Don’t let cold weather send your grill into hibernation. Some of my best grilling happens when the temperature drops and I can layer up with a warm hoodie while cooking outside.
These recipes use hearty fall and winter ingredients that actually taste better with a smoky char – think grilled chicken thighs, bacon-wrapped vegetables, and thick burgers that create filling, satisfying meals perfect for cooler months. These recipes are perfect for weekend dinners, game day gatherings, family cookouts, or casual entertaining.
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Cold-weather grilling takes a little more patience and definitely more layers, but the results are worth it. These aren’t light summer dishes – they’re rich, comforting recipes designed to fill you up and warm you through. Each one brings that smoky flavor we love while using seasonal ingredients that shine in cooler temperatures
Table of contents
Texas Style Smoked Brisket
Juicy, peppery brisket slow‑smoked to perfection — a BBQ classic, especially comforting in winter.
Recipe: Texas Style Smoked Brisket
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Crispy, juicy drumsticks — easy to make and perfect for any time of year.
Recipe: Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Traeger Pulled Pork
Fall-apart tender pulled pork with smoky bark — perfect for cold-weather sliders and sandwiches.
Recipe: Traeger Pulled Pork
Grilled Tri‑Tip
Seared on the outside, juicy inside — tri-tip is a steakhouse classic for cozy nights in.
Recipe: Grilled Tri‑Tip
Smoked Pork Butt
Low and slow pork with incredible flavor — perfect for big family meals or winter parties.
Recipe: Smoked Pork Butt
Grilled Pork Chops
Juicy grilled pork chops with a crispy crust — quick and satisfying.
Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops
Smoked Beef Short Rib
Rich, tender, and fall-off-the-bone — this dish is pure winter comfort.
Recipe: Smoked Beef Short Rib
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Marinated and grilled until crispy — a flavorful choice for any season.
Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Colorful and juicy — chicken skewers are easy and fun, even better next to a warm fire.
Recipe: Grilled Chicken Skewers
Smoked Pork Belly
Crispy, smoky, and rich — indulgent comfort food for colder months.
Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly
Grilled Chicken Breast
Simple, juicy, and always reliable — perfect on salads, sandwiches, or dinner plates.
Recipe: Grilled Chicken Breast
Grilled Salmon
Flaky and full of flavor — a lighter option that still satisfies on cool evenings.
Recipe: Grilled Salmon
Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter
Sweet carrots with nutty butter — a rustic side dish that shines in winter.
Recipe: Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter
Smoked Brisket Lasagna
Layered with rich meat and cheese — this fusion dish is built for winter comfort.
Recipe: Smoked Brisket Lasagna
Grilled Broccoli
Charred and crispy — this simple side adds balance to heavy BBQ meals.
Recipe: Grilled Broccoli
Grilled Cornbread
Golden and smoky with soft centers — a winter-worthy side for stews and smoked meats.
Recipe: Grilled Cornbread
Beef Burger
Grilled burgers with smoky sear and juicy center — an all-time favorite.
Recipe: Beef Burger
Pineapple Bourbon Glazed Smoked Ham
Sticky-sweet ham with a boozy twist — ideal for winter holidays and special occasions.
Recipe: Pineapple Bourbon Glazed Smoked Ham
Smoked Mashed Potatoes
Classic mashed potatoes with a smoky upgrade — the perfect cold-weather side.
Recipe: Smoked Mashed Potatoes
Grilled Tuna Steak
Charred outside, buttery inside — light but still satisfying.
Recipe: Grilled Tuna Steak
Smoked Chicken Quarters
Bold flavor and juicy meat — this affordable cut shines during winter.
Recipe: Smoked Chicken Quarters
Smoked Brisket Chili
A smoky twist on chili — perfect for snowy nights or tailgate season.
Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili
Smoked Prime Rib on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill
Luxurious and smoky — a holiday-worthy roast perfect for special dinners.
Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill
Pork Shoulder Burnt Ends
Sticky and crispy bites of pork — easy to snack on during cold-weather cookouts.
Recipe: Pork Shoulder Burnt Ends
Smoked Lamb Shoulder Recipe
Recipe: Smoked Lamb Shoulder Recipe
Smoked Cheesecake
Creamy and smoky — a unique dessert perfect for cold nights and special occasions.
Recipe: Smoked Cheesecake
Smoked Brownies with Caramel and Bacon Salt
Decadent and smoky — these brownies are made for fireside indulgence.
Recipe: Smoked Brownies with Caramel and Bacon Salt
Traeger Brisket Recipe
Simple pellet-grill brisket with smoky bark — great for beginners or winter meal prep.
Recipe: Traeger Brisket Recipe
Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Rich, sweet, and smoky — these little bites are winter gold.
Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends
0-400 Chicken Wings Recipe
Crispy and smoky in under an hour — perfect for casual game nights.
Recipe: 0-400 Chicken Wings Recipe
Traeger Chicken Wings (4 Simple Steps)
Easy smoked wings with amazing crunch — a must-have for winter sports nights.
Recipe: Traeger Chicken Wings (4 Simple Steps)
Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs on a Pellet Grill
Juicy and packed with flavor — ideal for easy meal prep on cold days.
Recipe: Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs on a Pellet Grill
Whole Smoked Chicken
An easy smoked bird with amazing skin
— makes a comforting winter centerpiece.
Recipe: Whole Smoked Chicken
Traeger Turkey
Golden brown with wood-fired flavor — a holiday hit or Sunday roast.
Recipe: Traeger Turkey
Traeger Smoked Ham
Classic glazed ham made easy on a pellet grill — great for winter holidays.
Recipe: Traeger Smoked Ham
Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill
Tender and smoky — delicious on bagels, salads, or cozy winter brunch boards.
Recipe: Smoked Salmon on Pellet Grill
Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Spicy, cheesy bites with smoky bacon — ideal for any gathering.
Recipe: Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Chipotle Cherry Smoked Duck
A rich, bold, winter-worthy recipe — sweet cherry and smoky heat come together beautifully.
Recipe: Chipotle Cherry Smoked Duck
Grilled Bratwurst
Juicy, flavorful sausages with a charred snap — great all year, even better next to a winter fire pit.
Recipe: Grilled Bratwurst
Grilled Prime Rib
Reverse-seared to perfection — an impressive main dish for winter holidays or special dinners.
Recipe: How to Grill Prime Rib
Bacon Mac and Cheese
Creamy, smoky, and loaded with bacon — pure winter comfort food.
Recipe: Bacon Mac and Cheese
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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