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19 Pellet Smoker Recipes That Smell Better Than Half the Restaurants in Town Before Noon

Before noon even hits, the neighborhood smells like someone’s throwing a backyard cookout worth skipping work for. This lineup of 19 meals doesn’t whisper through the vents. It announces itself like a freight train full of flavor and zero apologies. There’s nothing delicate or quiet about it, just the kind of smoke and heat that draws a crowd without an invite.

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter

Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter on a plate with asparagus.
Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smoking brings out unique flavors that other methods can’t match. Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter highlights this by pairing rich steak with smoky butter. The slow smoking process makes the steak extra juicy, with a smoky crust that packs flavor. The garlicky butter adds a smooth finish that complements the steak’s texture, making it hard to put your fork down.
Get the Recipe: Reverse Seared Smoked Steaks with Smoked Garlic Butter

Smoked Thor’s Hammer

A large roasted meat shank on a bone, displayed upright in a skillet surrounded by nachos, with bowls of lime wedges and sauce nearby.
Smoked Thor’s Hammer. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You don’t see something like Smoked Thor’s Hammer every day, which stands out partly because of its impressive appearance. This gigantic beef shank transforms into something tender and smoky after hours in a pellet smoker. The bone-in presentation makes it fun to serve and adds a bit of drama to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Thor’s Hammer

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Traeger Smoked Garlic

Close-up of roasted garlic cloves.
Traeger Smoked Garlic. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Garlic changes its personality completely when smoked like Traeger Smoked Garlic. Normally strong and sharp, its flavor softens and becomes rich with smoky notes during the cooking process. This is a perfect thing to add to recipes that benefit from smokiness, or mash it up and spread on bread for something quick.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Garlic

Smoked Eye of Round

A whole and sliced smoked eye of round with on a wooden cutting board.
Smoked Eye of Round. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A smoker can improve simple cuts like Smoked Eye of Round into something you’d proudly serve anyone. Smoking gives this lean cut a deeper flavor compared to just roasting it. It maintains its softness despite the longer cooking, and the end result delivers bold smokiness. People love its simplicity paired with a classic smoked aroma.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Eye of Round

Smoked Berry Crisp

A spoon lifts a portion of Smoked Berry Crisp from a bowl.
Smoked Berry Crisp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Fruit desserts don’t get enough attention in a smoker, but Smoked Berry Crisp makes a strong case for trying them out. While the berries themselves are sweet and bold, a smoker adds depth that turns them into something unique. The contrast between smoky flavors and dessert sweetness brings balance that grabs everyone’s attention at the table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Berry Crisp

Smoked Beef Tenderloin

A sliced smoked beef tenderloin on a white plate.
Smoked Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Something like Smoked Beef Tenderloin combines elegance with bold smoked flavors in one dish. Far from being a fancy restaurant-only meal, this tender cut benefits greatly from slow smoking. It stays juicy throughout the process, with the smoke giving each bite more flavor than you’d think possible.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Tenderloin

Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock

Roasted chicken on a slate board with carving knife and fork.
Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoking whole poultry changes its entire flavor profile, as evident in Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock. Spatchcocking allows the entire chicken to cook evenly while absorbing all the smoky goodness. The flavors spread throughout, making every bite feel consistent and rich, even the lean cuts. It smells as good as it tastes, so heads will turn way before it hits the plate.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock

Smoked New York Strip Roast

A piece of smoked New York strip roast meat on a cutting board next to a knife.
Smoked New York Strip Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked New York Strip Roast is perfect for the smoker because each slice gets an even smoky flavor. This lean roast transforms into a centerpiece of textures that balance tender meat with a bold outside crust. You won’t need to do much extra since smoking itself does all the heavy lifting for flavor. It’s made to share, especially if everyone starts asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Smoked New York Strip Roast

Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

A white rectangular plate with Montreal smoked meat hash on it.
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Breakfast takes a leap forward with something inventive like Montreal Smoked Meat Hash. Combining smoky flavors of hashed meat with the classic breakfast fix makes something hearty. The smoker brings the boldness of seasoning alive throughout the meat, while pairing well with hash components. It’s a no-frills way to start your day with tons of flavor without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb

Whole cooked leg of lamb on a board with a knife.
Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Finer cuts of meat, like a Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb, build layer after layer of flavor when smoked right. The slow pace of smoking adds depth, making every bite taste like it’s been thoughtfully prepared. It adds character to the lamb without overwhelming its natural flavor, balancing tenderness and smokiness.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Leg of Lamb

Spicy Smoked Chex Mix

Two bowls of snack mix with pretzels and cereal on a wooden table, accompanied by decorative balls and a colorful napkin.
Spicy Smoked Chex Mix. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Snack time gets a serious upgrade thanks to Spicy Smoked Chex Mix, which turns basic snacks into bold bites. All the crunch stays intact, but smoking adds deep flavors that make these feel brand-new. The spice level is a bonus because this mix stays exciting without being boring. You’ll want to grab handful after handful, even after you think you’re done.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Smoked Chex Mix

Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Smoked chicken wings with pickles on a black plate.
Smoked Dill Pickle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classic wings don’t match the smoky-tangy vibes of Smoked Dill Pickle Wings. The smoker brings out the bold elements of the pickle marinade, making wings taste unlike anything else. Every wing gets coated and takes on smokiness that works with the slight crunch. These are fun to bring out for group meals since you’ll see them disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dill Pickle Wings

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ham becomes an entirely new experience when smoked, and Smoked Carver Ham shows why. Its traditional flavor transforms into a standout dish with bold smoky notes. Sliced easily for serving, it’s perfect for feeding guests without much stress. The smell of a smoked ham will have everyone asking for an early food break long before meal time.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Traeger Smoked Turkey

A smoked turkey on a wooden cutting board.
Traeger Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turkey doesn’t get enough attention after its common oven days, but Traeger Smoked Turkey changes that completely. Smoking makes the outer layers bold and flavorful, while the inside stays tender. Large cuts tend to absorb smoky flavors well, making this turkey something special for whoever gets to try it. It’s even better for group meals since everyone can find their favorite slice.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

Smoked Brisket Chili

Two bowls of smoked brisket chili, tomatoes, and bread.
Smoked Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smokers bring chili into unexpected territory with Smoked Brisket Chili, which feels rich and bold. Smoke builds layers in brisket before it’s added to the chili, making flavors double down. Every spoonful has an intense, smoky bite that beats regular versions of chili easily. It’s perfect for table sharing, creating memories over bowls that stay memorable long after.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili

Smoked Gimlet Cocktail

Two lime gimelts with smoke on top.
Smoked Gimlet Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cocktails like Smoked Gimlet Cocktail surprise guests with their bold aromatic presentation. The smoker gives its citrusy base an exciting twist that feels fresh but smoky. Small additions make beverages memorable, changing how smoky drinks surprise first-time tasters. Mixing smoky and refreshing flavors creates something unexpected for group settings or slow evenings.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gimlet Cocktail

Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone

A bowl of smoked tomato soup with mascarpone, garnished with herbs and chili flakes, served with seasoned pasta on a white plate.
Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Standard tomato soups feel basic compared to something bold like Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone. Smoking changes the tomatoes long before they touch the pot, giving them richness that spreads in flavor. Pairing it with mascarpone makes this soup creamy yet smoky, balancing both perfectly. It works for dinner or lunch alike since soup rarely feels overly heavy itself.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Three halves of roasted sweet potatoes topped with butter on a white plate, set on a white brick surface with a floral napkin and salt and pepper shakers nearby.
Smoked Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes simplicity works in a smoker’s favor, as with Smoked Sweet Potatoes. The natural flavors sweet potatoes have shine even more after they absorb unique smoked aromas. Their textures get softer while maintaining bite, making them easy to share at tables. Smoked sides often surprise guests even after regular main meals take center stage.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

A glass of whiskey with oranges and a wooden stick.
Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smokers make drinks feel extra special, as proven by the Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail. Adding smoke changes the cocktail’s base without losing its classic flavors. Guests get surprised by the aroma before even trying it since it smells unlike usual drinks. Every sip feels bold thanks to the smoky layers blending into the drink, perfect for anyone wanting originality.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail

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