Smoked Asparagus

If you're looking for a new and exciting way to cook asparagus, you've come to the right place! This Smoked Asparagus Recipe is simple and delicious and will surely be a hit with your friends and family.

I love it when spring rolls around and asparagus is in season. It is one of our favorite vegetables both on and off the smoker.

Once smoked, you can even use it in casseroles or soups for maximum flavor! It is the perfect side dish or addition to many recipes.

Looking for more vegetables to cook on your Traeger pellet grill? Try Smoked Zucchini or Smoked Cabbage next!

Ingredients

• Asparagus - Choose firm stalks with intact tips for the best results. Snap or cut the bottom woody part.
• Olive Oil - We coat the outside of the asparagus with a little olive oil to help the seasoning stick to it.
• Salt & Pepper - Salt and black pepper are all you need to enhance the flavor of the asparagus.

How to Make Smoked Asparagus

1️⃣ Prep

Prep the asparagus by snapping off the bottom of each stalk. This removed the tough woody section. Season the asparagus stalks with olive oil, a little salt, and pepper.

2️⃣ Smoke

Place asparagus on the grill grates. Smoke the asparagus for 35 minutes or until tender on a wood smoker or pellet grill. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Expert Tip: Just put them right on the grate. You don't need a grilling basket or foil.

Variations

• Balsamic - Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze right before serving.
• Cheese - We love Parmesan cheese sprinkled on asparagus spears. Other good choices are crumbled cheese like feta or goat cheese, or sprinkle shredded cheese like cheddar or gouda on top when it comes off the grill hot.
• Lemon - Drizzle the cooked stalks with a bit of fresh lemon juice or serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
• Seasoning - Add garlic powder, onion powder, or even spices like cumin and chili powder. Crushed red pepper flakes can add a bit of spice.
• Butter - Brush melted butter over the smoked asparagus when it comes off the smoker.
• Wood - The type of wood used can definitely change the flavor. We normally use hickory or mesquite pellets in our pellet smoker.

Common Questions

What are good veggies to smoke?

There are a few different types of vegetables that can be smoked in order to create a delicious and unique flavor. There are a few factors to consider when choosing vegetables to smoke.

First, you'll want to choose vegetables that have high water content. This is because the smoking process will cause the vegetables to lose some of their moisture.

Second, you'll want to choose vegetables that are dense and have high sugar content. This is because the smoking process will cause the sugars in the vegetables to caramelize, giving them a sweeter flavor. Some of the best vegetables to smoke are potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic. We also love Smoked Brussels Sprouts.

How long does it take to smoke vegetables on a smoker?

Smoking vegetables on a smoker varies depending on the type of vegetable. For example, smoked asparagus generally takes about 35 minutes, while potatoes can take up to 2.5 hours. The best way to determine the cook time is to consult a smoking chart or guide.

We have a handy one-page free printable with smoking times listed. You can get that HERE.

Why is my cooked asparagus tough?

There are a few reasons why your asparagus might be coming out tough. One possibility is that you're overcooking it. Asparagus is a delicate vegetable and it doesn't take much to overcook it and make it tough. Another possibility is that you're using tough, woody asparagus. To avoid this, make sure you're using fresh asparagus that's in season.

Recipe

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Originally Published September 7, 2022. Revised and Republished February 20, 2026.