28 Simple Smoker Recipes That Even Beginners Can Succeed

Some people say smoking isn’t for beginners, and these recipes beg to differ. Not only are they foolproof, but they also have such a high quality that your guests may mistake them for being made in restaurants.

Since smoking recipes often appear at a BBQ party, similar to savory griddle dishes, I have prepared for you all necessary side dishes, main courses, and even desserts. You don’t have to look anywhere else if you want to hold a party in your garden.

Just The Smell Of These Smoker Recipes Are Enough To Blow You Away

These smoker recipes contain all ingredients that you could think of, from all kinds of meat to vegetables and even fruits. So, pick up your notes and start writing down all of them.

Side Dishes

1. Bacon Explosion
2. Smoked Vegetables
3. Smoked Deviled Eggs
4. Smoked Corn On The Cob
5. Smoked Baked Potatoes
6. Smoked Sweet Potatoes
7. Smoked Baked Beans
8. Smoked Tomatoes
9. Smoked Cauliflower

Main Dishes – Pork And Beef

10. Smoked Meatloaf
11. Smoked Prime Rib
12. Texas Smoked Brisket
13. Smoked Steak
14. Smoked Ham
15. Smoked Burger
16. Smoked Pulled Pork
17. Smoked Pork Chops

Main Dishes – Poultry Meat

18. Applewood Smoked Chicken
19. Smoked Beer Can Chicken
20. Smoked Turkey

Main Dishes – Seafood And Cheese

21. Smoked Mac And Cheese
22. Brown Sugar Smoked Salmon
23. Smoked Tilapia
24. Smoked Shrimp

Snacks And Desserts

25. Beef Jerky
26. Smoked Apple Pie
27. Smoked Cornbread
28. Smoked Pineapple

Scroll down for more details in each recipe!

These Tasty Smoker Side Dishes Can Even Outshine The Main Course

No matter what other people say, I still consider side dishes an irreplaceable part of the meal. Not to mention that they’re the perfect side dishes for any BBQ events. So, here are some choices for you to try with your smoker.

Bacon Explosion

This dish is indeed an explosion of flavors in your mouth! Just imagine seasoned Italian sausage with savory bacon. Two of them are enough for a luxurious experience.

Not to mention, you can add various other ingredients to this roll. My recommendation would be jalapeno and earthy cheddar cheese for a flavor kick and extra heat.

As for the wood, I usually go for apple and cherry wood since they bring a hint of sweetness that is a perfect combination with bacon.

Prepare for a flavor bomb with this bacon explosion! You can see this video to know:

Smoked Vegetables

My favorite part of this dish is that I get to use whatever vegetables are left in my fridge, and they still turn out delicious. Just remember to cut them to the same size so that you don’t have to worry about the cooking time.

This dish also doesn’t need much preparation. All that’s required is drizzling some balsamic vinegar on the veggies. And you can just leave them on the smoker for about 45 minutes. Sounds easy, right?

Smoked Deviled Eggs

Can deviled eggs be smoked? Yes, they can. And they are tastier than you could imagine. That’s because eggs can absorb flavor from the woods better than other ingredients, so you’ll get to enjoy the smoky taste to the fullest.

However, it’s also the reason why you should use milder woods to smoke them, like apple, maple, or cherry. You also need some strong seasonings for the filling so they won’t lose to the smoking. My suggestions are hot paprika for the heat and pickled jalapeno for extra acidity.

The secret to the best smoked deviled eggs lies right here!

Smoked Corn On The Cob

If you like grilled corn, then this dish is a must-try for you. It even takes less effort than grilling. Not to mention, corn won’t turn mushy when smoking, so you don’t have to worry about the time.

Usually, this dish will finish in an hour or so, depending on how crunchy you want your corn to taste. However, remember to close the lid after putting corn on the grate. If not, it will take longer for them to be smoked thoroughly.

Smoked Baked Potatoes

If you have some leftover baked potatoes in your fridge and you don’t know what to do with it, well, now you do. Take them out on your smoker right here and now! Your family won’t even realize these potatoes are leftovers after they are smoked.

The smoking fragrance will cover all the refrigerated odors, that’s if they have. All that’s left is a beautiful side dish that perfectly matches any pork, steak, or chicken meal. You can top these baked potatoes with bacon, butter, or sour cream for more flavors.

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

This is an exciting twist from the previous recipe. You can make it in either sweet or savory style. For the former, let’s go with sugar, marshmallows, or butter. And BBQ rub is an excellent choice if you want it savory.

I know these potatoes are delicious but try to keep control of your eating since they are full of calories. You don’t want your weight to skyrocket after devouring a mountain of them, right?

These smoked sweet potatoes will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. You can see this video to know:

Smoked Baked Beans

Baked beans have always been an exemplary side dish. But how about smoking them? Although the time needed to smoke baked beans can be quite long, I promise that it’ll taste 100 times better, especially if you manage the proper sauce for this dish.

My choice is usually a BBQ sauce with a sweet and tangy flavor, which is suitable for smoking. You can even use it for other smoked dishes like chicken wings or ribs. With sauteed bacon and vegetables, this recipe is a perfect side dish for an autumn potluck party.

Smoked Tomatoes

If you prefer smoking tomatoes only over smoking all the vegetables at once, you should follow this recipe. Not only do your tomatoes still keep their freshness, but they also gain a smoky, savory flavor from the woods.

You can eat them just like that or combine them with crackers and cheese for a fresh side dish. Or you can serve them as simple yet delicious BBQ appetizers. Some even puree these smoked tomatoes and make them into a pasta sauce. You can give it a try if you want.

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked cauliflower is a perfect side dish for those on a vegetarian diet but wants to have some meat. This vegetable recipe has a similar soft, tender inside texture like meat, but the outside is crunchy and smoky, making you want to keep on eating it.

You can smoke it right away or prepare some rubbing. However, with the latter option, remember to coat it a few hours before smoking so that the flavor can soak thoroughly and evenly.

Never smoked a cauliflower? Follow this instruction, and you’ll succeed right on the first try:

You Can’t Skip These Flavorful Smoker Main Dishes!

Smoking was initially born to make main courses, so why not, right? You can easily make these main dishes with your smoker even without any guidance.

First, Let’s Start With Recipes Containing Pork And Beef!

When it comes to smoking, people would think of these two kinds of meat right away! So, here are eight main dishes with pork and beef as their star ingredient.

Smoked Meatloaf

Meatloaf is no strange dish to every American household. Usually, people make it by baking a meat mixture in a loaf-shaped mold. However, now, you know that you can smoke it. And let me tell you, once you try the new meatloaf, there’s no turning back.

Meatloaf often contains ground beef or pork. But you can mix them to your favorite ratio. For me, I tend to add some cheese for more richness. As for the accompaniment, go to potatoes for a hearty combo or salads if you want to balance the flavor.

Smoked Prime Rib

If you have a prime rib in your fridge, don’t waste it on other dishes; smoke it right here and now! No matter what you use to rub this meat, it will undoubtedly taste delicious and juicy. Even just simple butter and herbs are more than enough.

Also, since prime rib is worth enjoying on its own, you don’t want to overpower it with smoking. That’s why I often choose apple or cherry wood for this recipe. These woods provide just sweet enough , smoky flavor for your prime beef.

Texas Smoked Brisket

When you want to open an outdoor dinner party, don’t forget to write this dish on your to-cook list. Nothing tastes better than smoked brisket on a hot summer day, with its smoke ring and dark bark on the outside when sliced.

You don’t need complicated dishes to accompany this brisket. Plating up some mac and cheese, cornbread, slaw, or baked beans is enough for a hearty BBQ party.

After this, you won’t be afraid of Texas smoked brisket anymore. Watch this video to know:

Smoked Steak

Steak has always been on the menu in fancy restaurants. But now, you can make it rustic by smoking. You don’t need any complex seasoning for this recipe. Just some salt and pepper are enough to emphasize the steak’s tastiness.

Also, with steak, you don’t have to worry about what woods to choose. If you want to keep your dish mild, pick some regular choices like alder, pecan, or maple. In contrast, mesquite or oak wood are suitable options when you need something bold and robust.

Smoked Ham

This recipe is also called twice smoked ham. Do you know why? It’s because most of the ham you buy on the market is smoked once already. So when you smoke it again, that marks two times smoking.

Despite that, the smoking flavor isn’t overwhelming at all. Instead, your ham will be tender and full of flavors from the rubbing and glaze. Don’t hesitate to make this in your family gathering. Everyone will love it for sure!

Smoked Burgers

Grilled burgers are delicious enough, but these smoked ones are absolutely irresistible. And, unlike the regular burgers, you don’t need many seasonings with this recipe. Typically, I just sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the ground meat and sometimes Worcestershire sauce.

Smoking may take a bit longer, but the result is really worth it. You’ll get a smoky, juicy meat bun all for yourself. Then, you can eat it just like other burgers with two bread buns, a tomato slice, mustard, etc.

You’ll be the winner in the burger competition with these smoked burgers. Let’s see this video:

Smoked Pulled Pork

Your pulled pork tacos or burgers can’t be perfect without this recipe. I don’t know how others make this dish, but for me, the best way to prepare pulled pork is through smoking.

But not every cut of meat can make it. After trying (and failing) various times, I figured out the most suitable part is the pork shoulder, or pork butt if you go by the market name.

This part has tons of working muscle groups with tight connective tissues. Smoking pork shoulder for a long time at 225 F will break down all these issues, resulting in a tender meat dish. However, not every cooking method is suitable for pork shoulder as it’s too tough.

Smoked Pork Chops

Smoked pork chop doesn’t require any particular skill. It doesn’t even need much preparation or time. So, it’s one of my foremost choices for weekend nights or when I’m too tired to make complicated dishes.

You just need to make some rubbing beforehand and coat your pork chops with it overnight. Then, smoke them when you start feeling hungry. Also, don’t forget to check your chops’ size before buying them.

You can’t find a better smoked pork chop than this! Let’s see this video:

You Can Try Smoking These Poultry Meat As Well!

Besides pork and beef, poultry meat like chicken or turkey also appears in various main dishes. While it tends to get dried quickly, I have noted down the solution in each recipe.

Applewood Smoked Chicken

Not chicken wings, thighs, or breasts. This recipe smokes the whole chicken at once. And believe me, your chicken will be cooked thoroughly without turning dry.

To earn that, first, you’ll need to “butterfly” your chicken. Then, grab a cheesecloth, soak it in melted butter, and drape it on your meat before smoking. That way, the chicken’s skin will remain moist and rich even if smoked for a long time.

Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Who doesn’t want to enjoy a smoked dish with a can of beer? But how about combining both of them into one dish only? That’d be great, isn’t it? Or if you don’t believe it much, this beer can chicken will assure you for sure.

Not to mention, the beer’s appearance in this recipe isn’t just for the odd appearance. By placing the chicken on a beer can, the steam for the alcohol will keep your chicken moist and juicy without any other preparation.

Make this smoked beer can chicken for your next BBQ party! Check out this video:

Smoked Turkey

Whenever I get tired of chicken, I’ll search for a turkey instead. Though turkey meat can be pretty bland to some people, with this recipe, you can’t believe what you’re eating is a turkey.

The most vital part of smoking a turkey is making sure you brine it overnight. I know many recipes online don’t mention this step but brine helps retain your bird’s moisture, preventing it from going dry.

You can brine turkey with either a simple mixture of water and salt or some wine like bourbon. When smoking the turkey, you should be mindful of the signs indicating your turkey is ready. Correct timing is really important when it comes to smoking turkey.

Seafood And Cheese Could Be Your Next Choice For Smoking

If you have grown bored of all meat dishes, how about some fun changes with seafood and cheese? You may haven’t heard about them before, but I guarantee they taste as delicious as you want.

Smoked Mac And Cheese

Have you ever imagined smoking mac and cheese? If not, then this is the right time to try it out. And though it may sound bizarre at first (why smoke when I can bake it to perfection?), smoking really elevates this dish’s already-tasty flavor to a new height.

Of course, you don’t have to stick with just the classic mac and cheese. Be creative as much as you want. For example, add bacon or panko for extra crunchiness. And if you need some heat, jalapeno and hot sauce are waiting for you.

If you still don’t believe in the existence of smoked mac and cheese, you’d want to try this:

Brown Sugar Smoked Salmon

When you just can’t seem to find the best smoked salmon out there, why not whip up some by yourself at home? It’s not that complicated, and you get to enjoy smoked salmon with the freshest flavors. Isn’t this such as win-win situation?

Sometimes, simplicity is the best. And that applies to smoked salmon just right! I’ve tried so many rubbing mixtures. But in the end, brown sugar still works the best for me.

You can go all simple with just brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Or, if you want a bit more flavors, lemon and garlic are the most suitable partners.

This smoked salmon tastes the best if you let it rest with the rubbing for a bit. However, you can just throw it on the smoker right away.

Smoked Tilapia

The best way to make this dish is by smoking the whole tilapia. It’s because tilapia is so tender and flaky that it can fall apart with the wrong cooking method. So if you are only a beginner, let’s go the easy way.

Aside from that, tilapia is pretty easy to cook, especially if you have the tips to make perfect smoked fish. You can use different spices and flavors on it. Also, tilapia is an excellent source of proteins while low in saturated fat. So, you can freely enjoy it without fretting over your weight.

Smoked Shrimp

Smoking usually takes a lot of time, but that doesn’t apply to this shrimp recipe. You can complete it in just about half an hour. Since shrimps are quick to cook, you should check them every 10 minutes.

And because of the short smoking time, strong-flavored wood like hickory or mesquite is more suitable. Also, it’s better to season your shrimps lightly so the smoke flavor can come through clearly.

When you can’t finish all of the shrimps in one go, remember to put them in the fridge. Usually, cooked shrimps’ shelf-life in the fridge will be much longer provided that you know how to store them properly.

Believe me, you’ll love these smoked shrimps more than any shrimp dish:

Even By Smoking, These Snacks And Desserts Still Comes Out Perfect

You’ve heard people smoking side dishes and main course. But do you know about making these desserts with your smoker, just like how you can prepare irresistible desserts on a grill? You may not believe me at first. But just give them a try! I bet you will change your mind.

Beef Jerky

Jerky has been a well-loved snack of all time, and that includes this beef version too. If you prepare your meat correctly, your jerky will turn a bit soft when still being chewy enough for you to enjoy it.

To make that happen, be sure you slice against the beef’s grain. Or else, it will result in a tough and super chewy snack. You can still eat it, but it will be more of a torture than a blessing.

Smoked Apple Pie

You may wonder what can be smoked and what can’t? Well, the answer is everything can be smoked. Just kidding! But actually, if you have quite a knowledge about food, you can smoke almost all dishes, even if it’s an apple pie.

Yes, you don’t hear me wrong. Even with smoking, your apple pie will still turn out tasty as ever with the sweet apples in a crunchy crust. It’s even better that this cooking method doesn’t produce much heat like baking, so you can opt for it in summer.

This smoked apple pie will taste just like it has just come out of the oven. Check out this video:

Smoked Cornbread

Everyone tried sweet and savory cornbread, but not many know about this smoked version. Have you tried this? If not, please make some at your next BBQ party.

While I prefer making these cornbread plain for dessert, here are some savory choices for you. Jalapeno and cheddar cheese seem to be the favorite among my guests since they bring both heat and richness to the recipe.

Smoked Pineapple

Pineapple makes excellent desserts, and smoked pineapple is even more than that. With all the natural sugar caramelized, its flavor will reach a new height from smoking.

My family quickly finishes a whole smoked pineapple without any additional garnish. But you can put it in your ice cream or salads for more flavor. Serve this as dessert at your BBQ parties, and everyone will rave about how delicious this is and how it perfect matches the occasion.

The best part about this dish is it doesn’t need any preparation. You just have to slice your pineapple in half and smoke it. That’s all!

Are You Ready With Your Smoker?

Yes, I know smoking is daunting, especially when you’re just a beginner. This will need lots and lots of patience on your first tries. But just let time do its work and wait until the dish is cooked. The result will never betray your effort.

And if you need some help, why not show this article to your family or friends so they can make these dishes with you. After all, a BBQ party is a gathering for you and your relatives, right? You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.