Welcome to the world of pellet smokers and a complete list of first time smoker recipes that will get you off the ground and running. This list has easy recipes for the best meats to smoke with a subtle smoky flavor. At the bottom, you will see some fun side dishes and more easy recipes to add to your arsenal.
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Must Have Supplies for Pellet Smokers
No matter what you are cooking, there are a few supplies that will help over, and over, and over again. In order of importance:
- Meat Thermometer: for the best results, you should have an instant read meat thermometer to check the internal temp of all your meats. Overcooked or undercooked meat is super disappointing.
- Wireless Meat Thermometer: the Meater+ gets a lot of hype, but I seen several reports of the probe coming disconnected from the base. I use an ARMeator and its still doing the job for me without issues. This is the best way to know exactly when your protein reaches the desired internal temperature.
- Wrap: aka the Texas Crutch. I like the pink wrap from Traeger but you can also use aluminum foil.
Wood Pellet Options
One of the funner parts about using a pellet smoker is the flavor options when it comes to your wood pellets. Let's get you set up with a great guide to ensure the best smoke flavor for your cut of meat.
Hickey Wood and Mesquite: these are perfect for low temperatures and slow smoked cooking. Cuts like brisket, ribs, and pork shoulder will have a chance to really soak of that wood fired flavor.
Cherry or Apple Wood: These fruit woods are great for a milder smoke. Still good for the slow smoke process, but with less intense woody flavor.
Premium Wood Pellet Blend: this option is ideal for higher temperature recipes because of the quicker cook time. Don't waste expensive wood for these recipes.
Beginner Pork Recipes You are Sure to Love
When it comes to the best smoker recipes, anything pork related is high up on the list.
Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops- these pork chops are loaded with flavor from bourbon, brown sugar and soy sauce in a sweet glaze.
Pulled Pork with a Pork Shoulder- this is one recipe that everyone needs to conquer. It does take a long time to cook and might be your first overnight or very early morning cook. This is an easy recipe to follow. My tip is to give yourself plenty
Pork Tenderloin is awesome because you can cook it low and slow or hot and fast. No matter what, reach that internal temp of 140-145˚F and you be good to go.
Caritas Recipe with Pork Butt- this recipe has a slow cooking time which means the connective tissue is able to break down leaving you with a tender, moist and flavorful shredded pork.
Brown Sugar and Bourbon Glazed Bacon Jerky is a fun and easy recipe to try. There are just a few steps to slow smoking thick cut hickory bacon for a great appetizer or snack.
St Loius Style Pork Ribs- through the smoking process, you will extra flavor in tender fall-off-the-bone ribs
Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends- when you are ready to up your grilling game and want something extra fun, these are fantastic. The pork belly bites are smoked low and slow. Then, they are finished with a tasty bbq sauce to infuse more moisture and round out the flavors with smoky perfection.
Beef Recipes for New Smokers
The holy trinity for smoked beef recipes, especially in Texas, includes kosher salt, lots of black pepper, and garlic powder. This is the flavor foundation for so many beef recipes.
Easy Beef Brisket Recipe is what most people have their sites on when they buy a new smoker. For a first time smoker, keep it simple. Focus on the internal temperature. Don't overthink the spices. Make sure to wrap it tight and give it a long rest before slicing.
Prime Rib Recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd at your holiday celebrations. Make sure to big with your garlic and herb mixture to max out that flavor.
Quick Cooking Filet Mignon uses a cast iron pan to sear a beautiful crust on the outside while quickly cooking your steak to a perfect medium-rare.
Quick Cook Steak in a Pellet Grill for a great rib-eye.
Over the Top Chili takes a classic chili recipe to the next level with a smoked ball of ground beef cooked over top.
Easy Smoked Tri Tip is the perfect easy recipe for a medium-rare tri-tip roast cooked evenly all of the way through.
Beef Jerky for a quick and simple beginner recipe.
Smoked Cheese Burgers are a super tasty burger that holds on too all of its moisture.
Must Have Chicken Recipes for Beginners
Quick Chicken Wings - a quick tip for tasty and tender chicken wings: use a little cornstarch when you season the wings to get a crispy skin. Also, finish them on a high heat. They are easy and delicious!
Smoked Whole Chicken - I love smoking the whole bird to serve up both light and dark meat. For your first couple attempts, keep it simple. Season the chicken, tie the legs, and get this chicken on the grill grates. Once you feel more comfortable, give the spatchcock chicken a try.
Smoked Chicken Breast at 250F is a simple guide helping you with seasoning and cook time for boneless skinless breasts.
Marinated Chicken Thighs are a great weeknight meal because even cooked at a low temperature, they don't take too long to smoke.
Beer Can Chicken is a classic staple in the smoking world. Generously season your whole chicken and then let the smoker do the rest.
Turkey
Whole Turkey on a Traeger is the perfect holiday meal whether you are cooking for Thanksgiving or Christmas. The presentation is gorgeous and you can save all that oven space for all the tasty side dishes.
Smoked Turkey Breast is one of my favorite leans cuts of meat and a great way to mix up the usual routine. This is a really simple recipe that I love making year round.
Spatchcocked Thanksgiving Turkey is the quicker cooking version of a whole turkey. By spatchcocking the big bird and reducing the cook time, you have a better chance retaining moisture.
Surprising Side Dishes to Fill You Up
Twice Smoked Potatoes are an easy side dish with lots of flavor that are also easy to serve a big group.
Pellet Smoker Mac n Cheese from Hey Grill Hey has all the smoky melty cheese flavor you need for an easy first time smoker recipe.
Smoked Baked Beans combine crispy bacon and sweet onions with store-bought baked beans for an easy and tasty side dish.
Beginner Appetizers
Smoked Cream Cheese - hands down the easiest thing you will ever make on your smoker. This is a soft and fluffy spreadable cream cheese with just a kiss of smoke and total crowd pleaser.
Potato Skins - one of my favorite game day foods that no expects but fills the need for a starchy easy to serve appetizer
Smoked Meatballs Recipe- use the low and slow guide to make a delicious BBQ smoked meatball
Favorite Rubs You Want in Your Collection
You can never have too many dry rub options. Here are some favorites that you can order or pick up from the grocery store.
Traeger Chicken Rub with flavors from black pepper and citrus.
Recipes to Make Your Meal
Homemade Jack Daniels Barbecue Sauce
Potato Salad- the perfect side dish for anything barbecue
Grilled Elote Salad is a bright flavorful corn salad loaded with cotija and lime
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