10 Smoked Appetizers & Sides
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For those who know that every epic meal starts with a bold beginning, smoked appetizers are the perfect way to kick things off (especially for Game Day). Packed with wood-fired flavor, these bites are all about making a statement from the first taste. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want to elevate your game day snacks, smoked appetizers set the tone for a feast that means business.
What's a Smoked Appetizer?
A smoked appetizer is the best start to a great meal. These tasty, small dishes are meant to stimulate the appetite and give a preview of the flavors to come, so it's important to match your appetizer to your main. Smoked appetizers can be anything from smoked cheese and soups to meat, and vegetables. As long as it's wood-fired, it's sure to be a hit. Let's dive into some options you can try on your pellet grill.
Smoked Salmon
When you think of smoked appetizers, you probably automatically think of smoked salmon. It's a popular starter for a reason - not only does it deliver on delicious wood-fired flavor, but it's easily shareable amongst your guests whether you serve it on top of crackers or in a dip. If you haven't tried this classic appetizer out yet on your Traeger, learn how to smoke salmon by reading this expert guide.
Smoked Deviled Eggs
You've probably had deviled eggs, but have you ever had smoked deviled eggs? To get your eggs full of wood-fired flavor, place the hardboiled eggs directly on the grill gates. If you want extra smoky flavor, you can also smoke your bacon.
Smoked Shrimp & Crab Cocktail
Another wood-fired twist on a classic app is this smoked shrimp and Dungeness crab cocktail. While the shrimp is smoked to perfection, the crab is given a quick grill before being combined with homemade cocktail sauce.
Cherry and Black Pepper Smoked Cream Cheese
Cherry and black pepper smoked cream cheese is where sweet meets heat, creating a rich, bold spread that commands attention. This is the kind of appetizer that stands out and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Korean-Inspired Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Smoked pork belly is always a good idea, but it turns into the perfect appetizer when it's in bite-sized pieces and smothered in a homemade Korean-inspired BBQ sauce. Check out these Korean-inspired burnt ends to make for your next get-together.
Smoked Asparagus Soup
If you're looking for a smoked appetizer that works well for sit-down events, you can't go wrong with smoked asparagus soup.
Smoked Bacon Cheese Ball
For an irresistible blend of smoky, crispy bacon and creamy, tangy cheese, you can't make a better-smoked appetizer than a smoked bacon cheese ball. Pair with crackers, veggies, or smoked homemade crackers.
Smoked Wings
Especially for game day, you can't do better for a starter than smoked wings. While there are many different kinds of smoked wings you can make on the Traeger, these chili and Italian dressing marinated ones are always a fan favorite.
Before you get started on your smoked wings though, read Traeger's expert guides on all things smoked chicken wings:
Smoked Olives
Smoked olives are the perfect easy snack to make before a get-together. You can make them day of, or make them ahead of time and store them in an olive oil, orange zest, and red pepper flake mixture.
Smoked Jalapeño Poppers
Smoked jalapeño poppers bring the heat with a smoky twist, packing a fiery punch wrapped in crispy bacon. The combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and that rich, smoky flavor takes this classic appetizer to the next level.
For more appetizer ideas and Labor Day recipes take a look at our articles:
Cherry and Black Pepper Smoked Cream Cheese
by Traeger Kitchen
Prep Time
5 Min
Cook Time
2 Hr
Serves
6
Pellets
Cherry
If you have 5 minutes, you can get this festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer ready for the grill. Then forget about it for a couple hours while the wood fire does its thing, making the cheese deliciously gooey and adding a welcome smoky flavor. Feel free to experiment with whatever rubs and preserves you have on hand, such as Traeger Pork & Poultry and hot pepper jelly.
Ingredients
main
| 1 | 8-oz block cream cheese |
| 1 Teaspoon | olive oil |
| 1/2 Teaspoon | freshly ground black pepper |
| 1/4 Cup | cherry preserves |
| Crackers or crostini, for serving |
1
Preheat the Traeger with the lid closed to 200˚F; this will take 15 minutes. Line a small baking sheet with foil or have a cast-iron pan handy.
2
Place the cream cheese on the prepared baking dish or in the pan. Use a knife to make shallow (about 1/2 -inch deep) crosshatch cuts on top of the cream cheese, then brush with the olive oil and sprinkle with the black pepper.
3
Place the baking sheet or pan directly on the grill grates. For best results, use Super Smoke, if available. Close the lid and smoke for 2 hours.
4
Top the cheese with the preserves; if preserves are cold, you can warm them on the cheese on the grill for a few minutes. (Alternatively, serve the preserved on the side.) Serve warm with crackers. Enjoy!
