13 Awesome Dinner Ideas for Your Smoker
On May 23, 2025
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Smokers can be pricey, so let Hey Grill Hey help you get a delicious return on investment with these 13 awesome dinner ideas for your smoker.
13 Awesome Dinner Ideas for Your Smoker
Few things in life feel more rewarding than seeing the smiling faces of the people you love as they enjoy some tasty BBQ you smoked right in your own backyard. These smoker dinner recipe ideas are designed to help you create more of those tasty memories. Each recipe includes cooking times and awesome side dish suggestions so you can smoke them like a Backyard BBQ Hero.
321 Ribs
The 321 method for ribs delivers perfect, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs every time so there’s no guesswork. This foolproof technique involves three simple phases: 3 hours of low-and-slow smoking at 180 degrees F, 2 hours wrapped in a flavorful braise at 225 degrees F, then 1 final hour with BBQ sauce for that signature sticky bark.
When you master this method, you’ve got your secret weapon for tender ribs with any flavor profile you love.
- Total Cook Time: 6 hrs 30 mins
- Best BBQ Side: Vinegar Coleslaw
Smoked Pork Loin
This Smoked Pork Loin delivers juicy results with minimal effort, making it perfect when you need to feed a group. This lean but flavorful cut shines when smoked low and slow at 225 degrees F for 2-3 hours with a simple rub and mild fruit wood. Scoring the fat cap helps seasoning penetrate deep into the meat, for even cooking and fat rendering.
Cook to 145 degrees F internal temperature, and you’ll have a perfectly tender roast that slices beautifully and satisfies everyone at the table.
- Total Cook Time: 2 hrs 35 mins
- Best BBQ Side: Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked Tri Tip
When you want restaurant-quality Smoked Tri Tip, this simple, three-step process transforms this flavorful cut into something truly special. The secret is the combination approach of smoking low and slow at 225 degrees F until you’re within 5-10 degrees of your target temperature, then finish with a high-heat sear for that perfect crust. This method creates an even cook from edge to edge while locking in all the juices.
With this smoke-and-sear technique, you’ll have a foolproof way to cook tri tip to any doneness level—from rare to well done—with consistent, juicy results.
- Total Cook Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
- Best BBQ Side: BBQ Baked Beans
Smoked Beef Chuck Ribs
Smoked beef ribs are the ultimate BBQ showstopper: massive, meaty, and packed with incredible flavor when done right. These thick, beefy cuts require patience and low-and-slow smoking at 250 degrees F for 8-10 hours, but the fall-off-the-bone results are worth every minute. The key is simple seasoning with a Dijon mustard base and my signature Beef Rub, plus regular spritzing to develop that coveted dark bark.
Cook to 203 degrees F internal temperature, and you’ll have restaurant-quality beef ribs that make any BBQ platter look like a masterpiece.
- Total Cook Time: 9 hrs 15 mins
- Best BBQ Side: Smoked Corn on the Cob
Smoked Pork Chops
Smoked Pork Chops make weeknight dinners easy, since they need just a simple rub and 60-90 minutes on the smoker. These thick, juicy chops smoke best with apple wood smoke at 225 degrees F, which creates that perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors. The key is keeping it simple, so the natural pork flavor comes through while developing a beautiful exterior.
With this recipe, you’ll have tender, buttery chops that practically melt in your mouth (no fancy sauces required), though applesauce makes a classic pairing.
- Total Cook Time: 1 hr 35 mins
- Best BBQ Side: Smoked Chantilly Potatoes
Smoked Pork Tenderloin
With this Smoked Pork Tenderloin, you’ll deliver impressive results in just one hour. Don’t let the time fool you, though, because this tenderloin is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. This ultra-lean cut benefits from low-and-slow smoking with a light, fruit wood, which adds rich flavor without needing extra fat. The two-step finishing technique of saucing at 135 degrees F, then cooking to 145 degrees F, ensures the sauce sets perfectly while keeping the meat incredibly tender.
Since tenderloin is so versatile, you can experiment with different rub and sauce combinations, though the sweet and smoky pairing never disappoints.
- Total Cook Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Best BBQ Side: Smoked Mashed Potatoes
BBQ Smoked Pork Belly
This Smoked Pork Belly delivers the ultimate BBQ indulgence with its perfect balance of rich, smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This forgiving cut practically cooks itself. In 8 hours, you’ll have a meat so tender and juicy it puts regular pulled pork to shame. The simple rub-and-spritz approach means you can’t really mess it up, while the final glaze adds that perfect sticky finish.
Once it’s done, you’ve got endless options: cube it like boneless ribs, shred it for the juiciest pulled pork ever, or slice it for incredible sandwiches the next day.
- Total Cook Time: 8 hrs 30 mins
- Best BBQ Side: Skillet Cornbread
Smoked Steak
Smoking steak turns your favorite cuts into something extraordinary with deep, smoky flavor that you simply can’t get from grilling alone. The beauty is in the simplicity. Just salt, pepper, and your choice of wood create incredible results, so there’s no need for fancy rubs or sauces. Whether you go mild with cherry wood or bold with hickory, the smoke becomes an actual ingredient that elevates the natural beef flavor.
The smoke-and-sear method gives you restaurant-quality steaks with a gorgeous crust and perfect doneness every time.
- Total Cook Time: 1 hr 25 mins
- Best BBQ Side: Smoked Baked Potatoes
Smoked Brined Salmon
Smoked Salmon with a Lemon Brine elevates this rich, flaky fish into something truly special with just five simple ingredients you probably already have. The sweet and salty brine infuses every bite with incredible flavor, while the hint of lemon brightness perfectly balances the salmon’s natural richness. This hot-smoked version helps you create top-notch salmon that works beautifully as a main course or impressive appetizer.
The overnight brine does all the heavy lifting, so you just need to be patient and let the smoker work its magic for perfectly flaky, flavorful salmon.
- Total Cook Time: 4 hrs 20 mins (plus 20 hours to brine)
- Best BBQ Side: Grilled Vegetable Medley
Smoked Turkey Legs
Smoked Turkey Legs bring that iconic theme-park experience straight to your backyard with their signature pink color and incredible smoky flavor. The magic happens in the 24-hour brine, which tenderizes the meat while creating a ham-like appearance (and saltiness) throughout. These massive, hands-only drumsticks are pure indulgence, delivering fall-off-the-bone meat that’s loaded with flavor.
Whether you use smaller hen legs or go big with tom turkey legs, this two-step process of brining and smoking creates an unforgettable eating experience that’ll have your guests feeling like they’re at their favorite theme park.
- Total Cook Time: 1 hr 45 mins (plus 24 hours for curing)
- Best BBQ Side: Grilled Carrots
Cider Brined Pulled Pork
If you want to turn even the most budget-friendly cut into something incredible, try this Cider Brined Smoked Pulled Pork. The overnight apple-cider brine creates tender, juicy meat that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The injection step is crucial for getting that amazing flavor throughout the entire roast.
With this recipe, you’ll have enough delicious pulled pork to feed your family tonight and create multiple meals throughout the week. Talk about a BBQ gift that keeps on giving.
- Total Cook Time: 17 hrs 10 mins
- Best BBQ Side: Best Homemade Coleslaw
Smoked Beef Back Ribs
These Smoked Beef Back Ribs bring all the rich, marbled flavor of prime rib in rib form, making them a true BBQ marvel. These affordable ribs are perfect for when you want something special without breaking the bank, since they’re basically the bones trimmed from premium rib eye steaks. With simple salt and pepper, that incredible beefy flavor shines.
In about 5½ hours, you’ll have big, beefy ribs with that coveted dark bark and melt-in-your-mouth texture that’ll make you wonder why you don’t cook these more often.
- Total Cook Time: 5 hrs 45 mins
- Best BBQ Side: Grilled Potato Salad
Smoked Brisket Flat
Smoked Brisket Flat gives you all the incredible flavor of traditional brisket in just 6-8 hours instead of an overnight commitment. This leaner cut is more affordable than a full packer, making it perfect when you want authentic brisket without the marathon cook time. The injection keeps every slice juicy and flavorful, while the simple beef rub lets that rich, smoky taste shine through.
Whether you’re new to brisket or just want delicious results without the all-day wait, this recipe delivers tender, perfectly sliced brisket that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Total Cook Time: 9 hrs
- Best BBQ Sides: Pickled Red Onions, Candied Jalapeños
BONUS Smoker Recipe
Smoked Eggs
Okay, so smoked eggs aren’t exactly a dinner idea. However, this smoky version of hard-boiled eggs makes a perfect BBQ addition. Make deviled eggs, chop them up in salads, or serve them as-is at potlucks or picnics. If you love a little extra smoke flavor (and who doesn’t), give this one a try.
- Total Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Best in: Smoked Egg Salad, Smoked Deviled Eggs
More Ideas to Master Dinner on Your Smoker
Use this collection of dinner ideas for your smoker to help build your BBQ arsenal. Remember, recipes are a starting point to help you build your smoking confidence. Try different rubs and sauces (or shop my Store for inspiration) and mix and match sides, so you can make these ideas into something totally you.
When you work through this collection, head over to The Grill Squad, where I’ve got in-depth Pitmaster classes on all the BBQ classics. Make sure you’re following me on Instagram, Facebook, and my YouTube channel for smoker tips, dinner ideas, and more!
MORE DINNER GUIDES: 12 Delicious Dinner Ideas for Your Grill
