15 Easy Smoked Recipes to Let the Pellet Grill Do the Work

Pellet grills are built for convenience, giving backyard cooks smoky flavor without constant tending. With steady temperature control and the rich aroma of hardwood pellets, they make it simple to transform everyday ingredients into something special. From hearty meats to seafood and even creative twists like pizza, the pellet grill does the heavy lifting while you enjoy the process. Whether you are cooking for a weekend family dinner or preparing a spread for guests, these 15 easy smoked recipes showcase how versatile pellet grills can be.

1. Smoked Brisket

Brisket is a classic barbecue centerpiece that becomes tender and flavorful when smoked low and slow. On a pellet grill, maintaining steady heat is effortless, allowing the meat’s fat to render and keep it juicy. A simple rub of salt, pepper, and garlic is all you need, though you can experiment with spices or sauces for variety. After several hours, you are rewarded with slices that are smoky, moist, and rich. Served with pickles and bread or as the star of a platter, smoked brisket is worth the patience.

2. Smoked Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder, also called pork butt, is perfect for pulled pork. The pellet grill’s consistency makes it easy to smoke for long stretches, ensuring tender meat that shreds effortlessly. A dry rub with paprika, brown sugar, and chili powder creates a flavorful crust, while apple or hickory pellets add depth to the smoke. Once finished, you can pile it high on buns with slaw or use it in tacos and nachos. This recipe is ideal for gatherings, since one shoulder can feed a crowd with minimal effort.

3. Smoked Ribs

Ribs are a barbecue favorite, and pellet grills make them simple to prepare without constant monitoring. Baby back or spare ribs can be rubbed with a spice mix and smoked until tender, often using the 3-2-1 method: three hours unwrapped, two hours wrapped, and one final hour with sauce. The result is meat that pulls cleanly from the bone yet stays moist. Whether sauced generously or left dry with a rub, smoked ribs deliver that classic balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors every barbecue fan loves.

4. Smoked Whole Chicken

Smoking a whole chicken on a pellet grill creates juicy meat and crispy skin with minimal fuss. The even heat helps cook the bird through without drying it out. You can brine the chicken ahead of time for added flavor or simply season with herbs and spices. Wood pellets like apple or cherry lend a mild sweetness that complements poultry beautifully. Once cooked, it can be carved for dinner or shredded for sandwiches and salads. This recipe shows how pellet grills turn even simple chicken into a flavorful centerpiece.

5. Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is elegant yet surprisingly easy on a pellet grill. A quick cure with salt and sugar prepares the fish, followed by low-temperature smoking that infuses it with delicate flavor. Alder or maple pellets are ideal for fish, offering a subtle smokiness without overpowering. The result is tender, flaky salmon with a light smoky aroma that can be served warm or chilled. It pairs well with cream cheese and bagels, tossed into salads, or plated with roasted vegetables. This dish proves the grill is not just for meat.

6. Smoked Sausages

Sausages benefit greatly from pellet grilling because the steady heat ensures they cook evenly while soaking up smoky flavor. Kielbasa, bratwurst, or spicy Italian sausages all perform well, developing a snappy casing and juicy interior. You can smoke them directly on the grates or add them to dishes like gumbo or jambalaya for an extra layer of taste. Sausages are quick compared to large cuts of meat, making them a great option when you want smoky flavor without a long wait. They are perfect for casual weeknight grilling.

7. Smoked Turkey Breast

Turkey breast can be notoriously dry, but smoking it on a pellet grill keeps it moist and flavorful. A simple brine or dry rub enhances the flavor, while the indirect heat cooks it gently. Applewood pellets add a touch of sweetness that balances the lean meat. It is a fantastic option for holidays when you do not need a full bird but still want the centerpiece experience. Thinly sliced, it makes excellent sandwiches, while thicker portions serve as a satisfying entrée. It is a lighter smoked option that still feels indulgent.

8. Smoked Burgers

Burgers on a pellet grill gain an extra layer of flavor that elevates them beyond the stovetop version. Season ground beef patties with salt and pepper, then let the grill’s smoke infuse the meat before finishing with a quick sear for crust. Hickory or mesquite pellets bring bold flavor, while cheese melts beautifully under the lid. Served on toasted buns with toppings of your choice, smoked burgers strike the balance between backyard classic and barbecue specialty. They are quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress guests.

9. Smoked Meatloaf

Meatloaf might not be the first dish you imagine on a pellet grill, but the smoke transforms it into something special. A mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and spices is shaped into a loaf and smoked until tender, with the smoke enhancing its savory notes. Adding a glaze of ketchup or barbecue sauce in the final stages creates a caramelized finish. The result is moist, flavorful slices that taste both familiar and elevated. Smoked meatloaf is an easy weeknight dinner with a nostalgic twist.

10. Smoked Prime Rib

Prime rib on a pellet grill is a showstopper, delivering tender beef with smoky richness. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic, the roast cooks slowly at low heat, allowing the marbling to render and keep the meat juicy. Hickory or oak pellets give it a bold profile, while finishing at high heat creates a perfect crust. This recipe is especially popular during the holidays or for special occasions, offering an elegant centerpiece that requires surprisingly little effort thanks to the pellet grill’s steady performance.

11. Smoked Lamb Chops

Lamb chops are an excellent choice for pellet grilling, combining rich flavor with a fast cooking time. A marinade of garlic, rosemary, and olive oil complements the meat, while fruitwood pellets like apple or cherry add a subtle sweetness. Smoked lamb chops strike a balance between elegance and rustic charm, making them ideal for dinner parties or intimate family meals. They showcase the pellet grill’s ability to enhance not just classic barbecue cuts but also meats that might feel more upscale.

12. Smoked Pizza

Pizza on a pellet grill combines smoky flavor with crispy crust, making it a fun dish to prepare outdoors. Using a pizza stone, you can layer sauce, cheese, and toppings while the grill infuses everything with wood-fired taste. Hickory pellets bring a bold profile, while fruitwoods like apple add subtle sweetness. The high heat gives the crust a perfect crunch while melting the cheese beautifully. Smoked pizza feels like a backyard version of a wood-fired pizzeria, making it a hit for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

13. Smoked Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers filled with rice, meat, or vegetables gain depth of flavor when smoked on a pellet grill. The peppers soften without collapsing, while the filling absorbs smoky notes that elevate the dish. A sprinkle of cheese on top creates a bubbly, golden finish. They are both visually appealing and satisfying, making them an excellent choice when hosting vegetarians or guests who want lighter fare. Smoked stuffed peppers are versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough to serve at a backyard gathering.

14. Smoked Wings

Smoked chicken wings are flavorful and crowd-pleasing, offering a lighter alternative to fried versions. A dry rub gives them a savory crust, while the smoke adds depth before finishing with a quick high-heat blast to crisp the skin. You can toss them in barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or honey glaze for variety. The pellet grill makes it easy to prepare large batches, ensuring plenty for everyone. Smoky, juicy, and customizable, these wings are perfect for game days or casual weekend cookouts.

15. Smoked Ham

Smoked ham is a holiday classic that shines on a pellet grill. A pre-cooked or fresh ham can be scored, glazed with honey or brown sugar, and slowly smoked until the flavors meld beautifully. Fruitwood pellets like cherry or apple bring out its natural sweetness, while the glaze caramelizes to form a shiny crust. Served sliced at the table, smoked ham works equally well for large gatherings or as leftovers for sandwiches. It is a recipe that proves pellet grills handle both everyday meals and festive occasions.