When oven space gets tight, the grill and smoker become the smartest tools in the house. We know holiday meals run smoother when the main course cooks evenly and stays juicy without constant checking. These recipes use steady heat and simple steps to build smoky crusts, tender centers, and reliable results. Expect a mix of grilled and smoked mains that cook predictably and bring bold, holiday-ready flavor without the stress.

Smoked leg of lamb with a dark crust carved on a platter.
Smoked Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Spatchcock Smoked Turkey

Whole spatchcocked smoked turkey with golden skin on a grill.
Spatchcock Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Spatchcocking flattens the bird for faster, even smoking and juicy meat. We lean on this method when we want turkey done on schedule.
Get the Recipe: Spatchcock Smoked Turkey

Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops sliced and served on a wooden board with fresh greens, lemon slices, and a small bowl of herb sauce.
Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Direct heat leaves the chops with a crisp sear and a juicy center. The simple timing makes them an easy holiday main.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled Lamb Crown Roast with Moroccan Spices

Lamb crown roast arranged in a ring with browned, seasoned ribs.
Grilled Lamb Crown Roast with Moroccan Spices. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

High grill heat builds a charred edge around the tender lamb. The spice blend adds bold flavor while keeping the cook straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lamb Crown Roast with Moroccan Spices

Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle Bourbon Glaze

Smoked pork belly burnt ends glazed with maple chipotle bourbon sauce on a tray.
Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle Bourbon Glaze. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoke melts the pork belly into tender, smoky cubes with a sticky glaze. We use this cut when we want big flavor without complicated prep.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle Bourbon Glaze

Spiced Smoked Duck

Roasted duck garnished with orange slices, herbs, and spices on a wooden cutting board. Silver carving tools and rustic decor are visible nearby.
Spiced Smoked Duck. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Warm spices and gentle smoke give the duck rich flavor and a crisp skin. The steady heat makes it easier than most holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Smoked Duck

Smoked Prime Rib on a Gas Grill

Smoked prime rib with a charred crust and pink center sliced on a board.
Smoked Prime Rib on a Gas Grill. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low, steady smoke turns prime rib into a tender roast with a charred crust. The gas grill keeps the process simple and timing steady.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib on a Gas Grill

Grilled Ham Steaks with Brown Sugar-Mustard Glaze

A plate with a large slice of grilled ham, a sunny-side-up fried egg, sliced tomatoes, and fresh greens.
Grilled Ham Steaks with Brown Sugar-Mustard Glaze. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A hot grill caramelizes the glaze into a smoky, sweet-tangy crust. These steaks cook fast, giving you a no-stress holiday option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ham Steaks with Brown Sugar-Mustard Glaze

Smoked Turkey

Whole smoked turkey with crisp golden skin resting on a cutting board.
Smoked Turkey. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Clean smoke and consistent heat keep the turkey moist with a golden finish. We use this method when we need predictable results for a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey

Smoked Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Sliced cooked pork tenderloin arranged on a plate with fresh parsley garnish, next to a whole piece of tenderloin.
Smoked Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Gentle smoke and a maple glaze give the tenderloin a juicy, sweet-smoky finish. The quick cook keeps timing easy on a busy holiday day.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Lemon Herb Grilled Turkey Tenderloin

Grilled turkey tenderloin with char marks sliced on a cutting board.
Lemon Herb Grilled Turkey Tenderloin. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A quick marinade and even grill heat create a bright, juicy tenderloin. The short cook keeps the rest of the holiday prep on track.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Grilled Turkey Tenderloin

Smoked Turkey on Traeger with Stuffing

Smoked turkey served with stuffing on the grill surrounded by herbs.
Smoked Turkey on Traeger with Stuffing. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke infuses both the turkey and stuffing with a rich, savory flavor. The setup keeps the timing steady so the rest of the meal stays manageable.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey on Traeger with Stuffing

Perfect Grilled Rack of Lamb

Grilled rack of lamb with seared crust and herb seasoning on a platter.
Perfect Grilled Rack of Lamb. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Even heat delivers a juicy center and a clean char on the outside. We like this cut when we want fast, reliable holiday results.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Grilled Rack of Lamb

Smoked Spiral Ham with Maple Bourbon Glaze

Smoked spiral ham with a glossy maple bourbon glaze on a serving tray.
Smoked Spiral Ham with Maple Bourbon Glaze. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Even heat sets a sticky, smoky glaze over the ham’s tender slices. It’s a straightforward option when you want steady results and simple prep.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spiral Ham with Maple Bourbon Glaze

Smoked Pork Crown Roast

Pork crown roast with golden, seasoned ribs arranged in a circular crown.
Smoked Pork Crown Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoking builds a deep, smoky crust while keeping the roast tender. The steady temperature makes this showpiece easier to manage than it looks.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Crown Roast

Smoked Rack of Pork

Smoked pork roast with a crispy browned exterior sliced on a cutting board.
Smoked Rack of Pork. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A steady smoke gives this rack a golden crust and deep flavor. We like it as a reliable centerpiece that doesn’t require much oversight.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Rack of Pork

Cajun Smoked Turkey Wings

Cajun smoked turkey wings with crispy skin and seasoning on a metal platter.
Cajun Smoked Turkey Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Bold Cajun seasoning and steady smoke keep these wings juicy with crisp edges. They work well when you need smoky turkey without managing a full bird.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Smoked Turkey Wings

Smoked Leg of Lamb

Smoked leg of lamb with a dark crust carved on a platter.
Smoked Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoking keeps the lamb tender while building a clean, smoky crust. The method offers predictable timing for a holiday main.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Leg of Lamb

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivore®, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivore®, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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