10 Smoker Recipes Worth Trying This Weekend

4. Smoked Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for smoking due to their rich flavor and tenderness. When marinated and smoked, they become incredibly juicy and packed with flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to create mouthwatering smoked chicken thighs.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Rub the mixture generously over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.
3. Let the thighs marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
4. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
5. Place the chicken thighs in the smoker and cook for about 2-2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

5. Smoked Beef Brisket

Beef brisket is often considered the holy grail of smoking meats. It requires patience but rewards you with deep flavors and tenderness. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating a succulent smoked brisket that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole beef brisket (about 10-12 pounds)
• 1/4 cup coarse salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the brisket, covering it thoroughly.
3. Wrap the brisket in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
5. Place the brisket in the smoker fat side up and smoke for about 1.5 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C).
6. Once done, wrap the brisket in butcher paper and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

6. Smoked Ribs

Nothing says BBQ quite like a rack of smoked ribs. This recipe covers both baby back ribs and spare ribs, ensuring you get that perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• BBQ sauce (optional, for glazing)

Instructions:

1. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Rub yellow mustard over the ribs to help the spice mix adhere.
3. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture generously over the ribs.
4. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
5. Place the ribs in the smoker and smoke for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.
6. If desired, glaze with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

7. Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is a delicacy that is surprisingly easy to make at home with a smoker. This recipe ensures your salmon is flavorful and perfectly cooked, making it a great option for a weekend brunch or a fancy appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds salmon fillet, skin on
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dill (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and dill.
2. Place the salmon fillet in a shallow dish and coat it with the mixture, ensuring it’s covered evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
4. Rinse the salmon under cold water to remove excess brine and pat dry with paper towels.
5. Preheat your smoker to 175°F (80°C).
6. Place the salmon in the smoker and smoke for about 1-2 hours, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

8. Smoked Mac and Cheese

For a unique side dish, why not smoke your mac and cheese? This recipe takes a classic comfort food and adds a smoky depth that will make it a crowd favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a large cast-iron skillet or a disposable aluminum pan.
4. Top with breadcrumbs for added crunch.
5. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
6. Place the skillet in the smoker and smoke for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

9. Smoked Vegetables

Don’t overlook the veggies! Smoking vegetables can elevate their natural flavors and make for a delicious side dish. This recipe is versatile; feel free to use your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a smoker-safe grill tray or directly on the grill grates.
4. Smoke for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and have absorbed the smoky flavor.

10. Smoked Peach Cobbler

End your smoking session on a sweet note with smoked peach cobbler. This dessert is a delightful twist on a classic and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sliced fresh peaches (or canned peaches)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine sliced peaches, 1/2 cup sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
3. Preheat your smoker to 350°F (175°C).
4. Pour the batter into a baking dish and top with the peach mixture (do not stir).
5. Place the dish in the smoker and smoke for about 45-60 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown and bubbly.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, these smoker recipes are sure to impress. Each dish brings its own unique flavor and character, making your weekend cookout a memorable one. So gather your ingredients, fire up the smoker, and enjoy a delicious feast with family and friends. Happy smoking!

“`html

As you experiment with these delicious smoker recipes, consider pairing them with some homemade sauces and sides to elevate your meal even further. Here are a few ideas to complement your smoked dishes:

Homemade BBQ Sauce

A good BBQ sauce can take your smoked meats to the next level. Here’s a simple recipe to whip up a tangy and sweet sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
4. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Smoked Potato Salad

This smoky twist on a classic potato salad is the perfect side for your main dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes, cubed
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C).
2. Smoke the cubed potatoes for about 1 hour until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine smoked potatoes, mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, celery, green onions, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix well and chill in the refrigerator before serving.

“`
“`html

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Add some sweet, smoky flavor to your BBQ with grilled corn on the cob. This simple recipe is a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the garlic butter mixture over each ear of corn.
4. Place the corn on the smoker racks and smoke for about 1 hour, turning occasionally.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Smoked Mac and Cheese

This creamy, cheesy delight is perfect for any gathering and brings a delicious smoky flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux.
3. Add milk, stirring continuously until thickened. Then, stir in sour cream and cheese until melted.
4. Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce, season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and smoke at 250°F (121°C) for about 30-40 minutes.

Conclusion

With these smoker recipes worth trying this weekend, you can create a feast filled with smoky flavors that everyone will love. Don’t forget to explore different sides and sauces to complement your main dishes. Happy smoking and enjoy your culinary adventures!

“`

Related

• 29 Delicious Forgotten Dishes Worth Trying Again
• 10 Chicken Recipes Worth Trying Tonight
• 20 Chicken Recipes Worth Trying for Dinner
• 10 Chicken Recipes Worth Trying Today