Great BBQ comes down to more than just recipes. It’s about creating flavor through a combination of ingredients, preparation, and fuel. At Knotty Wood BBQ, we craft premium wood pellets that bring out the best in every bite, and our plum wood pellets have quickly become a go-to for those who want something rich, subtly sweet, and unforgettable. Whether you’re aiming for crispy, charred, smoky, or juicy, plum wood for smoking delivers a balanced, fruit-forward profile that enhances without overwhelming.

Below, we’ve paired our plum wood pellets with some of our favorite recipes from the site. Each of these dishes benefits from the complexity that plum wood brings to the grill, adding new depth to every smoky bite.

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Lollipops and the Sweet Smoke of Plum

These aren’t your average drumsticks. With the skin pulled back and meat trimmed into a “lollipop” shape, bacon-wrapped chicken lollipops are made to impress. But what takes them from impressive to unforgettable is the flavor carried in by the smoke.

Plum wood for smoking gives these chicken lollipops a slightly fruity layer that works with both the chicken and bacon. Where some woods might overpower the natural savoriness of the meat or clash with the saltiness of the bacon, plum wood rides alongside those flavors. When combined with your favorite rub or sauce—whether sweet, tangy, or spicy—the mild aromatic quality of plum wood helps it all come together.

Because chicken cooks relatively quickly and you don’t want the bacon to burn before the inside finishes, a reliable burn rate and steady heat source are a must. Our plum wood pellets give you that consistency. You’ll get an even cook, a proper sear, and that beautiful bronze coloring that turns a backyard meal into a showcase.

Jalapeño Poppers That Hit Every Note

Jalapeño poppers bring heat, crunch, and creaminess all in one bite. These aren’t just a side dish or appetizer—they’re a staple of any proper BBQ session. And if you want to do them right, the type of smoke you use matters just as much as the cheese you stuff inside.

Plum wood for smoking complements the peppers perfectly. The mild sweetness cuts through the spice of the jalapeño without dulling it. That contrast makes the flavor more rounded and layered. Whether you wrap your poppers in bacon, use a cheddar cream cheese blend, or spice them up with seasoning, plum wood provides a smooth finish that ties every component together.

The clean burn and subtle fruit aroma also mean you don’t need to worry about bitter overtones or an overly aggressive smoke flavor. You’ll get just enough smoke to enhance, not hide, the details you’ve carefully built into each popper.

Brisket Burnt Ends and Balanced Depth

Burnt ends have a reputation. They’re the part of the brisket that’s allowed to go a little further, soak up a little more smoke, caramelize, and transform into tender, smoky cubes with a crust that melts in your mouth. They’re rich, fatty, and bold—which makes pairing them with the right wood even more important.

Plum wood for smoking burnt ends offers a subtle elegance that works in contrast to the boldness of the meat. Instead of layering smoke on top of smoke, it introduces something a bit more refined. The light fruitiness balances out the heavy fat content, allowing each cube to feel complete rather than overwhelming.

When using our plum wood pellets, you also get a consistent smoke ring and uniform cooking, which is essential for a cut like brisket that needs time and patience. Whether you’re smoking low and slow all day or finishing up with a final glaze, our plum wood pellets help deliver the full experience without any guesswork.

Hot Honey Wings That Don’t Overdo It

There’s something about combining heat and sweetness that keeps people coming back for more. Our hot honey wings start with a crispy grilled base, then get coated with a sticky-sweet and spicy glaze that clings to the skin. The heat from the grill is important, but the smoke you add can take this dish into new territory.

With plum wood for smoking, you’ll notice that the natural fruit profile works hand-in-hand with the honey. The sugars in the glaze won’t clash with the smoke—instead, they’ll soak it up and highlight it. That means each wing offers sweetness with just a little tang, followed by a heat that lingers in the best way.

The wings stay juicy thanks to the low ash, steady temperature that our plum wood pellets provide. That consistency matters, especially when you’re moving wings around the grill or watching closely to avoid burning your glaze. You want flavor, not char, and that’s exactly what plum wood helps deliver.

Not Just Plum Wood for Smoking—Other Woods That Deliver

While our plum wood for smoking is a standout choice for these recipes, it’s just one option in the Knotty Wood BBQ lineup. Each of our pellets is made from 100% pure, sustainably sourced wood—no fillers, no binders, and nothing that gets in the way of great taste.

Our almond wood pellets are mild, nutty, and versatile—great for chicken, fish, and vegetables. They’re a clean-burning option with a subtle character that supports more delicate flavors.

Walnut wood pellets bring depth and richness. They’re ideal for red meats and game, delivering a bolder smoke that sticks with you.

Each wood type is kiln-dried and pressed to ensure maximum performance, flavor consistency, and minimal ash output. That means more grilling time, less cleaning, and better results with every cook.

Whether you’re trying a new recipe or perfecting a backyard favorite, your choice of wood matters. Plum wood for smoking delivers a distinct flavor experience that works across a range of meats, sides, and appetizers. It’s subtle without being weak, bold without being overbearing.

At Knotty Wood BBQ, we make pellets that turn grilling into something more than cooking. They help you bring out what’s best in every dish—and make every bite count.