40 Of The Best Smoker Recipes That Are Perfect For Beginners

If you are just getting started on your journey of smoking foods it can be hard to know where to start or what you could realistically pull off. It is because of this that we have written this article.

The recipes we have listed are ideal for beginners to get a hold of and find something that will suit them and their abilities.

So, without further ado, let us dive right in!

1. Smoked Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese is always delicious but have you ever tried smoked mac and cheese?

If you haven’t then this sweet, tangy and totally creamy dish will be perfect to try out as your first smoked dish.

2. Smoked Beef Brisket

If you have never tried beef brisket (see also ‘19 Savory Side Dishes To Serve With Brisket‘) you are totally missing out. It is a super easy dish to make, so even a beginner can make it and it is totally delicious.

So, if you like this melt in your mouth meaty dish then make sure to check out this recipe to learn more.

3. Smoked Pineapple

This might seem like a strange food to smoke but once you try it you are sure to fall in love with delicious smoked pineapple.

Every single bite will be total heaven with this easy to make dish so make sure to check it out.

4. Smoked Prime Rib

You do not get to enjoy prime rib every day. But when you do, you should certainly smoke it because by cooking it this way you will get the most out of this flavorsome delicious meat.

All that you need to remember with this dish is to coat it evenly with dry rub or butter so that the flavors infuse properly.

5. Coffee Rubbed Smoked Chicken

This meat is super easy to make and certainly something that you will be able to make as a beginner.

Even the run is super easy to make. All you need are a few herbs and spices and you will be well on your way to enjoying a deliciously seasoned smoked chicken.

6. Al Pastor Smoked Tacos

This dish is essentially smoked pork and when you get it right it is an utterly heavenly dish that you can easily make from home.

When you are cooking this dish it is essential that you infuse the marinade with the ingredients so that the flavor really infuses with the meat. But it is super easy, so a beginner should be able to do it quite easily.

7. Smoked Cauliflower

If you are a vegan or vegetarian (see also ‘34 Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes‘) this is the perfect dish to smoke. It is wonderfully seasoned, flavorful and 100% vegan so those of you that follow this lifestyle will be able to enjoy this wondrous smoked food.

8. Smoked Salmon

Are you looking for a decadent smoked meat that even a beginner can make? Well look no further than this tasty smoked salmon dish.

It is wonderfully seasoned, flavorful and best of all you will be able to make it easily and quickly. So, make sure to check out this recipe to learn more.

9. Smoked Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a delight and when you smoke them they get even more tasty.

It is the kind of quick and flavorful dish that you will be able to make for your friends and family even if you have never smoked chicken before.

10. Smoked Meatloaf

Meatloaf is one of those dishes that just about every American household will have enjoyed at some point.

But did you know that you can smoke this delicious dish? Well you can and it is so easy that even a beginner will be able to make and enjoy it with ease.

11. Smoked Vegetables

Smoked veggies are always a winner, and they are super easy to make.

There are a variety of vegetables that work really well as smoked veg. So make sure to get a good variety and you will enjoy a wonderfully smoked veggie dish.

12. Smoked Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs can be smoked. Not a lot of people know that. But they can be and they are totally delicious because eggs are fantastic at absorbing the smokey flavor.

In fact, the smoky taste really adds a lovely additional layer of flavor to your deviled eggs. So, make sure to give it a try.

13. Smoked Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are yet another vegetable that can be smoked that a lot of people are unaware of.

Everyone has tried baked potatoes, so there is no need to explain how they taste. But just know that the extra smoky flavor is amazing.

14. Smoked Steak

Steak is always a deliciously decadent meat and one that can taste even more glorious than you might think.

The added smokey flavor that this method of cooking gives the meat is absolute perfection. Best of all you will be able to cook it easily.

15. Smoked Burgers

Burgers are one of those foods that are just comforting. But when you smoke them you unlock a whole new world of flavor.

They are easy to smoke, and the seasoning can be tailored to what you need so you can enjoy these burgers and their flavoring in a way that you find appealing.

16. Smoked Pulled Pork

Regular smoked pork is wonderful and certainly something that a beginner will be able to make quite easily.

The main issue with this dish is that you can only make the best pulled pork with certain cuts of meat.

So, make sure to get yourself pork butt or pork shoulder if you want to make the best pulled pork ever.

17. Applewood Smoked Chicken

Whole chicken can be cooked completely with smoking without drying the meat and with this recipe you will be able to do that with ease.

While there are a few things you will need to do to get ready to make this chicken but it is not super complicated so make sure to check out this recipe.

18. Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Do you love beer…and chicken? Well with this recipe you can combine both flavors to make a heavenly smoked chicken dish that will knock your socks off.

The meat turns out deliciously smokey and perfect every time so make sure to try out this recipe even if you are new to smoking foods.

19. Smoked Tilapia

If you are going to make this dish it is best to do it with whole tilapia. Thai meat is known for being tender, flaky and wonderfully flavorful.

Because the meat has a tendency to fall apart it can be hard to get right sometimes so make sure to follow the recipe carefully so nothing bad happens.

20. Smoked Shrimp

If you want to try out smoked foods but you do not have the time this might be a good dish for you to dip your toes in.

Smoking shrimp takes just half an hour so you will be able to reap the fruits of your labor in just a short while.

21. Beef Jerky

Did you know that this well-loved snack can be smoked? If you didn’t then you will absolutely need to try out this tasty snack.

There are a few tricks to getting this dish to turn out just right so it is essential that you follow the recipe completely.

22. Smoked Apple Pie

Smoked apple pie. This is a dish not many of you knew could be smoked! But it can and it adds a wonderful flavor to this delicious sweet dessert.

If this sounds like a recipe that you want to try out then make sure to check out the recipe to learn more.

23. Smoked Cornbread

Sweet or savory cornbread is a very popular dish in the USA but did you know that there is actually a smoked version that adds a whole new layer of flavor?

So if you are looking for a spicy and smokey version of this cornbread is something that you really might enjoy.

24. Texas Style Smoked Beef Short Ribs

Smoked ribs are delicious and super easy to make. This is a really great dish for beginners to make which means that you will be able to make and enjoy this succulent meat dish.

25. Smoked Lamb Shoulder

Lamb is one of the fattier meat varieties which can make it a little challenging to work with.

But it should be doable for a beginner regardless. Just make sure to follow the recipe and you will be able to enjoy this gamey smoked meat yourself.

26. Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends

If bacon makes you happy then you will absolutely love this delicious smoked pork dish.

This cut of meat has a deliciously crunchy outside and a wonderfully juicy interior that is nothing short of heavenly.

If this sounds like something that you would enjoy trying out then make sure to check out this recipe.

27. Double Smoked Ham With Maple Mustard Glaze

Ham (check out our favorite leftover ham bone recipes) is somehow more delicious when it is smoked. It also makes a fantastic centerpiece on your dinner table for big events.

Best of all it is the kind of meat that you will be able to cook with relative ease even if you are a beginner.

28. Smoked Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is super healthy and if you cook it wrong it can be so easy to dry out this delicious meat. But with this recipe you will be able to make the perfect smoked chicken breast. If you give it a lovely brine bath and glaze.

It is wonderfully delicious so make sure to head over to the recipe and learn how to make this delicious smoked chicken.

29. Smoked Pulled Beef

Pulled beef us the absolute best, it is tasty juicy and diverse. You can eat it plain, on a sandwich or however you like.

The point is that this recipe is guaranteed to result in a tasty dish that will impress your guests without a problem.

Best of all it is super easy to make so you will not need to worry about being a master chef to get this tasty dish cooked just right.

30. Smoked Bacon

Bacon makes everything in life seem better. It is just that good! When you buy smoked bacon at the store it is easy to find a batch that is too smokey or not smokey enough.

But if you follow this recipe you will be able to make a delicious smoked bacon dish (see also ‘33 Try At Home Bacon Recipes For Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner‘). It may take a long time to make but it is worth it.

31. Smoked Chicken Maryland

Chicken is somehow more amazing when you cook it on a fire and smoke it. The rendered fat really flavors the meat in a way that is second to none.

On top of that, the BBQ glaze adds another layer of flavor that you simply won’t be able to get enough of it.

32. Smoked Beef Cheeks For Tacos

Beef cheeks are absolutely wonderful on a barbecue. The meat is very flavorful and when you smoke it there is just the perfect amount of extra flavor added to the meat.

If this sounds like something that you would like to try out, then make sure to check out this recipe to learn more about how to cook this delicious dish.

33. Grilled Lamb Backstrap

Cooking lamb can be a little hit-and-miss if you are not careful. But with this recipe you will be able to cook a wonderfully smoked lamb backstrap that is beyond perfect.

There are a few ways to cook it so you can cook your lamb in whichever way that suits you.

34. Smoked Duck Breast

Smoked duck breast is absolutely wonderful. But you can add even more flavor to this tasty dish by tossing some orange sauce on your duck breast.

Just make sure to follow this recipe as it can be a little complicated if you are not careful.

35. Smoked And Fried Buttermilk Chicken Thighs

Fried chicken is one of the best foods in the world. But if you have never tried smoked fried c chicken. It is actually so much tastier.

So if you are looking for a dish that will impress your guests then make sure to check out this recipe.

36. Texas Twinkies

If you have never heard of Texas Twinkies then you are really missing out. This addictive and super tasty dish is absolutely wonderful. It is the perfect mixture of spicy, sweet, cheesy and meaty.

They are literally little slices of heaven so make sure to check this recipe out to learn how to make it.

37. Smoked Venison Meatball Stroganoff

Venison stroganoff (see also ‘23 Foods That Begin With V‘) is always a delicious and comforting meal. But if you haven’t tried smoked venison stroganoff (see also ‘28 Venison Recipes You Need To Try‘) then you are really missing out.

This dish is absolutely wonderful and certainly something that you will be able to make as a beginner.

38. Smoked Cocktails

You probably haven’t heard of smoked cocktails. But they are truly a delicious twist on these tasty drinks.

If this sounds like something that you would like to try out then make sure to follow this recipe. It is super easy to make so even beginners should be able to pull off this tasty smoked drink.

39. Smoked Shotgun Shells

Are you looking for a tasty barbecue snack?

If you are then your search for it is at an end. It is absolutely delicious and something that even you will be able to make this tasty yummy snack.

40. Smoked Lobster Tails

If you are looking for a decadent smoked dish to enjoy, then make sure to check out this recipe.

The garlic and butter really brings out the smoked lobster which creates an absolutely delicious dish that you will be able to serve to your guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section we are going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about smoker recipes. So, without further ado, let us get started!

What Foods Are Good In A Smoker?

Just about any food can be super tasty in a smoker. But some of the most popular foods are pork, poultry, beef, sausages, seafood, vegetables, and even fruit.

There is no real limit on what foods are and are not good in a smoker.

What Is The Best Meat To Smoke As A Beginner?

If you are new to smoking it might be a good idea to start off by smoking one of the following: Boston pork butt, whole chicken, beef brisket (see also ‘16 Delicious Ways To Use Up Leftover Brisket‘), or pork ribs.

There are several other foods that might be easy to smoke but if you are just starting out then you will have an easier time trying to smoke the aforementioned types of meat.

What Vegetables Are Best To Smoke?

Firstly, there are a ton of options for you to choose from when it comes to vegetables that you can smoke.

But the most popular and easiest veggies are the following: corn on the cob, yellow squash, red onion, green bell pepper, mushrooms or brussel sprouts (see also ‘What Do Brussels Sprouts Taste Like?‘).

These are vegetables that have a tendency to do well-being smoked and are not hard to get right. So, if you are a beginner then make sure to try smoking one of these vegetables.

Can You Smoke Meat With Fruit?

The short answer is yes you can! Smoked foods go super well with various flavors which is why there are so many types of food that can be smoked and come away tasting glorious.

Fruit is no exception and by smoking fruit with meat you can add an extra layer and aromatic profile to your meat that you never knew could exist.

What Can Be Smoked In Five Hours?

If you are looking for meat that can be smoked (see also ‘15 Best Meats For Smoking At A BBQ‘) in five hours you are in luck because there are several options that are just about perfect for the job.

Smoked pork chops, smoked salmon, chicken wings, steak, turkey breast, chicken thighs, and pork ribs.

Final Thoughts

We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and learning about these amazing smoker recipes.

It really is so simple to do and certainly something you should give a try if you get the chance. So, get out there and start cooking!