Category: Pellet Smoker

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Pellet Smoked Jerk Turkey

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Pellet Smoked Jerk Turkey


Get ready to elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday feast with a bold and flavorful twist — pellet smoked jerk turkey! This recipe takes the traditional roast turkey and infuses it with the vibrant, spicy, and aromatic flavors of Jamaican jerk seasoning. The turkey, cut in half for even marination, absorbs the mouthwatering jerk marinade made with fresh green onions, fiery Scotch bonnets, fragrant thyme, zesty citrus, and a medley of spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.

The marinade not only penetrates the turkey meat for deep, bold flavor, but also helps to tenderize it, ensuring a juicy and tender bite in every slice. The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar creates the perfect balance of savory and sweet, while the fresh grated ginger adds a hint of warmth and zing to each bite. Once coated with this rich marinade, the turkey is smoked at 275°F for 3 hours, infusing the bird with a kiss of smoky flavor from the wood pellets.

After the smoke, the heat is cranked up to 375°F to crisp and tighten up the skin, giving the turkey a beautiful, golden-brown finish. The result? A juicy, tender turkey with layers of complex jerk seasoning and a perfectly crisp exterior.

Whether you’re serving this for a special occasion or just craving an island-inspired meal, this Pellet Smoked Jerk Turkey is sure to be a standout dish at any gathering. Each bite is a fusion of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

  • 13 lb whole turkey
  • 6 green onions
  • 4 scotch bonnets
  • 8 sprigs thyme picked from the stem
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 peeled lime
  • 1 peeled lime
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger

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Directions

Start by spatchcocking the turkey, which means removing the backbone so the turkey can be flattened. Then, split the turkey completely in half, by cutting through the breast plate and wish bone.
If the turkey is still partially frozen (even after 3 days in the refrigerator), you may encounter some ice in the cavity. Be cautious when splitting the turkey; a cleaver is ideal for breaking the breastbone. Avoid using a chef’s knife unless you have experience with this technique.


In a blender or food processor, combine green onions, scotch bonnets, thyme, garlic, lime, orange, white wine vinegar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, and fresh ginger. Blend until smooth.


Pour a small amount of the marinade onto the skin side of the turkey. Then, flip the turkey halves over and coat the inside (flesh side) generously with the remaining marinade. Ensure the marinade is well-distributed, especially in all the crevices.
Place the turkey halves in the refrigerator to marinate for up to 4 hours. The 4-hour marinade provides optimal flavor without causing the meat to become too tough from the citrus acids.


Set up your pellet smoker with apple or pecan wood and preheat to 275°F. Place the marinated turkey halves on the smoker with the skin side up. Smoke the turkey at 275°F for approximately 3 hours until the breast meat reaches 150F.


Keep an eye on the turkey’s internal temperature:
After about 1.5 hours, the breast should reach around 100°F, and the skin will begin to take on some color.
At around 2.5 hours, the temperature should approach 130-140°F. The skin will darken further, and the jerk marinade will develop a deep, rich color.
Monitor closely as the temperature rises at around 20°F per hour.


Once the turkey reaches 150°F in the breast (after about 3-3.5 hours), increase the smoker temperature to 375°F. Continue cooking the turkey for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs


Remove the turkey from the smoker at 165°F (breast temp). Allow it to rest for 20 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the meat.


Slice the turkey and enjoy!

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Pellet Smoked Beer Brats

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Pellet Smoked Beer Brats

Get ready to elevate your next cookout with these irresistible Pellet Smoked Beer Brats, where classic German flavors meet the smoky goodness of slow cooking. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this recipe brings together the rich taste of bratwurst sausages with the subtle sweetness of apple or pecan wood smoke, making it an instant hit.

We start with a pack of juicy bratwurst sausages, perfectly paired with caramelized yellow onions and a robust German pilsner beer that infuses the brats with layers of flavor. The slow-smoking process at 225°F allows the sausages to absorb the deep, nutty aroma of pecan or apple wood, while the beer braise keeps them tender and juicy.

Once smoked to perfection, these brats are nestled into soft hot dog buns, slathered with a generous amount of deli mustard for a tangy contrast that complements the savory richness of the sausages. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and gourmet, with each bite offering a burst of smokiness, tanginess, and the unmistakable flavor of traditional beer brats.

Perfect for any occasion, these Pellet Smoked Beer Brats are sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re celebrating Oktoberfest, tailgating, or simply enjoying a casual meal with family and friends, this recipe brings a taste of Germany to your table, with a smoky twist that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • 1 pack bratwurst sausage (5 links, 1.25 lbs)
  • 2 yellow onions
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 – 3 cans German pilsner beer
  • 5 hot dog buns
  • 2 tbsp deli mustard

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Directions

Peel the yellow onions and slice them thinly using a mandolin slicer. This ensures uniform slices that will cook evenly.


Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a regular frying pan will work. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once the butter has melted, add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This should take about 10-15 minutes.


Pour 2-3 cans of German pilsner beer into the skillet with the caramelized onions. Allow the beer to simmer for a couple of minutes. Add the bratwurst sausages to the skillet, nestling them among the onions and beer. Let them cook in the beer for 3-5 minutes to start absorbing the flavor.


If you’re using a cast iron skillet, you can transfer it directly to the smoker. If not, carefully transfer the onions, beer, and brats to a lasagna pan. Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F using pecan or apple wood pellets.


Place the skillet or pan with the brats and onions in the smoker. Smoke the brats for 30 minutes on one side. Then, using tongs, carefully turn the brats over to ensure even smoking on both sides. After 30 minutes on each side, move the brats to the upper rack of the smoker to finish cooking and to allow the smoke to envelop them fully.


Continue smoking the brats for an additional 45 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 163°F. Keep the onion and beer on the smoker under the brats to catch any juices released during cooking.

Once the brats are fully cooked, remove them from the smoker. Place them in the beer and onions and cover for 10 minutes. Place the brats in hot dog buns and top them with the caramelized onions. For a finishing touch, add a generous spread of deli mustard.

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Pellet Smoked Cream Cheese

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Pellet Smoked Cream Cheese

If you’re looking to elevate your appetizer game, our Pellet Smoked Cream Cheese recipe is a must-try. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish takes your favorite cream cheese and transforms it into a smoky, savory delight that will have your guests coming back for more.

We start with two 8-ounce blocks of Philadelphia cream cheese, taken straight from the refrigerator for ease of handling. Each block is carefully scored on top with a crosshatch pattern, allowing the seasonings to fully penetrate and creating an eye-catching presentation. For seasoning, one block gets a generous coating of everything bagel seasoning, bringing in a burst of sesame, poppy seeds, and garlic, while the other is dusted with Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning, infusing it with a spicy, savory kick that’s full of Southern charm.

Once seasoned, the cream cheese blocks are placed in the smoker, where they’ll absorb the delicate, sweet flavors of apple and pecan wood. Over the course of two hours at 225°F, the cream cheese slowly softens and takes on a rich, smoky flavor, while the seasonings form a slightly crispy crust on the outside.

The result is a creamy, indulgent spread with a perfect balance of smokiness and bold seasoning, ready to be paired with crackers, fresh veggies, or even spread on a warm baguette. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want a unique snack to enjoy at home, this Pellet Smoked Cream Cheese is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

  • 2 8oz block cream cheese
  • 2 tbs everything bagel seasoning
  • 2 tbs Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning

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Directions

Remove the two blocks of cream cheese from the refrigerator and place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, lightly slice a crosshatch pattern on the top surface of each cream cheese block. This allows the seasonings to penetrate and creates an attractive presentation.


Generously season one block of cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning, ensuring all sides are well-coated. Generously season the other block with Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning, again covering all sides evenly.


Place a sheet of butcher paper on top of a cooling rack. The butcher paper will prevent the cream cheese from sticking, while the cooling rack allows smoke to circulate around the entire block, including the bottom. Position the cooling rack with the cream cheese blocks on top of a cookie sheet to catch any drippings and make it easier to transfer in and out of the smoker.


Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F. Use a combination of apple and pecan wood pellets for a mild, sweet smoke flavor.


Place the cookie sheet with the cooling rack and cream cheese blocks into the smoker. Ensure there’s space around the cheese blocks so smoke can circulate evenly. Smoke the cream cheese for 2 hours at 225°F. During this time, the cheese will soften and absorb the smoky flavors, while the seasoning forms a flavorful crust.


After 2 hours, carefully remove the cookie sheet from the smoker. Let the cream cheese cool slightly before serving. The smoked cream cheese should be soft, spreadable, and infused with rich, smoky flavors.

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Pellet Smoked Wagyu Beef Cheese Balls

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Pellet Smoked Wagyu Beef Cheese Balls

Get ready to indulge in a culinary delight with our Pellet Smoked Wagyu Beef Cheese Balls, a savory treat that combines the luxurious richness of Wagyu beef with the creamy, melty goodness of cheddar cheese. This recipe takes a simple concept—meat and cheese—and transforms it into a gourmet experience that’s perfect for any occasion.

The foundation of this recipe is premium ground Wagyu beef, known for its exceptional marbling and rich flavor. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic, the beef is elevated to new heights, allowing its natural flavors to shine through. Each portion of this seasoned Wagyu beef is carefully wrapped around a square of sharp cheddar cheese, forming a tantalizing meatball with a cheesy surprise at its core.

But the magic truly happens when these Wagyu beef cheese balls meet the pellet smoker. Slowly smoked for two hours, they absorb the gentle, smoky essence of the hickory pellets, enhancing the beef’s natural richness and adding a layer of complexity to the flavor profile. The low-and-slow smoking process ensures that the meatballs remain juicy and tender, while the cheddar cheese inside melts to gooey perfection.

Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or simply craving a decadent snack, our Pellet Smoked Wagyu Beef Cheese Balls are sure to impress. They embody the perfect balance of high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation, delivering a dish that’s both luxurious and comforting.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground wagyu beef
  • 4 oz (half of 8 oz block) cheddar cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

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Directions

In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and seasonings together.


Use a knife and slice the 8 oz cheese block in half creating two 4 oz blocks. Slice one of the halves into thirds, then slice each third strip into three equal squares giving you nine equal sized cubes.


Place some meat mixture in your hand and use enough to cover the palm of your hand. If you are Shaquille O’Neal or have rather large hands, use half or your best judgement. Place one of the cheese squares in the center of the meat, then wrap the meat around the cheese cube and then roll it around using both hands forming a meatball. Repeat this step for the remaining meat and cheese to produce 9 total cheese meatballs. You can now store these meatballs in the refrigerator overnight or cook them right away.


To cook, preheat your pellet smoker at 190 F using a mesquite, cherry, and oak pellet blend. Pellet blends work best for this recipe because you don’t want to overpower the meat with too strong of a smoke flavor.


If you have a cooling rack, place the meatballs on the rack then place this on the smoker and cook for 1 1/2 – 2 hours. Some cheese may run out but there will be plenty left in the meatball. After cooking, allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes as the cheese will be too hot to eat.

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