Pellet grills and smokers are a great way to add flavor to your food and take your cooking skills to the next level. They use wood pellets as fuel and offer a wide range of cooking options, from smoking to grilling, roasting, and even baking
. If you’re new to pellet grilling or smoking, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 20 easy pellet grill/smoker recipes for beginners.
From juicy smoked brisket to flavorful grilled vegetables, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking to experiment with pellet grilling or smoking.
With clear instructions and simple ingredients, these recipes are perfect for beginners who want to master the art of pellet grilling and smoking. So fire up your pellet grill or smoker and get ready to impress your family and friends with these delicious recipes.
Getting Started with Your Pellet Grill
Choosing the Right Pellet Grill
When it comes to choosing the right pellet grill, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the size of the grill you need. If you plan on cooking for a large group, you’ll want a bigger grill, but if it’s just for your family, a smaller grill will do.
Second, consider the temperature range of the grill. Make sure it can reach the temperature you need for the recipes you want to make.
Finally, think about the brand and quality of the grill. Look for a reputable brand with good reviews to ensure you’re getting a quality product. Here are a few of my top favorite pellet grills/smokers.
Traeger Pro 575 Wood Pellet Grill
Z GRILLS ZPG-450A 2022 Upgrade Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Essential Accessories
In addition to the pellet grill itself, there are a few essential accessories you’ll need.
Long Range Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer
Can you make these recipes on any grill?
While these recipes are designed for pellet grills, many of them can be adapted to other types of grills. However, keep in mind that pellet grills offer a unique flavor and ease of use that other grills may not. If you’re serious about smoking and grilling, a pellet grill is a worthwhile investment that will pay off in delicious meals for years to come.
Top 15 Beginner Recipes
If you’re new to pellet grilling, it can be overwhelming to decide which recipes to try first. To help you get started, here are the top 15 beginner recipes that are easy to make and delicious to eat!
1- Simple Smoked Chicken
Smoked chicken is a classic recipe that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. To make simple smoked chicken, all you need is a whole chicken, some olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Rub the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Smoke the chicken at 225°F for 2-3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2- Easy Smoked Ribs
Smoked ribs are another classic recipe that is easy to make and perfect for beginners. To make easy smoked ribs, you’ll need some baby back ribs, your favorite BBQ rub, and BBQ sauce.
Rub the ribs with the BBQ rub and smoke them at 225°F for 4-5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 190°F. Finally, brush the ribs with BBQ sauce and continue smoking for another 30 minutes.
Pellet Grill/Smoker Recipes
3- Smoked Whole Turkey
Smoked whole turkey is a great recipe for holidays or special occasions. To make smoked whole turkey, you’ll need a whole turkey, some olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Rub the turkey with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Smoke the turkey at 225°F for 12-14 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4- Smoked Teriyaki Chicken Wings with Sesame Dressing
Smoked teriyaki chicken wings with sesame dressing is a delicious recipe that is perfect for game days or parties. To make smoked teriyaki chicken wings, you’ll need some chicken wings, teriyaki sauce, and sesame dressing.
Marinate the chicken wings in teriyaki sauce for at least 2 hours. Smoke the chicken wings at 225°F for 1-2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve with sesame dressing.
5- Texas Style Smoked Brisket
Smoked brisket is a staple recipe for pellet grilling enthusiasts. To make basic smoked brisket, you’ll need a brisket, your favorite BBQ rub, and BBQ sauce.
Rub the brisket with the BBQ rub and smoke it at 225°F for 12-14 hours until the internal temperature reaches 200°F. Finally, brush the brisket with BBQ sauce and continue smoking for another 30 minutes.
6- Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends
Smoked salmon burnt ends are a unique and delicious recipe that is perfect for seafood lovers. To make smoked salmon burnt ends, you’ll need some salmon fillets, your favorite BBQ rub, and BBQ sauce.
Rub the salmon fillets with the BBQ rub and smoke them at 225°F for 1-2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Finally, brush the salmon fillets with BBQ sauce and continue smoking for another 30 minutes.
7- Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf
Smoked meatloaf is a twist on the classic meatloaf recipe that is perfect for pellet grilling. To make smoked meatloaf, you’ll need ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, onions, peppers, and your favorite BBQ rub. Mix all the ingredients and form a loaf.
Smoke the meatloaf at 225°F for 2-3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8- Smoked Trout
Smoked trout is a healthy and delicious recipe that is perfect for a light meal. To make smoked trout, you’ll need some trout fillets, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Rub the trout fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Smoke the trout at 225°F for 1-2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
9- Smoked Shrimps
Smoked shrimp, is a dish that’s incredibly easy to make on a pellet grill or smoker. This simple process adds a delicious smoky essence to juicy shrimps, making them a hit for seafood enthusiasts.
You can serve them as an appetizer, a tasty salad ingredient, or a main course highlight in pasta dishes, smoked shrimps offer versatile serving options.
10 –Smoked Maple Glazed Salmon
Smoked maple glazed salmon is a sweet and savory recipe that is perfect for a special occasion.
To make smoked maple glazed salmon, you’ll need some salmon fillets, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Marinate the salmon fillets in the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 2 hours. Smoke the salmon at 225°F for 1-2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
11- Smoked Salmon Candy
Smoked salmon candy is a sweet and savory recipe that is perfect for a smoked appetizer. Making it is actually pretty easy—you just need a few things and a smoker or grill.
You can eat these yummy bites as a tasty starter, add them to a cheese and meat platter, or even snack on them by themselves. They’re a great way to surprise your friends or make any meal more special!
12- Smoked Potatoes
Smoked potatoes are quick and easy to make on your pellet grill or smoker. Prep is super simple – just coat potatoes in oil and your favorite seasonings, then let the grill work its magic.
The result? Tender, smoky potatoes with a crisp outer layer and a fluffy inside that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a standalone dish.
13- Smoked Peach Cobbler
14- Smoked BBQ Meatballs
15- Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies
For a wintery treat, Traeger Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fantastic option. The quality ingredients used in this recipe give them a unique smoky flavor.
They are best served warm with ice cream, milk, or just by themselves.
These bakery-style cookies have golden brown edges, are loaded with tons of chocolate chips, and the best part – a unique touch of smoked walnuts.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Smoking
Maintaining Temperature
One of the most important factors in smoking is maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the cook. To achieve this, it is recommended to preheat your smoker for at least 15-20 minutes before adding your food.
This will ensure that your smoker is at the desired temperature and will help prevent temperature fluctuations during the cook. It’s also important to keep an eye on the temperature throughout the cook, making adjustments as necessary to maintain the desired temperature.
Pellet Flavor Pairings
Different types of wood pellets can impart different flavors to your food, so it’s important to choose the right pellets for the dish you’re cooking.
For example, hickory pellets are great for smoking beef and pork, while apple pellets are ideal for smoking poultry and fish. It’s also possible to mix different types of pellets to create unique flavor combinations.
Timing Your Cooks
Smoking is a slow and steady process, so it’s important to plan and allow plenty of time for your cook. It’s also important to keep in mind that different types of meat will require different cooking times.
A good rule of thumb is to allow approximately 1-1.5 hours of cook time per pound of meat. It’s also important to factor in any resting time required after the meat has been removed from the smoker.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your smoker is essential for ensuring that it continues to function properly and produce delicious food.
It’s recommended to clean your smoker after every use, removing any ash or debris from the firebox and wiping down the grates with a damp cloth. It’s also important to periodically check and replace any worn or damaged parts, such as the temperature probe or gasket, to ensure optimal performance.
Expanding Your Skills
Once you have mastered the basics of pellet grilling and smoking, it’s time to start experimenting with different rubs, marinades, and smoking techniques to take your skills to the next level. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Experimenting with Rubs and Marinades
One of the easiest ways to add flavor to your smoked meats is by using rubs and marinades. A rub is a dry mixture of herbs and spices that is applied to the surface of the meat before smoking, while a marinade is a liquid mixture that the meat is soaked in before smoking.
Both can add depth and complexity to the flavor of your meat.
To get started, try making your rubs and marinades using ingredients such as garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. You can also try experimenting with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to add sweetness to your rubs and marinades.
Trying Different Smoking Techniques
Another way to expand your pellet grilling and smoking skills is by trying different smoking techniques. For example, you can try using different types of wood pellets to add different flavors to your meats. Hickory and mesquite pellets are great for beef and pork, while apple and cherry pellets are perfect for poultry and fish.
You can also try using a technique called “hot smoking,” which involves smoking the meat at a higher temperature than traditional smoking. This can result in a more caramelized exterior and a juicier interior.
Finally, you can try using a technique called “cold smoking,” which involves smoking the meat at a very low temperature for an extended period. This is great for foods like cheese and salmon, which can be easily overcooked at higher temperatures.
By experimenting with rubs, marinades, and smoking techniques, you can take your pellet grilling and smoking skills to the next level and impress your friends and family with your delicious creations.
I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.
I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!
