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    Home » Articles

    11 Unexpected Smoked Foods That Will Take Your BBQ to the Next Level

    Published: Jun 12, 2026 by Rachel Escolafogg

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    Most people play it safe and use their smoker for the usual brisket and ribs, but you can add that smokey flavor to so many unexpected foods to add that amazing depth of flavor. Desserts, side dishes and even vegetables can get a flavor boost with a little time on a smoker.

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    Try smoked chocolate chip cookies, Trager scalloped potatoes and even smoked potato chips. These unique recipes will make your summer BBQ a fun crowd-pleasing experience they will talk about all summer!

    Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Photo Credit: Austin Eats

    These Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies are a revelation. They're simple to make and perfect for BBQs and summer. The subtle smokiness from cooking over charcoal is strangely pleasing and unexpected. 

    Get the recipe: Smoked Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Tex-Mex Charro Beans Made in a Smoker

    Photo Credit: Austin Eats

    These Tex-Mex Charro Beans Made in a Smoker are a taste sensation. Charro beans are pinto beans cooked in a rich broth made with bacon, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and spices. This version uses a Dutch oven and indirect heat.

    Get the recipe: Tex-Mex Charro Beans Made in a Smoker

    Smoked Potato Chips

    Photo Credit: The Urben Life

    These Smoked Potato Chips on the pellet grill are so easy to make. It's a simple snack that's full of smoky flavor. They will be perfect for picnics or cookouts. You have to give them a try!

    Get the recipe: Smoked Potato Chips

    Smoked Corn On The Cob

    Photo Credit: The Urben Life

    This Smoked Corn On The Cob recipe is beginner-friendly and so easy to make. It's juicy, tender, and flavorful. The perfect side dish for any BBQ and a really simple way to enjoy a delicious vegetable.

    Get the recipe: Smoked Corn On The Cob

    Traeger Scalloped Potatoes

    Photo Credit: Simple and Fraiche

    This Traeger Scalloped Potatoes recipe is perfect for family BBQs or get-togethers. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese are cooked to smoky perfection on your Traeger grill. Yum!

    Get the recipe: Traeger Scalloped Potatoes

    Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

    Photo Credit: The Buttered Gnocchi

    This Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon is the perfect summer recipe to spice up any home BBQ during the warm summer months! It's so simple to make and the flavors are just perfection.

    Get the recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

    Fall Snack Mix

    Photo Credit: Recipes Made With Love

    The Fall Snack Mix has amazing smokey flavors. The crunch of crisp apple slices, the warmth of cinnamon, and the nutty flavor of roasted almonds. You have everything in one snack mix. Perfection!

    Get the recipe: Fall Snack Mix

    Smoked Deviled Eggs

    Photo Credit: The Herbeevore

    These Smoked Deviled Eggs are an easy and delicious side dish recipe to make in the smoker. They have classic ingredients in the filling, but with an added hint of smoke flavor from 90 minutes of smoking at a low temperature.

    Get the recipe: Smoked Deviled Eggs

    Smoked Sweet Potatoes

    Photo Credit: Camp Grill Eat

    These Smoked Sweet Potatoes have it all: creamy flesh, crisped edges, and an irresistible smoky, buttery flavor. They're tossed with sage and butter and cooked in a foil pan on your smoker or grill until perfectly tender.

    Get the recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

    Sweet and Spicy Smoked Nuts

    Photo Credit: Camp Grill Eat

    These Sweet and Spicy Smoked Nuts are perfect for parties, gifting, and everyday snacking. They are easy to make on your smoker or grill. It's the perfect combination of flavors and very addictive. You have to try them!

    Get the recipe: Sweet and Spicy Smoked Nuts

    Smoked Vegetables

    Photo Credit: Simply Made Eats

    These Smoked Vegetables are seasoned and smoked to perfection on the Traeger. They prep in just minutes, then set it, forget it, and let the smoker do the work. Plus, these smoked veggies only take 45 minutes to make!

    Get the recipe: Smoked Vegetables

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    Hi, I'm Bobbie! Welcome to Blue's Best Life. I'm a self-taught cook that loves to cook wholesome meals while still enjoying a truly decadent dessert, because there is always room for a little something sweet!

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