18 Best Traeger Recipes
on Jul 31, 2022
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Whether you’re planning to prepare brisket or ribs, a Traeger pellet smoker is perfect for that signature smoky flavor. Here are some of the best Traeger recipes you can count on for a flavorful meal.
Traeger Smoked Pork Shoulder
Rubbed with tasty seasonings and slow-cooked in the smoker, this meat is so tender when it’s ready that it just pulls apart. Loaded with smoky barbecue flavor, your guests will love this recipe.
Traeger Brisket Recipe
This traditional smoked brisket recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. For meat that is tender and flavorful, this recipe is the one! The secret to this recipe is in the Traeger.
Traeger Baked Potatoes
These creamy baked potatoes are loaded with smoked bacon, roasted garlic, and melted cheese. They’re also made with Greek yogurt and center-cut bacon for a moderately healthier variation.
How to Smoke a Turkey on a Traeger
Forget the oven this Thanksgiving! A perfectly smoked turkey is easy to prepare and always turns out perfectly. This recipe will be your family’s new holiday favorite.
Traeger Baby Back Ribs
Covered in the perfect brown sugar and honey barbecue seasonings, this baby back ribs recipe is so good, that your guests will beg for seconds.
Traeger Meatloaf
A smoky flavored meatloaf that’s bursting with taste, this dinner recipe will please all the picky eaters in your home.
Traeger Pulled Pork
There is no other pulled pork recipe you’ll ever need again. This Traeger pulled pork is absolute perfection. Your guests and your family will love this perfectly braised meat.
Smoked Queso on a Traeger
Smoked cheese makes for one amazing dip. Try this recipe for the perfect appetizer and, we promise, you won’t be stuck with any leftovers.
Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
Smoky chicken breasts in just 30 minutes? This Traeger recipe can show you how.
Traeger Smoked Salmon
Take your salmon dinners to the next level with this smoked salmon recipe. Loaded with flavor and easy to prepare, this perfectly brined salmon is going to be a family favorite.
Traeger Chicken Wings
With perfectly seasoned and crispy skin, these chicken wings are the best homemade chicken wings you’ll ever make.
Traeger Tri Tip
Looking for game-day recipes? Made with a tasty rub and smoked to perfection, this tri-tip dish is the recipe you’ve been searching for.
Traeger Prime Rib
Cooked medium-rare and infused with a delicious smoky flavor, this prime rib recipe is so delicious that you’ll never prepare your meat any other way again.
Traeger Pork Loin
Made with just 3 simple ingredients, this smoked pork loin is easy to make and loaded with flavor.
Traeger Whole Chicken
Whole chicken has never been easier to prepare! This recipe guarantees a smoky, delicious chicken dinner the whole family will love.
Traeger Smoked Burgers
Smoked burgers topped with candied bacon, melted cheese, and fried eggs, this recipe is a Traeger smoker classic. You can customize your burgers any way you like, but that smoky meat is sure to be a hit.
Traeger Steak
Sear your meat perfectly with this easy Traeger steak recipe. Your smoker will do all the work and your red meat dinner options are about to get even tastier.
Traeger Jerky
You can make your own beef jerky with your Traeger smoker. Perfect for a protein-packed snack on the go or for lunch, this smoked jerky is easy to make and delicious.
Best Traeger Recipe: Smoke Pork Shoulder
Ingredients
- 4-6 pounds pork shoulder, or pork butt (see note)
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
BBQ sauce – optional for pulled pork
- Smoked Pork Shoulder Rub
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons black pepper, cracked
- 2 teaspoons paprika, or smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder, or granulated garlic, or 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons onion powder, or granulated onion
Instructions
- Remove the pork shoulder from the fridge to rest at room temperature for up to one hour before smoking. Trim off skin and excess fat if needed using a sharp knife.
- Make the rub in a small bowl by mixing the brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and optional cayenne.
- Spread the mustard all over the pork shoulder with your hands (the mustard helps the rub to stick to the meat). Then spread the rub evenly on all sides. Insert a wireless thermometer probe into the middle of the shoulder (if using).
- Heat the smoker to 225°F, add water-soaked wood such as apple or cherrywood as needed (note: you may need to add more during smoking).
- Once the temperature is stable, add the pork shoulder. Close the lid and adjust the vents for optimal smoke flow.
- Smoke for 90 minutes per pound (about 9 hours for a 6 pound shoulder). The internal temperature should reach 185°F for slicing or 195-200°F for pulled pork. For a milder smoke flavor, wrap the meat in foil after 5 hours and continue smoking.
- Remove the pork shoulder to a carving board and rest for 30 minutes to get juicier meat.
- Slice the meat with a carving knife or shred using two forks (or meat claws). Serve with optional BBQ sauce!
Notes
- For pork shoulder, remove the skin and excess fat using a butcher’s knife (you can also ask a meat counter to do this for you). It’s not necessary for pork butt.
- Wood: Good choices include apple, cherrywood, hickory or a combination.
- Drip Pan: It’s optional to put a drip pan beneath the meat during smoking. The drippings can be used for dipping, although note they’re calorific!
- Make Ahead: Cooked pork shoulder will keep up to 3 days in the fridge stored in an airtight container. It also freezes well in a resealable plastic bag. Reheat gently over low-medium heat in a skillet for 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
