Unique Smoked Flavored Appetizers for Your Next BBQ

Planning a BBQ? You probably have the burgers, hot dogs, and ribs covered, but what about appetizers? Maybe you want to impress your guests with something a little different. If so, it’s time to explore unique smoked appetizers that bring bold, smoky flavors to the table. 

Even better? You don’t always need a smoker or grill to achieve that delicious taste. Whether you’re hosting or attending, these appetizers will keep everyone reaching for more.

How Do You Mimic Smoke Flavor?

If you don’t have a smoker or grill, don’t worry! You can still enjoy that deep, smoky taste with a few simple tricks. 

Liquid smoke is a great option that you can find at most grocery stores. Even a small amount makes it easy to add a grilled essence to anything from dips to marinades. It’s created by burning wood chips, capturing the smoke, then cooling it into a liquid state. This preserves complex, wood-fired flavors without the need for an open flame. 

If you don’t have liquid smoke, check your spice cabinet. Smoked spices like paprika, chipotle powder, and blackened seasoning can bring rich depth to your dishes. Some cheeses, salts, and even olive oils come pre-smoked, giving you an easy way to infuse smoky flavor into your recipes.

What Else Can You Smoke Besides Meat?

While smoked brisket and ribs are BBQ staples, there’s a whole world of non-meat options that taste incredible with a smoky twist. Cheese takes on a deep, bold flavor when smoked, and it pairs perfectly with crackers or fresh fruit. We love trying dairy-free cheese options!

Squash and sweet potatoes develop a deep, caramelized sweetness that balances beautifully with a smoky edge. So many foods can be smoked to add an unexpected and deliciously rich flavor to a variety of dishes.

Smoke-Flavored Appetizers That Don’t Need a Grill

Not everyone has a grill or smoker, and that’s okay! These unique smoked appetizers require zero outdoor cooking.

LK Smoke Show Beef Sticks

For a no-prep protein snack, LK Smoke Show Beef Sticks are a must-have. We slow-smoked the meat so you don’t have to. These individually wrapped beef sticks bring a savory, smoky flavor without the hassle of a grill (plus 8 grams of protein in each stick!). 

Their portable packaging makes them perfect for road trips, backyard BBQs, or even a quick protein snack between grilling sessions. Made with high-quality ingredients, they bring big BBQ flavor with minimal effort.

Plus, they’re certified free from the top nine allergens. We’re talking zero peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, sesame, eggs, fish, shellfish, and soy. This means everyone can enjoy them worry-free. 

LK Smoke Show Beef Jerky

Another easy, grill-free option is LK Smoke Show Beef Jerky. Made with only real ingredients, including 100% grass-fed and finished beef, this jerky is slow-smoked for a tender, mouthwatering bite. It’s a great way to satisfy those smoky cravings with savory seasoning and bold flavors. 

Unlike some jerky that can be overly tough, this jerky is crafted for a tender, flavorful chew that keeps you coming back for more. Also a quality source of protein (we’re talking 13 grams per serving!) and certified free from the top nine allergens, it’s a worry-free and satisfying snack option for almost any BBQ guest — or for any time you want to kick cravings to the curb. 

Baked Smoked Cheese

Smoked cheese is a crowd favorite that’s incredibly easy to make. Simply bake your preferred cheese (we love dairy-free, of course), such as smoked gouda, cheddar, or mozzarella, until it’s warm and gooey. Once done, serve it with a selection of crackers, chips, or fresh-cut veggies. 

To enhance the smoky flavor, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or drizzle with a touch of liquid smoke before baking. It’s an effortless appetizer that delivers big on taste.

Smoke-Flavored Appetizers That Do Need a Grill

If you do have access to a grill or smoker, these appetizers will take your BBQ game to the next level.

Smoked Cream Cheese and Crackers

An easy, flavor-packed appetizer, smoked cheese only requires a block of cream cheese, your favorite seasoning, and some time on the grill. Bake with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and spices for a slightly elevated option.

Unlike pre-smoked cheese, this version is soft and spreadable. It’s also incredibly rich in flavor. Serve it warm with crackers, sliced bread, or fresh veggies, and watch it disappear fast.

Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños

These spicy, smoky bites are a BBQ staple for a reason. Halve fresh jalapeños and remove the seeds (or keep them in for an extra kick). Stuff them with a cream cheese mixture before wrapping them in bacon. Grill or smoke until the bacon is crispy, the jalapeños are tender, and the whole pan is infused with smoky flavor. 

Switch up the filling by using shredded cheese or sausage. You could even add a sweet BBQ glaze for a unique twist.

BBQ Glazed Mini Sausages

Speaking of BBQ glazes: Mini sausages (or cocktail weenies) are a party favorite, but they get even better with a smoky glaze. Toss them in your preferred BBQ sauce and let them smoke or grill until they’re caramelized and sticky. 

Want to mix things up? Try a mustard-based sauce, a honey glaze, or even a spicy sriracha coating for a bold, flavorful bite. Serve them with toothpicks for an easy grab-and-go snack, or pair them with toasted bread and pickles for a fun, smoky appetizer platter.

Enjoy Drool-Worthy, Smoke-Flavored Snacks With LK

No matter what kind of BBQ you’re planning, there are plenty of ways to bring bold, smoky flavors to your appetizer spread. Even if you don’t have a grill, unique smoked appetizers make it easy to enjoy that signature smoky taste anytime, anywhere. 

Grab LK’s Smoke Show Beef Sticks and Smoke Show Beef Jerky for delicious smoky goodness. Then try one of our other savory flavors, like our Herb-a-Licious Turkey Stick or the Heat Seeker Jalapeño Beef Stick. 

Shop for more delicious, high-quality meat snacks to round out your BBQ spread!