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Delicious Pellet Smoker Recipes for Every Occasion
Pellet smokers combine the convenience of a set-and-forget grill with the rich, smoky flavor of traditional barbecue. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pitmaster, these pellet smoker recipes will help you create mouthwatering meals with minimal effort.
In this guide, we’ll cover 10 must-try pellet smoker recipes, from juicy smoked brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs and even unexpected dishes like smoked mac and cheese.
Why Cook with a Pellet Smoker?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why pellet smokers are a game-changer:
✅ Precise Temperature Control – Maintains consistent heat for perfect results.
✅ Rich Wood-Fired Flavor – Choose from hickory, mesquite, applewood, and more.
✅ Hands-Off Cooking – Set it and forget it—no need to babysit the fire.
✅ Versatility – Smoke, grill, bake, roast, and even sear.
For more on choosing the best pellets, check out this guide from Traeger.
1. Classic Smoked Brisket
Ingredients:
- 1 whole packer brisket (12-14 lbs)
- ¼ cup coarse salt
- ¼ cup black pepper
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Trim excess fat from the brisket.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Preheat pellet smoker to 225°F and smoke fat-side up for 12-14 hours (until internal temp reaches 203°F).
- Rest for 1 hour before slicing.
Pro Tip: Spritz with apple juice every few hours for extra moisture.
2. Competition-Style Pork Ribs
Ingredients:
- 2 racks St. Louis-cut ribs
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Remove membrane from ribs and apply dry rub.
- Smoke at 225°F for 3 hours.
- Wrap in foil with butter and honey, cook 2 more hours.
- Unwrap, glaze with BBQ sauce, and smoke 30 more minutes.
3. Smoked Whole Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Coat chicken with oil and seasonings.
- Smoke at 275°F for 2.5-3 hours (until 165°F internal).
- Let rest 15 minutes before carving.
Bonus: Use applewood pellets for a slightly sweet smoke flavor.
4. Smoked Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow pasta (cooked al dente)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix pasta, cheeses, cream, sour cream, and mustard.
- Transfer to a greased cast-iron skillet.
- Smoke at 225°F for 1 hour, then broil to crisp the top.
5. Smoked Pork Butt (Pulled Pork)
Ingredients:
- 8 lb pork shoulder
- ¼ cup yellow mustard (binder)
- ½ cup BBQ rub
Instructions:
- Coat pork in mustard, then apply rub.
- Smoke at 225°F for 12-14 hours (until 205°F internal).
- Shred and serve with coleslaw.
6. Smoked Salmon
Ingredients:
- 2 lb salmon fillet
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Cure salmon with sugar and salt for 4 hours, then rinse.
- Smoke at 180°F for 2-3 hours until flaky.
7. Smoked Sausage & Peppers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille)
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Toss everything in oil and seasoning.
- Smoke at 250°F for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
8. Smoked Turkey Breast
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in turkey breast (6-7 lbs)
- 3 tbsp butter (herb-infused if desired)
- 1 tbsp poultry rub
Instructions:
- Rub turkey with butter and seasoning.
- Smoke at 275°F for 3-4 hours (until 165°F internal).
9. Smoked Baked Beans
Ingredients:
- 2 cans baked beans
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a cast-iron pan.
- Smoke at 250°F for 2 hours.
10. Smoked Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 1 premade cheesecake (or homemade)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Place cheesecake on smoker at 180°F for 1 hour.
- Chill before serving.
Final Thoughts
Pellet smokers make it easy to achieve restaurant-quality smoked dishes at home. Whether you’re craving savory meats, hearty sides, or even smoked desserts, these pellet smoker recipes will impress every time.
For more grilling inspiration, check out our Ultimate BBQ Guide.
What’s your favorite pellet smoker recipe? Let us know in the comments!
External Link: Traeger Pellet Guide
Internal Link: Ultimate BBQ Guide
