42 Must-Try Smoker Recipes: Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, and More

Don’t stick to the same old barbeque favorites. When it comes to what you can cook on a smoker, the choices are unlimited.

We’ve collected a selection of our favorite smoker recipes for everyone from the newbie to the seasoned pitmaster.

We’ve got some terrific takes on barbecue classics, as well as some delectable sides and smokey beverages.

The best smoker recipes for beginners and pitmasters alike

1. Smoked Pulled Pork

Have you brought your first smoker and are unsure where to begin? Our Smoked Pulled Pork is an excellent smoker recipe to get you started on your pitmaster adventure.

Pork butt is a forgiving cut that is also reasonably priced, making it an excellent option for your first foray into grilling.

We’ve also included recipes for a simple homemade pork rub and BBQ sauce to ensure optimum taste.

Smoking Your First Pork Butt: Easy Pulled Pork Recipe

2. Texas Style Smoked Beef Short Ribs

When it comes to these huge meaty smoked beef ribs, nothing comes close.

They may take a bit longer to cook than your ordinary pork rib, but the effort is well worth it.

Cooked in the Texas way, we kept it simple with a minimal rub. This allows the beef to be the star of the show while still ensuring a thick, crusty bark.

These ribs are also on our list of the top pellet grill recipes, but they can be cooked on any smoker.

Try the Creamy Coleslaw and Smoked Baked Beans with your ribs.

Recipe: BBQ Beef Short Ribs

3. Smoked Pork Ribs: Using The 3-2-1 Method

The 3-2-1 technique removes the guesswork from smoking ribs, making it one of the finest smoker recipes for inexperienced Pitmasters, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use it if you’re an expert Pitmaster as well.

The 3-2-1 process produces fall-off-the-bone beef that is then coated with our own BBQ sauce.

This is also a terrific technique to prepare a large amount of ribs for a party; the heavy labor is done before your guests arrive.

Recipe: Smoked Pork Ribs: 3-2-1 Method

4. Hot and Fast BBQ Brisket

BBQ Brisket is one of the greatest and most popular smoked meats.Is it, however, the ultimate BBQ challenge?

If you follow our recipe, suggestions, and tactics for cooking your brisket hot and quick, you’ll have a very moist brisket in no time.

If you have leftovers, try these Texas Twinkies.

Recipe: Hot and Fast BBQ Brisket

5. BBQ Brisket Burnt Ends

The point end of a brisket is used to make these charred ends. While the bark forms, the point is smoked whole before being chopped into cubes and smoked in a sauce bath until tender.

If you don’t want to purchase an entire brisket, cook chuck steak burned ends instead.

BBQ Brisket Burnt Ends Recipe

6. Smoked Lamb Shoulder

Many people are unfamiliar with cooking lamb, particularly on a smoker.

Because it is a little fattier cut of beef with a gamey taste, it is an excellent option for a beginner pitmaster.

One of the best things about lamb is that it can be flavored in a variety of ways: Moroccan, Portuguese, Asian, or try our Smoked Lamb Shoulder with a Mediterranean twist.

Recipe: Smoked Lamb Shoulder

7. Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends

If you like bacon, you will enjoy these Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends.

The bark is crunchy on the exterior and wet on the inside.They could even replace your beloved brisket charred ends.

These magnificent bits of caramelized pork candy are delicious as finger food or packed on slider buns with a dash of BBQ sauce.

Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends

8. BBQ Spatchcock Chicken

Should you spatchcock or not? If you’re nervous about doing this, just follow our easy instructions and you’ll be an expert in no time.

Spatchcocking is a terrific BBQ technique because you get more surface area, which means more rub, and the cook time is much shorter.

To prevent rubbery skin, our chicken is cooked at a high temperature and finished with a lovely coating of BBQ sauce.

Smoked Spatchcock Chicken with Smokey BBQ Sauce Recipe

9. Smoke Prime Rib

This Christmas favorite is often prepared in the oven, but there is no reason why prime rib cannot be prepared on the smoker.

Because this is a huge cut, you should utilize the reverse sear technique, which involves smoking low and slow as the temperature gradually rises before concluding with a hot sear for the ultimate crust.

Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib

10. Smoked Tri-Tip

I like smoking tri-tip because you can finish it in little over an hour. I prefer to smoke tri tip to acquire some smoky flavor before finishing with a short sear, much as I do with prime rib.

Use a basic SPG seasoning or try our beef rub for greater taste depth.

Recipe: Smoked Tri-Tip

11. Double Smoked Ham with Maple Mustard Glaze

When celebrating a holiday or preparing for a large group, a leg of ham makes an excellent centerpiece.

We’ll teach you how to score the classic diamond pattern, smoke low and slow to maintain juiciness, and finish with our delicious maple and mustard glaze.

Double Smoked Ham with Maple and Honey Mustard Glaze Recipe

Related: Pineapple Maple Glazed Twice Smoked Spiral Ham

12. Smoked Buffalo Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

We’re not recreating the wheel here, but rather assisting you in perfecting it.

We’ll reveal our secret to getting super crispy skin on your chicken wings. Perfect with some fiery hot sauce and relaxing blue cheese sauce!

Recipe: Smoked Buffalo Wings

13. Easy Smoked Chicken Breast

Overcooking a chicken breast might result in a very dry piece of inedible flesh.

Every time, it was all about the delicate, delicious chicken breast.

We prefer to use a brine bath, a little rub, a glaze, and a low and slow cook to produce the greatest chicken breasts you’ve ever tasted.

Recipe: Easy Smoked Chicken Breast

14. Smoked Chicken Thighs

A simple yet delicious smoker recipe. While this dish cooks quickly in comparison to many others, for the best results, marinade the chicken overnight or for at least 4 hours.

This recipe also contains a delicious chicken rub that you’ll want to make again and over.

Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs

15. Smoked Turkey

Spatchcocking and smoking are unquestionably the greatest ways to prepare your Thanksgiving turkey.

It not only reduces cooking time but also increases skin area, resulting in more herb-encrusted skin.

You’ll get the most delicious gravy with the vegetables sitting beneath your turkey collecting all the juices, and if you still want stuffing, try our Crisp and Tender Smoked Sausage Stuffing.

Recipe: Smoked Turkey

16. Smoked Turkey Breast Texas Style

If preparing a large bird isn’t your thing for Thanksgiving, a smoked turkey breast could be precisely what you’re looking for.

We add flavor with a simple Texas-style rub and offer you some helpful recommendations to ensure your turkey breast is moist every time.

Recipe: Smoked Turkey Breast

17. Smoked Picanha

This cut of beef is quite affordable and may be sliced and cooked as steaks, but I like to leave it whole and smoke it before finishing with a short sear for a beautiful crust.

Recipe: Smoked Picanha

18. Smoked Meatloaf

A classic dish loved by families.

Ours is grilled on a pellet barbecue and topped with a sweet BBQ sauce.Plus, we’ll show you how to keep your meatloaf moist and tender while optimizing the smokey taste.

Serve with Herb Roasted Potato Salad or Brazilian Cilantro Garlic Bread and greens.

Recipe: Smoked Meatloaf with Homemade BBQ Glaze

19. Smoked Pulled Beef

Although not as popular as pulled pork, beef is quite adaptable once smoked; think tacos, sandwiches, pies, and pasta.

We’re smoking a complete piece of Flat Iron Steak and seasoning it with our coffee rub, which, as in a chocolate cake, doesn’t taste like coffee and just improves the flavor.

Recipe: Smoked Pulled Beef with Coffee Rib

20. Smoked Beef Jerky

This is maybe the only low and slow BBQ recipe where you want your protein to be dry.

We walk you through selecting your protein, slicing it so it doesn’t grow tough, smoking techniques, and a marinade to achieve the iconic beef jerky taste.

No more Jack Links!

Recipe: How to Make Smoked Beef Jerky

21. Smoked Bacon

Bacon improves everything!And smoking bacon at home might alter your life.

You have options: nitrate-free, ethically reared, taste and smoke intensity of your choosing, and, best of all, thick or thin slices.

Its a labor of love but well worth it.

Recipe: How to Smoke Your Own Bacon at Home

22. Smoked Chicken Maryland

Chicken cooked directly over lump charcoal, the fat drains into the hot coals and transforms into delicious smoke, this is charcoal chicken, my friends.

Add a delicious rub and a sweet BBQ sauce to the mix for a tender and juicy Smoked Chicken Maryland.

Recipe: Smoked Chicken Maryland

23. Easy BBQ Pulled Pork

We’ve kept our BBQ Pulled Pork recipe simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in taste.

Shred this pork to serve with traditional BBQ sides or to make Leftover BBQ Pulled Pork Smoked Tacos or Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos.

Recipe: Easy BBQ Pulled Pork

24. Smoked Beef Cheeks (Barbacoa) Tacos

Beef cheeks are ideal for slow, low-and-slow barbecue grilling.

These well-muscled morsels transform into velvety soft, smoked beef bliss and make an excellent taco basis; try them with our handmade fresh and tangy salsa.

Recipe: Smoked Beef Cheeks (Barbacoa) Tacos

25. Grilled Lamb Backstrap

This lovely cut of lamb is taking me down the Mediterranean route.

Using our easy method of filling the lamb backstrap with feta and spinach and grilling over high heat eliminates any concerns about drying out this leaner cut.

This is also an excellent dish for a dinner party.You may prepare everything up to the point of cooking earlier in the day and then throw it on the grill when your guests arrive.Cook it ahead of time and serve it at room temperature.

Grilled Lamb Backstrack Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Recipe

26. Smoked Duck Breasts

Duck breasts with a coating of smoke go together.When combined with our cherry orange sauce, it’s a marriage made in heaven.

We cook the duck breast with an indirect heat smoke that is higher than normal, followed by a brief sear over high heat to render some fat and crisp up the skin.

Smoked Duck Breast with Cherry and Orange Sauce Recipe

27. Smoked and Fried Buttermilk Chicken Thighs

What could be more delicious than fried chicken?Of course, smoked fried chicken.

Chicken thighs are ideal for smoking and then frying since they are somewhat fattier than breast and will not dry out readily.

To assure the crispiest results, we twice dunk and dredge.

Serve them plain with honey or this Blue Cheese Sauce, or stuff them onto burger buns with Southern Style Coleslaw.

Thighs of Smoked and Fried Buttermilk Chicken

228. Hot Smoked Salmon

We should consume more of this healthful meal.And once you’ve tasted it, we’re sure it’ll become a regular on your menu.

We brined it overnight and then smoked it at a high temperature.This gives it a flaky texture as compared to cold smoked salmon’s velvety feel.

Serve it with cooked fresh potatoes, sour cream, and a dusting of dill.

Recipe: Hot Smoked Salmon

29. Texas Twinkies

A Texas Twinkie is like a Jalapeo Popper on crack, and they may be quite addicting.

Need we say more? Smoky, spicy, sweet, cheesy bliss wrapped in bacon.We like to double up on the brisket and bacon by adding it to the cream cheese mixture.

These go well with Blue Cheese Sauce and Wedges on the side, and don’t forget the icy cold beer!

Recipe: Texas Twinkies

30. Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Tenderloin is a boneless, lean and tender piece of pork that runs down the backbone.

We show you how to smoke it quickly and easily while keeping it moist and flavorful by wrapping it in salty prosciutto and coating it with a sweet maple sauce.

It complements these sides well. Slaw with apples and beets and herb-roasted potatoes.

Recipe: Smoked Pork Tenderloin

31. Smoked Beef Shank

Most individuals would probably not consider using beef shank for pulled meat.

We choose it because it has a larger surface area, which means more tasty bark, and the meat remains juicy and soft, making it ideal for tacos, nachos, or sliders.

Recipe: Tender Smoked Beef Shank

32. Smoked Venison Meatball Stroganoff

A little variation on traditional stroganoff, yet as delicious.

We smoke the meatballs for 30 minutes after cooking them on the stovetop to bring out the earthy taste of the venison.

You may cook your mushrooms on the stovetop as we do, or if you want to add additional smokey flavor to your stroganoff, try smokey Garlic Butter Mushrooms.

Stroganoff with Smoked Venison Meatballs and Baby Bella Mushrooms

33. Smoked Pastrami

Making pastrami is simple, but there are many stages required.

But after you’ve had this juicy, smokey homemade version, you’ll never go back to the store.

And after you’ve had your fill of Reuben sandwiches, you’ll undoubtedly have leftovers, so try these Pastrami and Cheese Croquettes; you won’t be disappointed.

Recipe: How to Make Pastrami Step by Step Guide

34. Homemade BBQ Sauce

The ideal condiment.Barbecue sauce.What doesn’t this go with?

Our version is easy to create and has the ideal combination of sweet and spicy flavors.

After 12 hours of perfecting your barbeque, you’ll receive a lot more joy from seeing your buddies smother it in your homemade barbeque sauce.

Recipe: Homemade BBQ Sauce

35. Smoked Chicken Wings with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

These chicken wings make the perfect appetizer.

With their crispy exterior and mouthwatering garlic and parmesan sauce, you’ll want to double this recipe so you don’t have to battle over them.

Many chicken smoker recipes ask for low temperatures of 225-250F. They should be ignored.

To obtain excellent crispy skin on smoked chicken, heat it over 300F.

Smoked Chicken Wings with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

36. Smoked Baked Beans with Bacon

This spicy side dish has a lot of flavor.

Beans are one of the most popular and popular side dishes to offer with BBQ.

We’ll show you how to create smoked beans and provide a variety of alternatives so you can personalize them with your favorite tastes.

Make our BBQ Sundaes with any leftover BBQ.

Recipe: Smoked Baked Beans

37. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

The ideal snack or side dish, they are easy to prepare yet deliver a powerful punch.

Our filled jalapeos are loaded with cheese, then wrapped in bacon and cooked over high heat.

Have a cold beer handy!

Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeo Poppers

38. Smoked Mac and Cheese

What could be simpler than one-pan smoked mac & cheese? One of the nicest parts about having a smoker is that you can use it to prepare foods that would typically need the oven.

We’ve done away with cooking pasta and sweating over bechamel sauce; everything is now combined in one large platter then smoked.

We’ve also given this meal a number of decadent modifications.Let’s just say you shouldn’t eat this every day, but everything in moderation, right?

Recipe: Easy Smoked Mac and Cheese

39. Smoked Deviled Eggs

She’s an old-fashioned dish seeing a revival.

We’re giving these eggs our own spin by smoking them, then peeling them and returning them to the smoker to infuse the whites with extra smoke flavor before stuffing them with a sweet, spicy mixture.

TIP! Make sure your BBQ is on a flat surface.

Recipe: Smoked Deviled Eggs

40. Smoked Cocktails

Beer goes well with BBQ, but a cocktail has its place as well.

We offer five drinks that are either smoked or have a grilled component.

You’ll be able to experiment with your favorite drinks after you’ve mastered a few methods such as smoked ice, smokey honey, smoked salt, and how to smoke liquids using a smoking gun.

Recipe: Smoked Cocktail Recipes

41. Smoked Turkey Legs: Better Than Disney

There’s nothing like strolling about with a massive chunk of smoked meat in your palm like a caveman.

It is really simple to smoke your own turkey legs at home. You don’t even have to brine them like other Disney Copycat recipes. Using traditional BBQ spices in the rub and sauce will result in the best turkey legs ever.

Recipe: Smoked Turkey Legs

42. Smoked Shotgun Shells

Manicotti pasta tubes loaded with ground beef and cheese, wrapped with bacon, then drizzled with barbecue sauce.

This easy yet delectable barbeque snack has received over 6 million views on social media!

Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells.

Now go fire up your smoker

If you’ve made it this far through our list of our best smoker recipes, it’s time to stop drooling and start cooking.