Firing up the grill is a summer tradition, but pellet grills take outdoor cooking to a whole new level. These versatile machines combine the convenience of an oven with the smoky flavors of traditional barbecue, opening up a world of food possibilities. As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, I’ve been experimenting with my pellet grill and have discovered some mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts with friends. In this article, I’ll share 13 Pellet grill recipes that have become my go-to choices for delicious summer meals. Whether you’re a Pellet grill pro or just getting started, these dishes are sure to impress and keep you cooking outdoors all season long.
One of the best advantages of Pellet grilling is the ability to cook large quantities of meat efficiently. This is a game-changer when school’s out and the kids are home all day, seemingly always hungry. Batch cooking protein-rich meals on your pellet grill can help you stay ahead of those constant “What’s for lunch?” questions.
Imagine having a fridge stocked with smoky pulled pork, tender chicken breasts, or flavorful beef brisket. These proteins can be quickly turned into sandwiches, added to salads, or paired with fresh veggies for a nutritious meal. Not only does this save you time and reduce the stress of constant meal prep, but it also ensures your kids have access to healthy, delicious protein options throughout the day.
1. Pellet Grill Recipes: Smoked Chicken Thighs
Smoked chicken thighs pack a depth of flavor that outdoes chicken breasts, and the higher fat content makes them a great choice for throwing on the Pellet grill. Serve these chicken things with some of the smoked mac and cheese below, and you’ve got a winner for a summer dinner.
2. Bacon Wrapped Oreos
Yes, bacon wrapped Oreos cooked on the grill! Sounds iffy at first, but you’ll surprise your family and friends with how delicious these end up. You can keep the Oreos traditional, or experiment with Golden Oreos, Birthday Cake Oreos, Peanut Butter Oreos, and many others. It’s up to you! This is a hit for kids who will think the combination is so fun.
3. Pellet Grill Recipes: Smoked Shotgun Shells
Don’t know what shotgun shells are? It’s about to be your new favorite grilled snack! Imagine beef and pork sausage stuffed into large pasta shells, wrapped in bacon, then grilled to perfection. This recipe is easy to prep the night before, and it allows you to skip a potential step of boiling the manicotti shells. The bacon elevates the ordinary ingredients to a new level of deliciousness.
4. No Wrap Lazy Ribs
Summer is of course grilling season, and ribs are a staple for smokers all across the country. These no wrap lazy ribs provide an easy way to create delicious ribs with minimal effort. You basically “set it and forget it” because the ribs will cook for hours while you take care of chores, entertain guests, or simply relax by the smoker.
5. Pellet Grill Recipes: Smoked Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic side for summer cookouts, and you can add a world of flavor just by smoking it! This easy and delicious side dish can be prepared the night before and warmed up on the smoker when you’re ready to enjoy. That saves you time the day of to mingle with your guests.
6. Perfect Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is one of my favorite meats to meal prep because it’s healthy, high in protein, and offers more flavor than chicken breasts. You could also use it as a flavorful main course that will impress your family and friends. Serve it with roasted or even grilled potatoes, or a fresh vegetable salad for a well-rounded summer meal.
7. Pellet Grill Recipes: Bangers and Mash
Bangers and Mash is typically a winter dish because it is hearty, or it’s served for St. Patty’s Day. But you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to use your pellet grill to infuse flavor in this classic entree. It makes a huge difference, and you won’t mind such a warm hearty dish on one of summer’s cooler days.
8. Jalapeno Poppers
There are plenty of cookouts in the summer, even if there aren’t enough game days, so go ahead and grill up a batch of these jalapeno poppers as a nice welcome appetizer for your guests. If you want to experiment with new flavors, replace the sausage in your recipe with some chopped bacon or use an exotic cream cheese flavor. Don’t forget to be generous with the seasoning.
9. Pellet Grill Recipes: Classic Brisket
This easy brisket recipe requires a simple rub, a little patience, and a fully loaded pellet grill. It will produce a mouth-watering result without the need for constant supervision. If you’re a grill newbie, and a bit nervous about cooking such a large piece of meat, this is the recipe to start with. It’s foolproof every time.
10. Perfect Pulled Pork
Pork butt is the first thing you should smoke on your grill to make delicious pulled pork. It will make you look like a seasoned pitmaster. Plus, pulled pork is so versatile that it can be used for a variety of dishes – tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more. It’s great for feeding a crowd!
11. Pellet Grill Recipes: Smoked Queso Dip
Smoked queso dip is just three ingredients, and can be ready in under 45 minutes. It’s another great appetizer you can add to your repertoire. This recipe for cheese and chili is the perfect way to enjoy a game-day or cookout snack without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. It’s also versatile, so you can experiment with different ingredients to create new bursts of flavor.
12. Smoked Whole Chicken
If you want to make a delicious meal to feed a crowd, try whole smoked chicken. It will be juicy, tender, and ready to serve with just a few steps. Chicken is one of the easiest meats to smoke on a Pellet grill. The convection style of cooking ensures moist, flavorful results every time, and you can use the chicken for taco meat or any other dish you like.
13. Pellet Grill Recipes: Perfect Game Day Wings
This recipe for smoked and crispy pellet grill chicken wings will elevate the game day get together. Sure, you could order wings from the nearest restaurant, but what’s the fun in that, when you’ve got a winning grill in the backyard, just waiting to be used to impress your friends? Grill up a batch of these wings for your friends or family, and you’ll be labeled grill master until the end of time!
Pellet grills excel at low-and-slow cooking, which is perfect for large cuts of meat. You can start a brisket or pork shoulder in the morning and have it ready by dinner time, with plenty of leftovers for the days ahead. This approach to cooking means you’re not just preparing one meal – you’re setting yourself up for a week of easy, nutritious feeding options for your always-hungry summer crowd. So fire it up, and get to cooking!
