New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite excuses to fire up the smoker and go all out. There’s something about ending the year with a smoked rack of lamb or prime rib that just feels right.
I’ve put together a full menu here — showstopper mains, appetizers like smoked queso and pork belly burnt ends to keep everyone going, comfort sides, and a few smoked desserts like cheesecake and brownies with caramel bacon salt that always catch people off guard.
Mains
Smoked Prime Rib
A whole prime rib smoked until the bark is deep and the interior is perfectly pink and juicy. One of the most impressive New Year’s mains you can put on the table.
Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib
Smoked Rack of Lamb
A beautifully frenched rack of lamb smoked until perfectly pink and full of rich, smoky flavor. An elegant, impressive main that’s easier to cook than it looks.
Recipe: Smoked Rack of Lamb
Smoked Beef Short Ribs
Massive, meaty beef short ribs smoked low and slow until the bark is deep and the meat pulls away from the bone. A showstopper main for any New Year’s spread.
Recipe: Smoked Beef Short Ribs
Smoked Lamb Shoulder
A whole lamb shoulder smoked low and slow until the meat is fall-apart tender and packed with rich, smoky flavor. A seriously impressive main worth the cook time.
Recipe: Smoked Lamb Shoulder
Smoked Pork Loin
A whole pork loin smoked until juicy and tender with a beautifully seasoned bark on the outside. A simple, crowd-pleasing main that feeds a group without much fuss.
Recipe: Smoked Pork Loin
Smoked Beer Can Chicken
A whole chicken cooked upright over a can of beer on the smoker until juicy, tender, and perfectly golden. One of the most fun and impressive ways to smoke a whole bird.
Recipe: Smoked Beer Can Chicken
Whole Smoked Chicken
A whole chicken seasoned and smoked low and slow until the skin is golden and crispy and the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender. A classic that always delivers.
Recipe: Whole Smoked Chicken
Smoked Pork Belly
Thick slabs of pork belly smoked low and slow until the fat renders down and the outside develops a rich, caramelized crust. One of the most satisfying things you can put on a smoker.
Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly
Shish Kabobs
Marinated beef and veggies threaded onto skewers and grilled over high heat until charred and juicy. An easy, customizable main that works for any size crowd.
Recipe: Shish Kabobs
Appetizers
Loaded Smoked Brisket Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips loaded with tender smoked brisket, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings. A next-level New Year’s appetizer perfect for keeping guests happy before the main.
Recipe: Loaded Smoked Brisket Nachos
Smoked Queso
Ground beef, three types of cheese, jalapeños, and BBQ sauce smoked in a cast iron until rich, smoky, and bubbling. Serve with tortilla chips and prepare for it to disappear fast.
Recipe: Smoked Queso
Smoked Jalapeño Poppers
Classic jalapeño poppers stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon then smoked until perfectly golden. A crowd-pleasing appetizer that never gets old.
Recipe: Smoked Jalapeño Poppers
Smoked Meatballs
Juicy, flavor-packed meatballs smoked low and slow for a delicious smoky crust and tender center. Serve with dipping sauce for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Recipe: Smoked Meatballs
Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends
Tender salmon cubes smoked and glazed until caramelized and melt-in-your-mouth. A unique, impressive appetizer that always gets people talking.
Recipe: Smoked Salmon Burnt Ends
Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Pork belly cubed, seasoned, smoked low and slow, and glazed until sticky and caramelized. One of the most addictive appetizers you can put out at a New Year’s gathering.
Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Smoked Cream Cheese
A block of cream cheese smoked until soft, creamy, and infused with bold smoky flavor. Serve with crackers or bread for an effortless crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Recipe: Smoked Cream Cheese
Sides
Smoked Garlic Bread
Crusty bread slathered in garlic butter and smoked until golden and full of smoky flavor. An essential side for soaking up every last bit of sauce on the plate.
Recipe: Smoked Garlic Bread
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Ultra creamy and cheesy with a crispy top, taken to another level with a hint of smoke. A comfort side that always earns compliments at the table.
Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked Mashed Potatoes
Ultra-creamy mashed potatoes with a subtle smoky depth. Rich, buttery, and the perfect comfort side alongside any smoked main.
Recipe: Smoked Mashed Potatoes
Smoked Baked Beans
Rich, smoky baked beans slow cooked until thick and full of deep BBQ flavor. A hearty side that pairs with just about any smoked main on the table.
Recipe: Smoked Baked Beans
Smoked Carrots with Brown Butter
Simple smoked carrots finished with rich brown butter for an irresistible sweet and smoky combination. A low-effort side that punches well above its weight.
Recipe: Smoked Carrots with Brown Butter
Smoked Cornbread
Classic cornbread given a smoky twist for a golden, lightly crispy crust. A warm, comforting side that rounds out any smoked spread perfectly.
Recipe: Smoked Cornbread
Desserts
Smoked Cheesecake
Rich, creamy cheesecake smoked for a subtle smoky depth that takes this classic dessert to another level. A showstopping New Year’s dessert that always impresses.
Recipe: Smoked Cheesecake
Smoked Pumpkin Pie
A classic pumpkin pie given a subtle smoky depth from a stint on the smoker. A creative twist on the classic that always gets people talking.
Recipe: Smoked Pumpkin Pie
Smoked Brownies with Caramel and Bacon Salt
Rich, fudgy brownies smoked and finished with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of bacon salt. A bold, creative dessert that no one will see coming.