With over a dozen awesome recipes, this Guide to BBQ Leftovers helps you give those smokey meats a second chance to make a first impression.

Making the Most of BBQ Leftovers

There’s nothing like the satisfaction of smoking your own BBQ: that perfect bark, tender meat, and smell that has your neighbors peeking over the fence. But let’s be real, even die-hard BBQ lovers get tired of eating the same smoked meat for days. Even my husband Todd (who loves fresh-off-the-smoker meat) turns his nose up at most leftovers.

That’s why I’ve developed these game-changing recipes that turn yesterday’s BBQ into tonight’s dinner. From show-stopping sides to hearty meals, these recipes are so good your family will be fighting for second-hand seconds. You might find yourself smoking extra meat just to have BBQ leftovers.

Smoked Brisket

First up, let’s start with the king of BBQ: smoked brisket. This beautiful cut takes patience, but the payoff is incredible. That gorgeous bark, perfect smoke ring, and fork-tender meat. But here’s the thing, even a small packer brisket feeds a crowd, which means guaranteed leftovers. Lucky for you, I’ve got some tasty ways to enjoy them.

Smoked Brisket Ramen

This smoked brisket ramen is a great way to create a delicious dinner with that leftover beef brisket. This dish combines your leftover brisket with hearty veggies and an aromatic sauce, so you get a filling meal for the whole family.

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Spicy Sweet Brisket Tacos

These tacos turn your leftover smoked brisket into an incredible taco night. Tender, smoky brisket gets paired with a creamy corn salsa that balances heat and freshness in every bite. This recipe is perfect if you want to give your leftover brisket a new flavor profile.

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Brunswick Stew with Brisket (and Pulled Pork!)

This hearty Brunswick stew is the ultimate leftover BBQ rescue recipe. It’s packed with tender smoked meats, vegetables, and a rich tomato base, so you transform your leftover brisket and pulled pork into pure comfort food.

This is just the beginning, because I’ve got plenty more brisket recipes for both using and creating those beautiful leftovers. When you’re ready to master brisket from start to finish, check out my Smoked Brisket Pitmaster Class. Because better brisket means better leftovers.

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Smoked Chicken

Next up is smoked chicken, the weeknight hero of BBQ. This versatile bird cooks faster than brisket but still delivers that amazing smoky flavor and crispy, crave-able skin. Whether you’re smoking whole chickens, thighs, or breasts, you’ll often find yourself with more delicious chicken than you can eat in one sitting. That’s where these leftover recipes come to the rescue.

Backyard BBQ Chicken Pizza

This backyard pizza makes your leftover smoked chicken party-ready. Tender smoky chicken gets piled on crispy dough with tangy BBQ sauce, three melty cheeses, and your favorite toppings. Leftover pizza is unlikely, so enjoy this while you can.

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Hot Honey Chicken Nachos

When you want to turn your leftover smoked chicken into a crowd-favorite game day appetizer, these nachos are the answer. Crispy tortilla chips loaded with tender smoky chicken, melty cheese, and a drizzle of my Hot Honey BBQ Sauce,

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Smoked Chicken Salad

Tender smoky chicken mixed with sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing this salad is perfect for leftover smoked chicken. Serve it on croissants, in wraps, or enjoy it straight up for a satisfying meal.

These recipes will help kickstart your leftover creativity, but I’ve got more for you to explore. Whether you’re looking to smoke some chicken, or give it new life, you’ll find something in my chicken recipes. Check out my Smoked Chicken Pitmaster Class, because perfectly smoked chicken makes for even better leftovers.

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BBQ Pulled Pork

Now let’s talk about crowd-pleasing smoked pulled pork. Pork shoulder is forgiving, budget-friendly, and transforms into tender, juicy pulled pork. But here’s the beautiful problem with pulled pork: a single pork shoulder yields pounds of meat, which means you’re likely getting leftovers. I included these recipes so you can make it even better the second time.

Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos

Turn your leftover pulled pork into a game day feast with these nachos. Crispy tortilla chips loaded with homemade queso sauce, seasoned black beans, and smoky pulled pork, then drizzled with BBQ sauce. They’re messy, delicious, and guaranteed to please.

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Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Everyone loves mac and cheese, but mixing in some smoky, leftover pulled pork turns it into a show-stopping side. Creamy, gooey mac and cheese topped with tender pulled pork combine for a hearty meal that’s cooked and served in one cast iron skillet. It’s no longer just a side dish, it’s a whole hearty meal.

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Pulled Pork Stuffed Mac and Cheese Bombs

If you thought adding mac and cheese to your pulled pork was good, wait until you sink your teeth into these flavor bombs. Creamy mac and cheese stuffed with smoky pulled pork, rolled into balls, breaded, then deep-fried to golden perfection. They’re crispy on the outside, ooey-gooey on the inside, and guaranteed to be the hit of any gathering.

These are just a few ways to give your leftover pulled pork a delicious makeover. Check out these pulled pork recipes if you want even more ways to make and use pulled pork. I’ve got a Smoked Pulled Pork Pitmaster Class so you can master this classic, if you want to learn more.

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Smoked Prime Rib

Next up, we have the ultimate special occasion meat: smoked prime rib. This cut might seem intimidating, but smoking it low and slow creates the most incredible flavor and that perfect pink center. A whole prime rib roast can be a feast, which means you’ll likely have some amazing leftovers to work with.

Smoked French Dip

If you want to turn your leftover prime rib into a restaurant-quality sandwich, try this French dip. Tender slices of smoky beef piled on toasted hoagie buns with melty Havarti cheese and creamy horseradish, then served with rich au jus for dipping.

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Steak Sandwiches

These steak sandwiches turn your leftover prime rib into an incredible sandwich. Thick slices of tender prime rib get piled high on toasted ciabatta with zesty jalapeño mayo and fresh toppings. It’s a gourmet sandwich that makes your leftovers feel like a completely new meal.

Don’t let a single slice go to waste! I’ve got even more prime rib recipes to turn these premium leftovers into something spectacular. Plus, my Smoked Prime Rib Pitmaster Class will help you make this costly cut with confidence every time.

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Smoked Turkey

Last but not least, the holiday hero that’s delicious year-round: smoked turkey. This bird takes some time to smoke, but the results are incredible: juicy, flavorful meat. Whether you’re smoking a whole bird or just parts, you’re going to end up with plenty of delicious turkey to enjoy beyond the first meal.

Smoked Turkey Noodle Soup

Turn your leftover turkey into pure comfort food with this savory soup. Made with homemade turkey stock from the carcass, tender vegetables, egg noodles, and chunks of smoky turkey, it’s an easy way to stretch those holiday leftovers, and so good you won’t even realize you’re eating leftovers.

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Smoked Turkey Sliders

Turn your leftover turkey into irresistible mini sandwiches with these sliders. Tender smoky turkey and melty Havarti cheese get piled on sweet Hawaiian rolls, then topped with a buttery sauce and crunchy seasoning blend. They’re perfect for a crowd and come together quick.

These recipes prove that leftover turkey doesn’t have to be boring. I’ve got tons more turkey recipes to keep those leftovers exciting. If you want to master smoking turkey, my Smoked Turkey Pitmaster Class will show you how to get perfect results every time.

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BONUS: Leftover Corn

This isn’t a smoked meat, but I had to include it because corn pairs perfectly with all your BBQ favorites. Whether you’re grilling, boiling, or roasting corn, you sometimes end up with extra kernels that need a delicious second life. These recipes will turn that leftover corn into something totally new and delicious.

Skillet Corn Fritters

These crispy fritters turn your leftover corn kernels into golden, crunchy bites of goodness. Sweet corn gets mixed with sharp cheddar, bell peppers, and scallions, then pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re the perfect appetizer or side dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.

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Mexican Street Corn Salsa

This salsa is perfect if you want to turn your leftover corn into a crowd-pleasing dip! Grilled corn kernels get mixed with tangy Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime for all the flavors of elotes in scoop-able form. It’s perfect for chips, tacos, or as a fresh side dish.

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More Ways to Use BBQ Leftovers

BBQ leftovers don’t have to be boring! These recipes turn your smoky masterpieces into completely new experiences that’ll have your family asking for even more. If you want to take your BBQ game even further, consider a full Grill Squad membership for access to all my classes, exclusive recipes, and bonuses like access to the Hey Grill Hey App.

If you want more daily BBQ inspiration and tips, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Now get out there and show those leftovers who’s boss like a true Backyard BBQ Hero!