A whole and sliced smoked eye of round with on a wooden cutting board.

23 Pellet Smoker Recipes That Prove Low and Slow Is the Only Way Anything Should Be Cooked

Rushing food over high heat can leave plenty of browned edges but little time for smoke to settle in. These 23 recipes cover rubbed wings, glazed chicken, beef roasts, skewers, loaded potatoes, turkey, shrimp, and chili, with steady heat doing most of the flavor work. The collection also reaches beyond the main plate with a vegetable side, bite-size snacks, and a blackberry cocktail. From a small batch for two to crowd-size holiday dishes, there is room here for casual weekends, game-day trays, and larger groups.

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

Smoked Dry Rubbed Wings

Smoked dry rubbed chicken wings on a white plate with garlic.
Smoked Dry Rubbed Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Coated with olive oil and a nine-spice rub, Smoked Dry Rubbed Wings smoke for 1 hour after 10 minutes of prep. The recipe uses 2 pounds of chicken wings with chili powder, paprika, cumin, thyme, garlic powder, and smoked hot paprika. A brief high-heat finish gives the skin a crisper surface. The batch makes 6 servings for a game-day tray or casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Dry Rubbed Wings

Smoked Asparagus

Smoked asparagus on a white platter with lemon.
Smoked Asparagus. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With only asparagus, olive oil, salt, and pepper, Smoked Asparagus takes 1 hour 10 minutes from start to finish and makes 4 servings. The spears stay at 225°F until tender-crisp, picking up smoke without a heavy sauce. A squeeze of lemon can brighten the finished side. Tuck it beside fish, chicken, or a larger roast already using the smoker.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus

Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings

Smoked and glazed peach-chipotle chicken wings on a black plate.
Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet peach jam meets chipotle and adobo in Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings, a four-serving batch with 5 minutes of prep and 1 hour of listed cook time. The wings smoke first, crisp at 450°F, then get tossed with peach jam, chipotle, adobo sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Keep the extra glaze nearby for dipping when these land on a snack table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peach-Chipotle Wings

Smoked Meatloaf

Sliced Smoked Meatloaf on a cutting board with salt and pepper shakers on the side.
Smoked Meatloaf. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Built from equal parts ground beef and ground pork, Smoked Meatloaf mixes chopped bacon into the loaf before a sticky glaze goes on top. The live recipe lists 1 hour 40 minutes total and 8 servings, with bread, milk, eggs, Italian seasoning, ketchup, brown sugar, and cider vinegar rounding it out. Let it rest 15 minutes, then slice it for a hearty family plate.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatloaf

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

A platter of Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Using leftover smoked chicken as the base, Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites fills 24 tortilla scoops with chicken, shredded cheese, red onion, and cilantro. The live recipe lists 15 minutes total and 6 servings, with only a 5-minute bake to melt the cheese. Add salsa, sour cream, jalapeño, or guacamole at the end. These work best as a quick party bite, not a pellet-smoker recipe on their own.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Bites

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked shotgun shells on a white plate.
Smoked Shotgun Shells. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wrapped in bacon from end to end, Smoked Shotgun Shells stuff 14 oven-ready cannelloni tubes with ground beef, cheddar, milk, garlic, and onion powder. The recipe lists 1 hour 50 minutes total and 4 servings. They smoke at 225°F, get brushed with barbecue sauce, then continue until the pasta is tender and the filling reaches temperature. Put them out as a substantial appetizer or a hands-on dinner.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked Tomahawk Steak

A sliced Tomahawk Steak on a cream color plate.
Smoked Tomahawk Steak. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Seasoned with Montreal steak seasoning, Smoked Tomahawk Steak spends about 2 hours on the smoker and feeds 2 people. The 2-pound steak starts at 180°F, then finishes at 225°F before resting. A mustard seed chimichurri brings lime juice, shallot, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and red pepper flakes to the plate. Save this one for a smaller dinner where the steak can stay at the center.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomahawk Steak

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze on a round platter.
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rubbed with garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, and olive oil, Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze cook for 1 hour 30 minutes and make 6 servings. The glaze combines red pepper jelly, bourbon, and Sriracha, then coats the legs near the end. Higher heat finishes the skin after the low smoke. Pass the reheated extra glaze alongside the chicken for anyone who wants more.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Smoked Double Stuffed Potatoes on a square plate.
Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked once as whole russets and again after filling, Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes take 2 hours 20 minutes and make 4 servings. Heavy cream, butter, bacon, green onions, and cheddar turn the scooped potato into a loaded filling. The second trip to the smoker melts the cheese and warms the centers. Pair them with roast beef, pork loin, or chicken when the main dish needs a substantial side.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Smoked Beef Kabobs

Smoked beef kabobs on a plate.
Smoked Beef Kabobs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

After an hour in a soy, Worcestershire, balsamic, honey, and garlic marinade, Smoked Beef Kabobs pair sirloin with zucchini, red onion, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. The recipe lists 10 minutes of prep, 45 minutes of cook time, and 4 servings. They start at 180°F before finishing at 300°F. Add potatoes or a simple grain side for a full dinner built around the skewers.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Kabobs

Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers

Smoked Pork & Pineapple Kabobs on a plate for serving.
Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Threaded with pork loin, pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion, Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers balance sweet fruit with a tangy marinade of brown sugar, cider vinegar, fish sauce, and garlic. The recipe lists 1 hour 40 minutes total, including 30 minutes of marinating, and makes 4 servings. Smoke them at 250°F until the pork reaches temperature, then add rice, corn, or salad.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork & Pineapple Skewers

Smoked Ribeye Roast

Sliced smoked ribeye beef on a cutting board.
Smoked Ribeye Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Kept deliberately simple, Smoked Ribeye Roast uses a 4-pound roast, olive oil, and Montreal steak seasoning. The live recipe lists 2 hours 30 minutes of cook time and 6 servings, beginning at 180°F before the smoker moves to 225°F. Pulling the roast at medium-rare temperature and resting it for at least 15 minutes protects the juices. Slice it for a holiday meal or dinner with classic beef sides.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Ribeye Roast

Smoked Pork Shots

Smoked pork shots in a skillet with basil and tomatoes.
Smoked Pork Shots. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Stacked from smoked sausage, thick-cut bacon, and a cream cheese filling, Smoked Pork Shots need 20 minutes of prep and 1 hour on the smoker. Cheddar, diced chiles, and chili seasoning fill the bacon-wrapped sausage cups, with the recipe yielding 8 servings. The bacon cooks at 250°F until crisp around the edges. Set these out for parties, game day, or a snack-heavy backyard meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Shots

Smoked Blackberry Margarita

Smoked Blackberry Margarita with smoke coming out the top of the glass.
Smoked Blackberry Margarita. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Muddled blackberries give Smoked Blackberry Margarita its fruit base before tequila, lime juice, agave, and crème de cassis join the shaker. The live recipe makes 1 cocktail in 5 minutes and uses a cocktail smoking kit rather than a pellet smoker. Smoke is trapped over the glass just before drinking. Pair it with chips and dip or spicy grilled food when the menu needs a cold drink.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Blackberry Margarita

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

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

Marinated for 8 hours in guajillo chiles, pineapple juice, orange juice, achiote, cumin, oregano, and chipotle, Smoked Chicken Al Pastor takes 11 hours 10 minutes total and makes 8 servings. Chicken thighs and pineapple stack on a vertical skewer, smoke at 180°F, then finish at 300°F. Slice the browned outer layers into tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or nachos for a larger meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Smoked Carver Ham

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

Glazed with brown sugar, maple syrup, cider vinegar, Dijon, cinnamon, cloves, and chipotle, Smoked Carver Ham turns a 4-pound ham into 8 servings. The recipe lists 2 hours 10 minutes total at 300°F, with the glaze spooned over a scored surface before smoking. Cut the slices as thick or thin as the meal needs. Leftovers also work in sandwiches, eggs Benedict, or breakfast plates.
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.

Covered with a dry rub of brown sugar, paprika, thyme, sage, garlic, and onion powder, Traeger Smoked Turkey takes 7 hours total and makes 8 servings from a 15-pound bird. It smokes at 180°F, continues at 250°F, then gets rubbed with oil as it nears doneness. Rest it before carving and bring it to a holiday table with dressing, potatoes, or other large-batch sides.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Turkey

Smoked Brisket Chili

Smoked brisket chili served in two black bowls topped with sour cream, surrounded by fresh tomatoes, shredded cheese, crusty bread, and two spoons on a gray surface.
Smoked Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Packed with 6 cups of smoked brisket, Smoked Brisket Chili combines onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, dark beer, beef broth, beans, masa, cumin, paprika, and chipotle. The live recipe lists 1 hour 15 minutes total and 8 servings. It can simmer on a Traeger at 350°F or on the stovetop, so the smoker is optional here. Finish each bowl with cheese, sour cream, onion, or jalapeño.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili

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.

Scored across the fat cap and coated in a coffee-based rub, Smoked New York Strip Roast takes 1 hour 35 minutes and makes 6 servings. The seasoning mixes instant coffee with brown sugar, black pepper, ancho chile, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne. One hour at 180°F builds smoke before the roast finishes at 225°F. Rest it 10 to 15 minutes, then carve against the grain.
Get the Recipe: Smoked New York Strip Roast

Smoked Shrimp

Two pans of smoked shrimp on a table.
Smoked Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Basted repeatedly with lime butter, Smoked Shrimp uses 2 pounds of shrimp and a taco-style seasoning blend for 6 servings. The recipe lists 2 hours 10 minutes total, beginning at 180°F before the heat rises to 225°F. The long, gentle approach is unusual for shrimp, while the butter keeps the pan saucy. Bring bread to catch the seasoned lime butter left behind.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shrimp

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.

Crisped in a large skillet, Montreal Smoked Meat Hash combines frozen shredded potatoes, onion, diced Montreal smoked meat, cheddar, and parsley in 20 minutes. The recipe makes 4 servings and finishes with a fried egg or sour cream if desired. Despite the name, the hash itself is not made in a smoker. Use it for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dinner built around leftover smoked meat.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

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.

Flattened for even exposure to the heat, Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock seasons a whole chicken with Montreal chicken seasoning and makes 6 servings in 2 hours 10 minutes. It starts at 180°F, continues at 225°F, then gets a short 450°F finish for crisper skin. Rest the bird 10 minutes before carving. Add corn, mashed potatoes, or a cold salad for a complete plate.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Chicken Spatchcock

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.

Lean and simply seasoned, Smoked Eye of Round needs only a 3-pound roast and Montreal steak seasoning. The live recipe lists 1 hour 39 minutes total and 6 servings, with 30 minutes at 180°F followed by 225°F until medium-rare. A 10-minute rest and thin slicing across the grain matter for this cut. Use the slices for dinner, sandwiches, or cold leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Eye of Round

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