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HOW TO CREATE SMOKED SALT AT HOME IN YOUR BACKYARD

Summer is in full swing, and our BBQ is getting quite the workout! From smoking everything we can fit on the grill (including a massive 20-pound turkey – but more on that another time 😉), we’ve been busy experimenting. Today, we’re diving into the art of making smoked salt and sharing the top 3 compelling reasons why you absolutely need to try it!

3 Reasons Why You Should Make Your Own Smoked Salt

  • Unbeatable Flavor: Smoked salt tastes absolutely incredible! It’s the perfect finishing touch for dishes like tomato soup, avocado toast, or anything that could use a smoky kick. In fact, it rivals (if not surpasses) the pricey gourmet smoked salts you’d find at the store.
  • Cost-Effective: Making smoked salt at home is a fraction of the cost of buying those fancy finishing salts. Plus, you can get creative with flavors and still save a bundle.
  • Fantastic Gifts: Smoked salt makes an excellent host or hostess gift, especially during BBQ season. It’s also perfect for the foodie or BBQ lover on your holiday list. To make gifting even easier, I’ve included printable labels toward the bottom of this post so you can package your smoked salt in style.

    But let’s be honest—you’ll probably want to keep it all for yourself! Once you taste it, you might just end up hoarding your smoky stash in your kitchen cupboard.

    You have to try making a batch of smoked salt! Imagine this: in the middle of winter, when it’s freezing outside, you can add a pinch of fire-roasted goodness to your dishes and bring back a taste of summer.

    The possibilities are endless:

    • Smokey Mac & Cheese
    • A sprinkle on creamy mashed potatoes
    • Rimming the glass of a bold Bloody Mary
    • Enhancing homemade mozzarella
    • Crafting smoky rubs for oven-roasted dishes
    • Adding depth to a comforting bowl of pumpkin soup

    …and so much more!

    Are you convinced yet? I sure hope so!

    Must Know Tips When Making Smoked Sea Salt

    When I first started experimenting with making smoked salt, I had so many questions. Through trial and error, I was able to narrow down the most important tips and answers that everyone should know before diving into smoking salt at home. Let me share them with you to make your journey a whole lot easier!

    WHICH IS THE BEST SALT TO SMOKE?

    After experimenting with various salts, we discovered the ultimate choice: sea salt—the flakier and chunkier, the better.

    My personal favorite is Maldon salt, known for its thin, flaky texture that’s perfect for smoking. But don’t worry—you don’t need to splurge on Maldon to get great results. Coarse sea salt works beautifully, too, and is often more budget-friendly.

    Interestingly, Maldon does offer a pre-smoked salt, but I found its smoky flavor to be underwhelming—that’s actually what inspired my journey to start smoking salt myself!

    You can also smoke fine sea salt, but I think smoked salt shines best as a finishing salt. Fine salt lacks the satisfying crunch and that bold punch of fire-roasted smokiness that chunkier salts bring to the table.

    WHAT’S THE BEST WOOD TO USE WHEN MAKING SMOKED SALT?

    Our top choice for smoking salt? Applewood—hands down the winner!

    After testing several types of wood with different salts, we both agreed that applewood smoked salt was superior. While the other woods also produced delicious results, applewood stood out for a few reasons:

    • It’s incredibly versatile, pairing well with just about anything.
    • It imparts a clean, balanced smoky flavor that enhances every dish without overpowering it.

    Of course, taste is subjective, so I highly recommend experimenting with a few different woods to find your favorite. Smoking salt is super easy, and the possibilities are endless!

    That said, I’ve never made a smoked salt I didn’t enjoy. Here are some other woods we’ve tried with great success:

    • Hickory
    • Cherry
    • Rum barrel
    • Maple bourbon barrel

    If you’re not in the mood to experiment, start with applewood—it’s foolproof and produces amazing results every time!

    WHAT TEMPERATURES ARE NEEDED TO MAKE SMOKED SALT?

    We’ve experimented with smoking salt at temperatures ranging from 250°F to 400°F, and here’s what we found: the only real difference is how long you need to smoke your salt. The results are equally delicious whether you:

    • Smoke at 250°F for 5–6 hours, or
    • Smoke at 350–400°F for 2–3 hours.

    We also tried a recommendation to cold smoke the salt for 12 hours, but I wasn’t a fan. The result was an overly strong, acrid smoky flavor that didn’t hit the mark for me.

    If you prefer a bolder smoky taste, you can always extend the smoking time, but for a balanced and reliable smoked salt, I recommend sticking to 350°F for 2–3 hours. It’s simple, quick, and delivers fantastic results every time.

    Can I Smoke Salt In A Gas BBQ?

    Yes, you absolutely can! I highly recommend the A-MAZE-N 12” Pellet Tube Smoker.

    This nifty little device is a game-changer for anyone looking to cold smoke with a gas BBQ. I’ve used it in the past, and it works incredibly well. It’s designed to take pellets (not wood chips or chunks), which is an additional investment, but it’s totally worth it. With the A-MAZE-N smoker, you can easily convert your gas BBQ into a cold smoker, opening up a whole new world of smoking possibilities. It’s a solid investment if you’re serious about smoking!

    Ingredients Needed TO Make Homemade SMoked Sea Salt

    To make this smoked salt, you’ll need:

    • Flaky sea salt (or coarse salt)
    • Your favorite wood for smoking
    • A BBQ or smoker
    • Time

    When I was first figuring out how to smoke salt, I experimented with a variety of woods, methods, and lots of salt! Here’s what we used to make our favorite applewood smoked salt:

    • Char-Griller Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Barbecue Grill and Smoker
    • Maldon Sea Salt Flakes – Pack of 2
    • 13” Splatter Screen
    • Apple Wood Chips

    Our Char-Griller Akorn Kamado has been an absolute game-changer. It’s the best BBQ we’ve owned and we still love it! After three summers of consistent use, it’s still in top condition, and I can’t recommend it enough. My husband smokes everything in it:

    • Turkeys
    • Cheese
    • Salt
    • Pizza
    • Grilled cheese
    • And much more!

    Honestly, if it’s food, we’ve likely tried BBQing or smoking it.

    For the salt, I also bought a stainless steel frying pan splatter screen, which I bent the handle up on so it would fit inside the BBQ. This screen is perfect for coarse salt because it allows the smoke to reach both the top and bottom at the same time, speeding up the process and making the job much easier.

    How To Smoke Salt IN A Smoker

    Smoking salt is incredibly easy—way easier than making pie! Here’s my go-to method:

    1. Preheat your BBQ to 300-350°F.
    2. Smoke 2 cups of salt for 2-3 hours.
    3. Stir your salt and add new smoke chips every hour for consistent smoke flavor.

    Pro Tip: Don’t soak your wood chips! Soaking them will only slow down the smoking process and cool down the coals. Just use dry wood chips for the best results.

    And that’s it! Simple, quick, and delicious.

    GREAT SMOKING BOOK

    If you’re looking for an excellent BBQ book that dives deep into the science of heat, smoke, and flame, I highly recommend Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. It’s hands-down the best BBQ book out there, packed with fascinating tidbits that will elevate your BBQ skills.

    While How to smoke salt isn’t covered in the cookbook, you’ll find plenty of incredible recipes for your summer BBQ that are sure to impress. It’s a must-have for any BBQ enthusiast looking to up their game!

    Storing Your Smoked Salt

    I have to admit, the salt actually improves over time! It mellows out, becomes smokier, and just keeps getting better with age.

    I prefer to store my smoked salt in mason jars, and it lasts indefinitely. In fact, I still have some from last summer, and you’d never guess it wasn’t freshly smoked—it tastes just as good!

    Just make sure to use airtight storage containers if you’re planning to store it for a while. That way, it keeps all that smoky goodness sealed in for months to come.

    SMOKED SALT LABEL DOWNLOAD

    I’ve made these adorable labels that you can print off and add to your jars! You can print them on sticky label paper for easy application, but you’ll need to cut them out. A paper trimmer is a huge help—it makes the job quick and simple, giving your jars a polished and professional look. Perfect for gifting or just adding a little extra flair to your homemade smoked salt!

    I printed mine on cardstock and used a glue stick to attach them to the front of a 500ml (2 cups) mason jar. To give it an extra special touch, I added a bit of craft paper to the lid and tied it all together with a twist of twine. It makes for a charming and personalized gift, or just a fun way to keep your smoked salt looking cute on the shelf!

    CONCLUSION

    In conclusion, making smoked salt at home is an easy, fun, and rewarding process. With just a few simple ingredients—flaky sea salt, your favorite wood, and a bit of time—you can create a unique finishing touch for your dishes that’s both flavorful and cost-effective. Whether you’re using it for your own cooking, gifting it to friends, or experimenting with different types of wood, smoked salt adds a deliciously smoky kick to just about anything. Plus, with the right storage, it only gets better over time!

    So fire up your BBQ, gather your supplies, and start smoking your own salt—you’ll be amazed at the rich flavors you’ll create. Happy smoking!

    24 BOOKS TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

    Whether you’re looking to brush up on your history, hone your cooking skills, or understand the mysteries of the universe, these fascinating books are here to help. Written by experts in various fields—from physics to farming—these titles are outstanding sources of knowledge that will leave you feeling more intelligent and eager to learn even more. Read on to discover which book you should pick up next.

    INVISIBLE WOMEN

    Data drives countless decisions in today’s world, yet it often fails to account for gender, leaving women at a disadvantage. In her latest book, Invisible Women, Caroline Criado Perez tackles this gender data gap, exploring how it influences everything from politics to healthcare to technology. This fascinating examination of gender inequality and institutional bias delves into the reasons behind the data gap and underscores the necessity of closing it.

    For Small Creatures Such as We

    Written by the daughter of astronomer Carl Sagan, For Small Creatures Such as We is a celebration of the beautiful and vast world around us. Sagan explores the meanings behind our most important traditions and rituals—from weddings to funerals—considering them through a secular lens. Richard Dawkins describes it as “a charming book, ringing with the joy of existence,” while scientist Bill Nye notes that reading it will leave you with “a deeper appreciation for your every step, every bite, and every breath.”

    The Yellow House

    The 2019 winner of the National Book Award for Nonfiction, The Yellow House tells the story of the author’s childhood home: the titular yellow house her mother purchased in New Orleans East in 1961. Sarah M. Broom chronicles her family’s history and their experiences in New Orleans, including the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina on the house. The result is a poignant memoir that explores themes of family, place, and race.

    Jubilee

    No “Best Cookbooks of 2019” list would be complete without Jubilee. Toni Tipton-Martin, author of the James Beard Award-winning The Jemima Code, explores 200 years of African American cuisine, introducing readers to over 100 recipes. In addition to learning how to prepare dishes like seafood gumbo and spoon bread, readers will discover the rich history behind these culinary traditions. The New Yorker describes Jubilee as “a testament to the essentiality of African American gastronomy to all of American cuisine.”

    Ruffage

    You’ll be eager to eat your vegetables after exploring this comprehensive cookbook by Abra Berens, a Midwestern chef and farmer. Berens offers valuable information on how to buy, store, and prepare 29 types of vegetables, leading to 300 diverse and delicious recipes. Ruffage also features compelling essays that delve into each vegetable, providing insight into how farmers view and interact with them.

    Hidden Figures

    This New York Times bestseller chronicles the contributions of Black female mathematicians who played crucial roles in the Space Race and helped shape the future of the United States. Hidden Figures tells the stories of four women who worked at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, following their careers over three decades and highlighting their invaluable work and calculations. Readers interested in the lives of Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, and Mary Jackson will also appreciate the Oscar-nominated film based on this inspiring narrative.

    Joy at Work

    In collaboration with Scott Sonenshein, a Rice University professor and organizational psychologist, New York Times bestselling author Marie Kondo shares valuable tips for improving your professional life in Joy at Work. Whether you’re seeking guidance on managing your inbox, decluttering your desk, or navigating difficult conversations with coworkers, this book has you covered. Kondo’s practical advice makes it easy to implement changes and maximize your productivity at work.

    Humble Pi

    Who among us hasn’t made a mistake when it comes to math? While our errors may have resulted in a poor grade, the miscalculations explored in Matt Parker’s engaging book had far more significant consequences—think collapsing bridges or failed NASA projects. Ryan North, author of How to Invent Everything, describes Humble Pi as “a charming and very readable guide to some of humanity’s all-time greatest miscalculations,” reminding us that it’s okay to feel a little better about our own mistakes.

    The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee

    A National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestseller, The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee examines Native American history and culture from 1890, following the massacre at Wounded Knee, to the present day. David Treuer, an anthropologist and member of the Ojibwe tribe, explores various topics, including the role of Native Americans in World War I and the impact of the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. He also profiles relatives and friends across the U.S., such as North Dakota teacher Sierra Frederickson and Oglala Lakota chef Sean Sherman.

    Midnight in Chernobyl

    Adam Higginbotham’s deep dive into the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster is a thrilling read, rich with historical detail. Featuring firsthand accounts of the catastrophe and two decades of reporting, Midnight in Chernobyl takes readers from the construction of the nuclear plant to the night of the disaster and its aftermath in the Soviet Union. Higginbotham’s work is described by Hampton Sides, author of On Desperate Ground, as “a triumph of investigative reportage, exquisite science writing, and heart-pounding storytelling.”

    American Sherlock

    Anyone fascinated by true crime stories will be captivated by Kate Winkler Dawson’s latest book, which explores the life of Edward Oscar Heinrich, one of America’s first forensic scientists. Throughout his career, Heinrich solved thousands of cases, earning the nickname “American Sherlock Holmes” and transforming both forensic science and the American legal system. American Sherlock offers a fascinating portrait of criminal investigation, which Kirkus describes as “an entertaining, absorbing combination of biography and true crime.”

    The Color of Law: a Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America

    In his engrossing and meticulously researched book, Richard Rothstein illustrates how local, state, and federal governments enforced residential segregation through their housing policies. The Color of Law also examines the long-lasting effects of this de jure segregation and its impact on our world today. Sherrilyn A. Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, notes that Rothstein “reveals a history of racism hiding in plain sight and compels us to confront the consequences of the intentional, decades-long governmental policies that created a segregated America.”

    The Art of Statistics

    Using practical examples, statistician David Spiegelhalter illustrates the prevalence and importance of statistics in our world today. Hailed by Publishers Weekly as “both fully comprehensible and valuable in a digitally driven world,” The Art of Statistics serves as an approachable guide to understanding numbers. Readers will learn analytical techniques to solve everyday problems and recognize common mistakes people make when applying statistics.

    Talking to Strangers

    In Talking to Strangers, Malcolm Gladwell explores how we interact with strangers and where we often go wrong in those encounters, whether by trusting the wrong people or misunderstanding them entirely. The New York Times bestselling author consults a range of experts, from criminologists to military psychologists, to delve into the significance of these interactions and their broader implications. As Oprah Winfrey states, reading this book “will actually change not just how you see strangers, but how you look at yourself.”

    Digital Minimalism

    Whether you find yourself constantly reaching for your phone or worrying about the news, Cal Newport provides practical solutions for limiting screen time and reducing our dependence on devices. He suggests undertaking a 30-day digital declutter, which involves removing optional apps like Facebook or Twitter from your life. This New York Times bestseller is ideal for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their digital commitments and seeking to engage with technology in a healthier way.

    Thinking, Fast and Slow

    Ready to rethink everything you know about thinking? In his award-winning and bestselling book, Nobel Prize–winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman explores the two distinct systems that shape our thought processes. System 1 is characterized by speed and intuition, while System 2 involves a slower, more logical approach. Readers will discover the benefits and drawbacks of each system, along with practical advice on how to leverage the advantages of slow thinking.

    Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

    The 2018 James Beard Award winner for Best General Cookbook, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat breaks down cooking into its four titular elements. Author Samin Nosrat — hailed as “America’s next great cooking teacher” by acclaimed chef Alice Waters — explains the science behind each component, providing a solid foundation of knowledge for home cooks of all levels. In addition to a deeper understanding of what makes food taste good, readers will find over 100 recipes to explore, ranging from buttermilk-marinated roast chicken to miso-cured eggs.

    Beloved

    The Source of Self-Regard is a compelling collection of essays, meditations, and speeches that offers illuminating commentary on race, identity, and art, including the late Toni Morrison’s own award-winning works. Spanning over 40 years, the pieces — such as her 1987 eulogy for James Baldwin — reflect Morrison’s timeless wisdom. As NPR notes, she “tackles headfirst the weighty issues that have long troubled America’s conscience.”

    Sapiens

    Recommended by figures such as Bill Gates, Barack Obama, and Mark Zuckerberg, Sapiens explores the history of humanity. Historian Yuval Noah Harari takes readers back over 70,000 years to a time when at least six different human species coexisted, examining why only Homo sapiens remain today. This thought-provoking New York Times bestseller will leave you contemplating questions that, as Gates suggests, you’ll want to discuss with your fellow Homo sapiens. After finishing Sapiens, be sure to explore Harari’s follow-up, Homo Deus, which examines the future of humanity.

    You Never Forget Your First

    You might think you know George Washington, but in You Never Forget Your First, author Alexis Coe offers a fresh perspective on America’s first president. This New York Times bestseller debunks the tall tales we’ve come to accept and presents a well-researched portrait of Washington. Coe’s engaging writing style and sense of humor make it easy to navigate through the biography’s pages.

    Successful Aging

    In his latest book, neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin, author of The Organized Mind, challenges how we think about and plan for aging. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on your “health span” rather than just your “life span,” highlighting how factors like diet and friendships significantly influence our well-being as we age. New York Times bestselling author Daniel H. Pink notes that Levitin “debunks the idea that aging inevitably brings infirmity and unhappiness, offering a trove of practical, evidence-based guidance for living longer and better.”

    Until the End of Time

    Have questions about the cosmos? Until the End of Time offers a profound exploration of our quest to understand the universe and humanity’s purpose. Physicist Brian Greene delves into topics ranging from the Big Bang and black holes to the interplay between science and religion, ultimately examining what the future holds for humanity. The New York Times describes the book as “a love letter to the ephemeral cosmic moment when everything is possible.”

    Because Internet

    Whether you’re a language enthusiast or an emoji lover, you’ll find Because Internet to be an engaging read. In this New York Times bestseller, internet linguist Gretchen McCulloch combines humor and insight to explore how the digital age is rapidly transforming our language. She delves into the origins of online communication trends, explaining why we enjoy everything from memes to using lowercase letters for emphasis.

    The Body

    In this captivating read, you’ll discover everything you need to know about your body, from anatomy and evolution to illness. Through intriguing facts and entertaining anecdotes, the beloved author Bill Bryson dispels misinformation and common myths, shedding light on the “thousands of rarely acknowledged tasks our bodies manage as we go about our daily lives.”

    CONCLUSION

    These 24 books offer a gateway to a world of knowledge, sparking curiosity and challenging our perspectives. Whether delving into the complexities of human nature, exploring the vastness of the universe, or understanding the intricacies of society, these literary gems invite us to think critically, question the status quo, and expand our intellectual horizons. As we embark on this intellectual journey, let us remember that the true power of reading lies not only in acquiring knowledge but in cultivating a lifelong love of learning.