Smoked Vegetables are a super versatile side dish. You can easily make them with any number of vegetables, at low or higher heat, and in a smoker or on a grill.
Why you should make smoked vegetables
- They’re healthy, of course. Minimal seasoning is needed because the vegetables themselves, and that infusion of smoky flavor, are the real stars.
- They’re unique. This is not the same old salad or casserole you’ve made and served hundreds of times. They make the perfect addition to your Backyard BBQ Menu (the post has full menu plans, timelines and tips).
- They can be cooked alongside the meat you’re smoking, whether it’s a Grilled Chuck Roast, Boston Butt for pulled pork or a Smoked Ham on the Big Green Egg. Hand over the veggies to the grill master and stay out of the kitchen.
- Versatility is the middle name of smoked vegetables. Use whatever you like or have on hand. Cook them quickly or slowly, depending on what else you’re cooking and the temperature needed for that.
- A fun presentation is smoked vegetable kebabs. Just thread on metal skewers or wooden ones that have been soaked.
- Prep time is minimal. Cut up the veggies and toss with a little extra virgin olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper. That’s it!
Cook them on a grill or in a smoker
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Our favorite method is to put our veggies in a grill basket like this one and we cook them on indirect heat in our Big Green Egg during the last hour or so our meat is cooking. If you use another kind of smoker that would work fine too.
If you don’t have a grill basket you can use a cast iron skillet. They hold up well to the heat of a smoker or grill and you can get the smoke flavor throughout the veggies since you’ll stir them a couple of times during the cooking process.
If you use a gas grill you can still make smoked vegetables without a smoker! Just put your wood chips in a smoker box like this one.
Veggie foil packs on the grill like this recipe are certainly a fun, easy, and mess-free way to go. But, do keep in mind that these are not smoked vegetables since they are sealed up tightly in aluminum foil.
Still, if you’re in a hurry and don’t want to be bothered with using wood chips or pellets for smoke it’s a great alternative.
Vegetables can be smoked low and slow or hot and fast
You’ll have to keep an eye on them, especially if your grill or smoker is hot and you’re cooking the veggies quickly. For the best amount of smoke flavor we like to keep the temperature at about 225-250 and, for most vegetables, the cooking time will average 45 minutes to an hour, with a couple of stirs along the way.
Of course, the cooking time will also vary according to the actual vegetables you use. It will also vary with the way the veggies are cut up. Cutting them in different sized pieces is a good way to mix vegetables that cook more quickly with those that are slower.
We had these beautiful carrots and wanted to add some in with our squash and broccoli on the smoker. Since carrots cook a good bit more slowly than the others we just sliced them quite thinly.
While you’ve got that smoker going add a piece of fish. It doesn’t take long and makes delicious Smoked Fish Dip.
What vegetables are best for smoking?
You can really use any kind you like or have on hand. Great options would be these:
- Yellow Squash (if you love squash like us, you’ll want to try these Yellow Squash Fritters)
- Zucchini Squash
- Onions, especially firm larger ones
- Green bell pepper (or red or yellow)
- Brussels sprouts
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Green Beans
Use your imagination and try others. Drop us a comment if you try smoking different vegetables so others can benefit from your experience. We can all learn from each other.
If you’re here you must love smoked foods, so you’ll want to learn how to make Smoked Sweet Potatoes and Smoked Baked Beans as well. It’s the perfect fall or Thanksgiving side dish prepared outside and Smoked Beef Short Ribs are divine in chili, tacos and much more!
If you’ve got a little space left on the smoker add a piece of fish. It makes the most divine Smoked Fish Dip you’ve ever tasted.
If you still need a vegetable, but you don’t have any room on the grill, you’ll want to try our Vegetable Au Gratin. It works with whatever veggies you have and once you try that cheese sauce you won’t be able to get enough.
Smoked Vegetables on a Grill or Smoker
Ingredients
- 5-6 cups vegetables, cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 Tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1½-2 teaspoons salt can use seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Toss vegetables in a bowl with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Put vegetables in a grill basket or cast iron skillet and place on 225°-250° (see notes) pre-heated smoker or grill.
- Cook, for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until desired degree of doneness, stirring at 15-20 minute intervals.*
Notes
Nutrition
Lauren Michael Harris says
My husband is the smoker in our family, but I did just get him a veggie basket and never thought to try it on the smoker. Such a great idea and one will be trying!
Pam says
Great! Let us know how yours turns out.
Sara Welch says
Served this with dinner last night and it did not disappoint! So easy and delicious; even my picky eaters gobbled these up!
Pam says
Thanks for letting us know Sara. We appreciate your taking the time to leave a comment and a rating.
Mahy says
The more veggies I can get into my daily intake, the better 🙂 This is a fantastic summer option!
Pam says
Agreed. Thanks, Mahy!
Alex says
This looks awesome! I’m definitely cooking this the next time I grill! Although I think I have to add some mushrooms!
Pam says
Mushrooms sounds good too!
maryanne says
I love grilled veggies but this is the first summer that I’ve had a grill! Can’t wait to make this recipe!
Pam says
You’ll love it!
Natalie says
Best part of the summer is summer veggies on the grill. I will definitely give your recipe a try. Looks yummy!
Pam says
They have a great smoky flavor. Hope you enjoy!
Beth says
This is such a great idea and sounds so tasty! My family loves eating veggies different ways and I’m so excited to try this recipe. Definitely going to the store to pickup so veggies! Thanks!
Jess says
Oooh I just bought a Traeger…this is definitely on my must-try list now!
Pam says
Perfect! You’ll love them, I’m sure.
Catherine says
A great way to serve up veggies for the summer season! So easy too! Perfect side for all summer cookouts.
Roxana says
That is such a great idea. And right time for it this summer. Smoking always enhances flavor and to do it vegetables is going to be fun.
Pam says
It really gives them a fun and unique twist!
Kushigalu says
Colorful, healthy, and delicious recipe to try. I will prepare this for my boys. Thanks for sharing.
Teodora Grujic says
I love vegetables in every way, so I can’t wait to try this! Thank you!
Cathleen says
This is making me want a grill so bad!! Bookmarked for when I finally pull the trigger and buy a grill. Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
rebecca says
This is such a great idea! I usually just go for roasted veggies but definitely will add smoked veggies to my rotation
Eliza Cross says
I love that this recipe has just a few ingredients but is soooo tasty. The smoky flavor makes all the difference! Thanks for another winner from Biscuits and Burlap.
Pam says
Awww… thank you, Eliza!