When it comes to game day food, it’s hard to beat the mouthwatering options that come out of a smoker. From traditional barbecue favorites to flavorful twists on the classics and innovative new options, there’s so much you can do with your smoker to impress your guests and keep everyone full for the big game.
Here are some of the best options for your next ultimate game day shindig or tailgate experience. You'll find game day appetizers, finger foods, entrees, and more.
Smoked Chex Mix
Those looking for a simple option to complete their spread for the big game can whip up an easy batch of smoked Chex mix. It’s also easy to modify it with your favorite mix-ins and can be made up to a week ahead of time.
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Smoked Chicken Wings
There’s nothing like wings when it comes to watching a big game. Let the deliciously intense flavors of the wood smoke do the heavy lifting with this simple, tasty chicken wing recipe that requires only a few common spices.
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Smoked Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is an ideal protein for your party, with unmatched wood-fire flavor combined with exceptional versatility for a variety of dishes. These include sliders, nachos, and many more. It’s a smoker classic that’s easy to learn but endlessly customizable with your preferred seasoning profile.
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Smoked Jalapeño Poppers
With a mix of savory, creamy, spicy, and smoky, these jalapeno poppers are a perfect finger food for those who love big flavors. They’re as simple as stuffing, wrapping, and letting them smoke.
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Smoked BBQ Ribs
Everyone knows ribs are best on a smoker, and this recipe makes the most of the cooking style by combining a mouthwatering dry rub and your favorite sauce. Better bring some napkins — and your appetite.
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Smoked Sausage Kabobs
These smoked sausage and veggie skewers are one of the fastest and easiest ways to enjoy an intensely smoky flavor to your gameday food. By using pre-cooked sausage that just needs to be warmed, you can imbue lots of flavor in your veggies without turning them to mush with extended smoking.
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Ultimate BBQ Brisket Nachos
Combining the flavors of American barbecue and Mexican nachos, this is a top choice for letting everyone get a taste of this easily snackable dish. Dress them up fully loaded with your favorite toppings, or enjoy them simply with meat and cheese.
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Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos
A delicious fusion of American smoked pork and Mexican tacos, this is an excellent choice for everyone wanting a twist on the usual. Loaded with toppings, they are bursting with flavor.
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Smoked Brisket Queso
Stay south of the border for another incredible way to integrate smoked beef brisket into your gameday menu with this brisket queso. In addition to the brisket, the entire skillet of queso itself is smoked, creating a complex flavor your guests won’t be able to stop dipping in.
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Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip
This craveable recipe follows a similar pattern to the brisket queso above — smoking the entire dip tray to integrate the intense flavor throughout. By using a precooked rotisserie chicken, the dip can be assembled and put on the smoker in just minutes, giving you more time to focus on the game and hang out with your guests.
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Smoked Turkey Legs
If you’re looking for some more substantial poultry than chicken wings, try these smoked turkey legs that bring to mind fairs and amusement parks. The mild turkey soaks up the essence of the savory brine and wood smoke while turning ultra-tender.
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Smoked Meatballs
Meatballs are a classic party food, but some time on the smoker takes them to the next level. These incredibly snackable treats are wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with BBQ Sauce.
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Smoked Shrimp
Seafood can often benefit from a bit of smoke flavor, as these delectable shrimp prove. This sophisticated, vibrantly flavored recipe takes just 40 minutes or less on the smoker, too.
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Smoked Tofu Burnt Ends
Vegetarians and vegans don’t have to miss out on the smoky gameday food with this innovative recipe mimicking the famous brisket dish.
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Smoked Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are another familiar party snack that benefits from a smoky contrast to the earthy, creamy interior. The gentle heat of the smoker also creates the perfect texture for the mushroom.
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Smoked Mac and Cheese
A great choice on its own or as a side for smoked meat mentioned above, the contrast of rich smoke and multiple cheeses is simply to die for. You may never go back to regular mac and cheese again!
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No matter what kind of food you and your guests are craving on gameday, one thing is clear: firing up the smoker is a must for those looking for the easiest, most flavorful dishes. And there’s no better way to enjoy the big game than with a full stomach.
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