Nobody forgets a cook who knows their way around a smoker. These 15 recipes turn simple ingredients into something that steals the spotlight. They bring just the right amount of smokiness, tenderness, and bold flavors to keep everyone at the table. If you want to be known as the person who takes Labor Day seriously, this is where to start.
Smoked Meatloaf
Who knew a backyard smoker could take a classic to the next level? Smoked Meatloaf delivers deep, smoky flavor that makes every slice worth coming back for. No dry, boring bites, no wondering if it’s cooked through—just a dish that turns an everyday dinner into a Labor Day legend. When the smell alone gets people gathering around, you know you’ve got a winner.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatloaf
Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned
Ever had a drink that stops the conversation and makes everyone ask what’s in it? Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned brings rich, smoky depth with just the right hint of warmth. No artificial flavors, no weak sips—just a cocktail that stands up to everything coming off the grill. When a drink feels just as legendary as the food, you know you’re doing it right.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Smoked Old Fashioned
Smoked Chicken Thighs
Some dishes prove that a smoker can do more than just low-and-slow barbecue. Smoked Chicken Thighs pack in deep flavor while keeping every bite juicy and full of smoky goodness. No dry meat, no overpowering seasoning—just a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that works every time. When the grill masters start asking for your secret, you know you’ve made something great.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs
Outdoor Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn might seem like a simple side, but when done right, it steals the spotlight. Outdoor Grilled Corn on the Cob takes the smoky char from the grill and locks in the sweetness for a bite that people don’t forget. No boring, boiled kernels, no missing out on flavor—just a side dish that deserves just as much attention as the main course. When people start asking for seconds before the main event, you know it’s a hit.
Get the Recipe: Outdoor Grilled Corn on the Cob
Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Looking to add a little heat to the party? Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers bring the perfect balance of mix flavors and texture in one bite-sized. No bland filling, no overpowering heat—just a bold snack that disappears before the first round of drinks is gone. When the appetizers get more attention than the main dish, you know you did something right.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings
Who says wings have to come from a fryer? Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings combine smoky sweetness with a slow heat that keeps people reaching for more. No bland bites, no dry meat—just a wing that proves smoking is the way to go. When the wing tray is empty before the burgers are even flipped, you know you’ve got a Labor Day legend on your hands.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings
Outdoor Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Mezcal BBQ Sauce
Some meals demand attention, and this is one of them. Outdoor Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Mezcal BBQ Sauce brings deep, smoky flavors with just the right balance of bold and sweet. No dried-out pork, no boring sauce—just a dish that leaves everyone asking when you’re making it again. When the grill is on and the crowd is hungry, this one delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Outdoor Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Mezcal BBQ Sauce
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Big meals deserve big flavor, and this one delivers. Traeger Smoked Turkey transforms a traditional favorite into a deep, rich, and perfectly tender centerpiece. The slow smoking process gives every slice a bold, wood-fired flavor that makes even the leftovers worth looking forward to. A dish that guarantees no one will ever ask for an oven-roasted version again.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey
Smoked Brussels Sprouts
Nobody expects vegetables to steal the show at a cookout, but that’s about to change. Smoked Brussels Sprouts take on deep, bold flavors while keeping the perfect balance of crispy and tender. The slow smoke adds something unexpected, turning a simple ingredient into something worth talking about. If you want to serve up something that surprises everyone in the best way, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts
Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter
Want to serve a steak that has people talking long after the party’s over? Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter locks in deep smoke before hitting the perfect sear for a crust that can’t be beat. No dry bites, no uneven cooking—just steak done the way it’s meant to be. When every bite melts in your mouth, there’s no going back to the old way of grilling.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter
Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers
Sweet and smoky flavors always find a way to shine at a cookout. Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers bring the perfect balance of juicy meat and caramelized sweetness in every bite. No rubbery pork, no bland skewers—just a dish that disappears the second it hits the plate. When something this simple turns into the most talked-about dish of the day, you know it’s a hit.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers
Traeger Smoked Garlic
No dish is complete without the right seasoning, and this takes things to another level. Traeger Smoked Garlic turns each clove into a rich, buttery bite that can go on anything from steak to bread. No harsh flavors, no overpowering bite—just a smooth, smoky depth that takes any dish to the next level. When people start spreading garlic like it’s a main course, you know you’ve done it right.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic
Spicy Smoked Chex Mix
Why settle for store-bought snacks when you can make something way better? Spicy Smoked Chex Mix packs crunch, heat, and deep smoky flavor into every handful. No stale bites, no overpowering seasoning—just a snack that keeps people reaching in for more. When the bowl is empty before the grill even cools, you know it’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Smoked Chex Mix
Outdoor Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork
A good cookout isn’t complete without something slow-smoked and packed with bold flavors. Outdoor Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork delivers rich, smoky strands of meat that practically fall apart on their own. No dry bites, no guessing if it’s done—just a meal that proves patience pays off. When people start building second sandwiches before finishing their first, you know you’ve nailed it.
Get the Recipe: Outdoor Grilled Smoked Pulled Pork
Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb
Looking to impress with a show-stopping meat dish this Labor Day? Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb brings out deep, complex flavors with slow, steady heat that leaves every bite tender and full of smoky goodness. No gamey taste, no dry texture—just a dish that makes lamb the star of any cookout. When people start asking when you’ll make it again, you know it was worth every second.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb