21 Amazing Smoker Recipes That'll Make You the Labor Day BBQ Hero

Labor Day is just around the corner, and I've got 21 irresistible smoker recipes that'll have your neighbors peeking over the fence. From fall-off-the-bone ribs to juicy brisket and even some unexpected treats, these recipes will turn your backyard into BBQ heaven. Just don't blame me when they start inviting themselves over every weekend!

Smoked Pineapple Stand Chicken

Smoked chicken standing on a pineapple, with a beautifully browned skin, served on a wooden board. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

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Get ready for a tropical twist on your BBQ! This Smoked Pineapple Stand Chicken is a showstopper, with a juicy bird perched atop a fresh pineapple. The sweet fruit infuses the meat as it cooks, creating a flavor explosion that'll have your guests talking long after Labor Day.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Pineapple Stand Chicken

Traeger Smoked Salmon

The pellet grill imparts a perfect smoky flavor to this Traeger smoked salmon while keeping the fish moist and flaky. It's an elegant option that's surprisingly easy to make.

Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Salmon

Smoked Tri-tip

Looking for something a little different? This Smoked Tri-tip is your answer. This underrated cut becomes a flavor bomb when smoked, with a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. It's quicker to cook than brisket but just as impressive, making it ideal for Labor Day.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Tri-tip

Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends

These Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends are like meat candy for grown-ups. Cubed pork belly is smoked until crispy on the outside, then glazed for a sweet and sticky finish. They're dangerously addictive and guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

These Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings are smoky, crispy, and begging to be dunked in your favorite sauce - the ultimate Labor Day finger food.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

Smoked Apple Pork Chops with Apple Glaze

Apple glazed smoked pork chops on a baking sheet. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

These Smoked Apple Pork Chops are like fall on a plate, perfect for a Labor Day transition into the new season. The apple wood smoke and glaze create layers of flavor that'll make you forget all about boring, dry pork chops. It's a dish that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Apple Pork Chops with Apple Glaze

Honey Glazed Smoked Salmon

A fillet of honey smoked salmon on a serving platter, garnished with sesame seeds. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

This Honey Glazed Smoked Salmon is the perfect blend of sweet and smoky. The honey glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a lacquered finish that's as pretty as it is delicious. It's an elegant option that'll make your Labor Day BBQ feel like a gourmet affair.

Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Smoked Salmon

Pellet Grill Smoked Brisket

Sliced smoked beef brisket with a dark, flavorful crust, served on a wooden cutting board. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Take your brisket to the next level with this Pellet Grill Smoked Brisket. The pellet grill gives you precise temperature control for that perfect smoke ring and bark. It's a set-it-and-forget-it method that'll free you up to enjoy your Labor Day while creating brisket magic.

Get the Recipe: Pellet Grill Smoked Brisket

Smoked Beef Brisket Recipe

A perfectly smoked beef brisket on a wooden cutting board, sliced and ready to serve. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Don't let the lack of a fancy smoker stop you from making great brisket. This Smoked Beef Brisket recipe can be made in any smoker, whether it's an electric smoker or pellet grill. It's perfect for beginners and experts alike, promising a tender, flavorful brisket that'll be the star of your Labor Day party.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Brisket Recipe

Smoked Meatloaf

The barbecue glazed stuffed meatloaf on a wooden cutting board, garnished with fresh parsley. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Forget everything you thought you knew about meatloaf. This Smoked Meatloaf is a game-changer, with a smoky flavor that'll make you wonder why you ever made meatloaf in the oven.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatloaf

Smoked Queso Recipe

Creamy smoked queso dip in an aluminum pan, with tortilla chips on the table beside it. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Get ready for the ultimate party dip with this Smoked Queso Recipe. The smoke adds a depth of flavor you never knew queso needed, making it irresistibly good. It's the perfect appetizer to keep your guests happy while they wait for the main event of your Labor Day BBQ.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Queso Recipe

Smoked Pork Tenderloin

This Smoked Pork Tenderloin is proof that easy can be delicious. The lean cut soaks up smoke beautifully, resulting in a juicy, flavorful dish that's still relatively light. It's a great option for those looking for something a little different this Labor Day.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Smoked Spatchcock Chicken

This Smoked Spatchcock Chicken is a surefire way to achieve a perfectly cooked bird every time. The spatchcock technique ensures even cooking, while the pellet grill adds that gorgeous smoky flavor. It's a showstopper that's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing your Labor Day guests.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Spatchcock Chicken

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked mac n cheese in cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon scooping some up. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Take your side dish game to new heights with this Smoked Mac and Cheese. The smoke adds a depth of flavor that'll make you wonder why you ever made mac and cheese any other way. It's creamy, smoky comfort food that's bound to be a Labor Day favorite.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked Party Ribs

Saucy party ribs in an aluminum pan, ready to serve. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

These Smoked Party Ribs are designed to feed a crowd, making them perfect for your Labor Day bash. They're cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection, with a smoky flavor that'll have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready for these ribs to become your new go-to party recipe.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Party Ribs

Smoked Corn on the Cob

Elevate a summer classic with this Smoked Corn on the Cob recipe. The smoke adds a new dimension to the sweet corn, creating a flavor that's out of this world. It's an easy side dish that'll have your Labor Day guests wondering why they've never had corn this way before.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Corn on the Cob

3-2-1 Ribs

A plate of 321 smoked ribs with a rich glaze, garnished, served on a rustic wooden table. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

These 3-2-1 Ribs are named for their foolproof cooking method, guaranteeing perfect results every time. You'll get tender meat that's packed with flavor and pulls clean from the bone.

Get the Recipe: 3-2-1 Ribs

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Smoked Shotgun Shells! These little beauties are manicotti pasta stuffed with a savory meat mixture, wrapped in bacon, and smoked to perfection. They're a unique appetizer that's sure to be the talk of your Labor Day BBQ.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Make your chicken so much better with this Smoked Beer Can Chicken. The beer keeps the bird moist from the inside while the smoker works its magic on the outside, resulting in juicy meat with a crispy, flavorful skin. It's a fun cooking method - plus, it gives you an excuse to crack open a cold one while you cook!

Get the Recipe: Smoked Beer Can Chicken

Smoked Pork Butt

Get ready for pulled pork perfection with this Smoked Pork Butt recipe. This cut, despite its name, comes from the shoulder and is ideal for low and slow smoking, resulting in meat so tender it practically shreds itself. The long smoke time creates a beautiful bark on the outside while the inside stays juicy and flavorful - it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your Labor Day BBQ.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Butt

Grilled Smash Burgers

Delicious smash burgers with juicy patties, melted cheese, crispy onions, and fresh toppings. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Take your burger game to the next level with these irresistible Grilled Smash Burgers. The secret is in the smash - pressing the patty onto a scorching hot grill creates a crust that's crispy, caramelized, and packed with flavor. These thin, juicy burgers cook in minutes and are perfect for feeding a crowd.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Smash Burgers