When most people think of a wood barbecue, they imagine ribs glazed with sauce, slow-smoked brisket, or grilled steaks sizzling over a flame. And while those are classic and worthy staples of any barbecue repertoire, the possibilities of a wood-fired pellet grill go far beyond meat. In fact, with high-quality pellets and a little imagination, your pellet grill can become an all-in-one outdoor kitchen.

From snacks and desserts to cocktails and unexpected savory creations, Knotty Wood BBQ’s 100% pure wood pellets unlock a deeper level of flavor that traditional grills can’t touch. Whether you’re using plum wood, almond wood, or the company’s signature blends, these pellets bring consistent heat and nuanced smoke that can elevate even the most surprising dishes. Below are some unexpected recipes that prove just how versatile a pellet grill can be.

Smoked Nuts: The Ultimate Wood-Fired Snack

Smoking nuts may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you fire up your grill, but it should be. The Knotty Smoked Nuts recipe blends almonds, pecans, and cashews with a seasoning mix that walks the line between sweet and savory.

Using a pellet grill, the smoke infuses the nuts with a subtle flavor that you won’t get from oven roasting. The consistent low-and-slow temperature of a pellet grill allows the seasonings to adhere without burning, and Knotty Wood’s plum wood pellets contribute a gentle fruitwood smokiness that’s ideal for this snack.

Serve them at gatherings or package them as homemade gifts—they’re addictive, aromatic, and surprisingly simple.

Bacon Jam Smoked Cream Cheese: A Smoky Spread That Steals the Show

Cream cheese may not seem like a traditional candidate for a pellet grill, but when it’s wrapped in flavor and smoked gently, it transforms into something entirely new. The Bacon Jam Smoked Cream Cheese recipe from Knotty Wood starts with a seasoned block of cream cheese, topped with a thick layer of savory bacon jam, and smoked until warm and infused with flavor.

Because cream cheese is sensitive to high heat, it requires consistent temperature control—something Knotty Wood BBQ pellets are well known for. The almond wood pellets in particular burn hot and clean, producing a balanced smoke that enhances the cream cheese without overpowering it.

Spread it on crackers or toast and you’ll find it quickly becomes the centerpiece of your appetizer table.

Smoked Lemon Olive Oil Cake: Dessert with a Hint of Fire

A pellet grill used for baking? Absolutely. The Lemon Olive Oil Cake from Knotty Wood proves that a pellet grill can function like a backyard bakery when used with the right pellets and temperature control.

This recipe relies on subtle smoke and steady heat to bring a delicate, citrusy cake to life. The result is a moist, flavorful dessert with just enough wood-fired character to make it memorable without tasting like a campfire.

Using plum wood pellets is key here. The soft, fruity smoke pairs beautifully with the brightness of lemon and richness of olive oil. When done right, guests might not even know the cake was baked on a grill—until they notice the hint of smoke in the finish.

Smoked Blackberry Bourbon Spritz: Cocktail, Reimagined

You might not think a pellet grill has a role in cocktail hour, but Knotty Wood’s Smoked Blackberry Bourbon Spritz flips that assumption on its head. This refreshing summer drink features grilled blackberries that have been kissed by smoke before being muddled into a syrup.

The depth of flavor created by smoking the fruit over almond or plum wood pellets adds a rustic note to the drink, balancing the sweetness of the berries and the strength of the bourbon. It’s a perfect pairing for long summer evenings or weekend gatherings and proves that a BBQ approach isn’t limited to food.

Smoking fruit for cocktails is a subtle but transformative process—and it’s made easier by the even heat and light smoke produced by high-quality pellets like those from Knotty Wood BBQ.

Classic Smoked Cream Cheese: Simple, Satisfying, and Surprisingly Elegant

While the bacon jam version of smoked cream cheese is a flavor-packed treat, even the base version—Smoked Cream Cheese—is worth its own spotlight. Seasoned with a dry rub and scored for optimal flavor absorption, the cheese is smoked until the exterior takes on a golden hue while the inside stays creamy and rich.

This dish highlights how a pellet grill can coax deep flavors out of ingredients with minimal effort. With consistent heat from our pellets, the cheese smokes gently without drying out. It’s a perfect canvas for customization, whether you prefer spice blends, sweet glazes, or herb crusts.

Serve it with fresh vegetables, sliced baguette, or crackers—it works as a centerpiece or part of a spread, and it never fails to impress.

What Makes These Recipes Work on a Pellet Grill

At first glance, dishes like cake, cocktails, or cream cheese don’t seem suited for a grill. But the unique benefit of a pellet grill—especially one powered by pure wood barbecue pellets—is precision. The smoke and temperature are controlled by a digital system, allowing you to treat your grill more like an oven with added flavor.

Knotty Wood BBQ’s pellets burn clean and consistently because they’re made from 100% pure wood with no additives, oils, or fillers. That means you get authentic smoke flavor that’s balanced and clear—not acrid or overpowering.

This matters for delicate items like nuts or baked goods, where too much smoke or uneven heat would ruin the dish. And for items like fruit or dairy, the ability to smoke at low temperatures for longer periods is essential.

Let the Smoke Guide You

Barbecue doesn’t have to stick to the script. With a high-performing pellet grill and our wood barbecue pellets, your outdoor cooking can go far beyond brisket and burgers. From cake to cocktails, from cheese to nuts, smoke adds a layer of flavor that’s as unexpected as it is unforgettable. Almond, Plum, Cabernet and more – we have pellets to elevate your grilling.