Thanksgiving smoker recipes add a unique flavor to your holiday dishes, transforming traditional meals into something extraordinary. Smoking food for Thanksgiving not only enhances the taste but also allows you to break away from the usual routine. If you’re hosting family and friends this year, impress them with a more flavorful and upgraded meal by incorporating smoked elements throughout the menu, from main courses to sides. You could even smoke some fruit for a delicious dessert!
If you love the idea of a smoked Thanksgiving meal but don’t have a smoker just yet, that’s the perfect gift idea for yourself (or your guests who fall in love with your recipes!)
Gifts for Grilling Enthusiasts to Make Thanksgiving Smoker Recipes
Prepping for the smoking season is easy to do. To get ready, here’s what you need:
- Buy your smoker. We recommend the Big Green Egg or Louisiana Grills for their efficiency, functionality, and results.
- Obtain the necessary wood chips and rubs needed. If you’re unsure, most recipes will provide recommendations.
- Grill covers and tools are some of the best gifts to give.
- Accessories, such as drip pans and smoking racks, can help you really enhance the outdoor grilling experience.
Let the AES Hearth & Patio team guide you in selecting the right solution for your needs.
1. Thanksgiving Smoker Recipes Start Here: Smoked Turkey
There are many recipe options for smoking a Thanksgiving turkey. The best results come from brining. You can purchase a store-bought brine or make your own with apple juice, salt, spices, and herbs. Here’s a favorite flavor profile:
- 4 cups of apple juice to 4 cups of water
- 1½ cups of salt
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- 10 cloves
- 2 sprigs of rosemary
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- Two sprigs of sage
- 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns
After boiling these ingredients in a pot, completely chill them. Brine the turkey in the fridge for at least a day, ensuring it is fully submerged. Pat it dry and then smoke it. For food safety, make sure the turkey gets to 140 degrees or higher. Keep the smoker going low and slow to ensure the flavor penetrates.
2. Smoked Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Smoking ham enhances its flavor, adding a deeper richness. To elevate your favorite ham, try coating it with a sweet glaze made from honey and hot chili flakes. It’s a delicious alternative for those who prefer something other than turkey.
3. Smoked Mac and Cheese
Everyone loves mac and cheese as comfort food, but smoking takes it to a new level. Cook the noodles you desire, then make a roux before creating your mac and cheese sauce. Use your favorite recipe (smoking will change the flavor). An excellent combination of cheese is 4 ounces of cream cheese, 3 cups of cheddar, and 1½ cups of gouda. Then, add some spice with a tablespoon of mustard powder as your secret ingredient.
Place everything in a cast iron skillet, top it with toasted buttered breadcrumbs, and finish it in the smoker for an hour.
4. Smoked Pumpkin Pie
For dessert, complete your mission with a fantastic smoked pumpkin pie. The process starts backward here. You’ll need to purchase pumpkins, prep them, and then smoke them for several hours in your smoker. Then, puree the softened goodness and complete your favorite recipe in the oven. Fresh whipped cream makes it decadent.
Start Experimenting
Start planning for the smoking season now. Whether you are buying a smoker for yourself, family, or your friends, visit AES Hearth & Patio showrooms in Newville, Camp Hill, or Burnham, PA to get hands-on support, or take a virtual tour now.
