked Tri-Tip Recipe
This straight-forward smoker method yields a tender, juicy smoked tri tip that is full of flavor!
Smoked Bacon
Smoked bacon is incredibly easy to make. All you need is a smoker and bacon.
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 Pork Loin
This versatile cut smokes relatively quickly and is bursting with a sweet-smoky flavor.
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.
Ultimate Smoked Turkey Recipe (How to Smoke a Turkey)
This smoked turkey recipe is a super easy Thanksgiving or holiday meal that won’t take up any oven space!
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 Sausage
Smoking juicy, flavorful sausage with deep smoky flavors is one of the easiest things you can do with a smoker.
Smoked Chicken Thighs
Everything is better in the smoker and these smoked chicken thighs are no exception!
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 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 Chicken Breast
Smoked chicken breast are deliciously juicy and smoked to perfection and a very quick and easy smoker recipe.
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 Pork Belly Recipe
Smoked pork belly is an easy and delicious recipe and perfect as an appetizer, side dish or main course.
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.
Smoked Turkey Legs
Learn how to smoke turkey that tastes just like the legs you find at fairs, festivals and even Disneyland.
Smoked Ham
This smoked ham recipe has a delicious smoky flavor with a maple brown sugar and bourbon glaze.
Smoked Corned Beef Recipe
The smoke wonderfully enhances the salty flavors of corned beef.
Easy Smoked Fish Recipe
Learn how to smoke any type of fish in a smoker.
Smoked Beer Can Chicken
Simply add beer and smoke and you have a perfectly cooked, beer-infused, smoky chicken meal.
Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Eat healthy with incredibly lean pork tenderloin without sacrificing flavor with this recipe.
Smoked Turkey Breast
Moist, juicy and full of flavor smoked turkey breast is perfect for an easy Sunday dinner or a festive holiday meal.
Smoked Baby Back Ribs Recipe
This recipe results in smoky, pull-apart tender and succulent baby back ribs.
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.
Smoked Chicken Legs
Coated with a dry rub and then cooked in flavorful smoke these smoked chicken legs are perfect for summer.
Smoked Oysters
Don't confuse these oysters with the canned things. Freshly smoked oysters deliver flavor and taste in every bite.
Perfectly Smoked Steak (Ribeye)
One of the best methods to cook steak is by smoking it. The results are delicious!
Smoked Beef Short Ribs
These smoked beef short ribs have a flavorful, crispy bark with a beefy, tender inside.
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 Trout + Smoked Trout Dip
This easy recipe shows you how to smoke trout and create a creamy smoked trout dip.
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.
How to Smoke Beef Jerky
This easy jerky recipe results in delicious strips of homemade smoked beef jerky.
Smoked Spare Ribs
These smoked spare ribs have a dry rub and a tasty Texas-style barbecue sauce.
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 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 Al Pastor Tacos Recipe
These smoked tacos are made with pork butt and marinated in a pineapple chili red sauce.
Smoked Pulled Chicken
This smoked pulled chicken is juicy and tender with an excellent smoky flavor.
How to Smoke Shrimp
Smoking shrimp is a quick and easy smoker recipe and adds tasty but subtle smoke flavor.
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 Tofu
In case you have any vegans or vegetarians at your next BBQ try making this smoked tofu recipe so nobody feels left out.
Try These Sides To Serve With Your Smoked Meat!
- Smoked Cabbage With Chili Lime Butter
- Smoked Mac & Cheese
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Creamed Corn Two Ways
- Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
- Buttermilk Cornbread
- 80+ Taco Toppings - March 20, 2024
- 150+ Pizza Topping Ideas - February 20, 2024
- Lentil Soup With Ham - February 14, 2024