Get ready to take your pork game to the next level! The Traeger grill is a masterclass in smoky flavor, and when combined with the rich taste of pork, it’s a match made in heaven. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 mouth-watering Traeger recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of smoked pork. From tender shoulder to juicy chops, savory sausages to sweet ribs, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your grilling journey, these recipes are sure to inspire you to try something new. With a range of flavors and techniques to choose from, you’ll find the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up your Traeger and get ready to indulge in some serious pork perfection!
Smoked Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this tender and flavorful smoked pork shoulder glazed with a sweet and tangy apple cider reduction. This recipe yields a succulent, fall-apart texture that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or serving as the centerpiece of a family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup wood chips (hickory or apple work well)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together apple cider, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place pork shoulder in the smoker, fat side up. Close lid and smoke for 8 hours or overnight.
5. During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the apple cider glaze all over the pork shoulder.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (or overnight)
Traeger-Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter
Elevate your pork chops game with this mouthwatering recipe, featuring the smoky flavors of a Traeger grill and the richness of garlic herb butter.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-inch thick)
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger grill to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, parsley, and chives until well combined.
3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Grill pork chops for 10-12 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over each pork chop.
6. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Brown Sugar Rub
Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Brown Sugar Rub: A Sweet and Savory Twist on a Classic BBQ Favorite
This recipe combines the rich, unctuous flavor of pork belly with the deep, caramelized sweetness of brown sugar, resulting in a truly unique and addictive burnt end.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder.
3. Rub the brown sugar mixture all over the pork belly cubes, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Place the pork belly cubes in the smoker or grill, and cook for 4-5 hours, or until tender and caramelized.
5. Remove from heat, let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Honey Mustard Sauce
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this mouthwatering smoked pork tenderloin, paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. Perfect for a backyard barbecue or a casual dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork tenderloin in the smoker, fat side up.
4. Smoke for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
6. Serve with additional honey mustard sauce on the side.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Traeger Pulled Pork with Carolina BBQ Sauce
Get ready to fall in love with the rich flavors of slow-cooked pulled pork, smothered in a tangy and sweet Carolina BBQ sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup Carolina BBQ Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup wood chips (your preferred type, e.g., hickory, apple, or cherry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the pork on the Traeger grill grates and close the lid.
5. Smoke for 8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
6. After 6 hours of smoking, brush the Carolina BBQ Sauce all over the pork.
7. Continue smoking for another 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Use two forks to pull apart the pork into tender shreds.
Cooking Time: 8 hours
Pork Ribs with Coffee Dry Rub and Maple Glaze
A sweet and savory twist on classic pork ribs, this recipe combines the bold flavors of coffee and maple syrup to create a truly unique barbecue experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup coffee dry rub (see below for recipe)
– 1/4 cup maple glaze (see below for recipe)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Coffee Dry Rub Recipe:
– 2 tablespoons ground coffee
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Maple Glaze Recipe:
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together coffee dry rub ingredients.
3. Rub the dry rub all over the pork ribs, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Brush the ribs with olive oil and place on grill or baking sheet.
5. Cook for 15-20 minutes per side, or until tender and caramelized.
6. Brush with maple glaze during last 10 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes total
Smoked Pork Loin with Rosemary and Garlic
Elevate your pork game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the deep flavor of smoked pork loin with the bright, herbaceous notes of rosemary and pungent garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) pork loin
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork loin, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the pork loin in the smoker, fat side up.
5. Smoke for 6-8 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Traeger-Grilled Pork Burgers with Caramelized Onions
Elevate your burger game with these tender pork burgers, smothered in sweet and savory caramelized onions.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork burgers (1 lb each)
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger grill to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, form pork burgers according to package instructions. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill pork burgers on Traeger for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Assemble burgers with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and pickles (if using).
Cooking Time: Total cooking time: approximately 45-50 minutes.
Pork Steaks with Cherry Chipotle Sauce
Elevate your grilling game with this sweet and smoky recipe that combines tender pork steaks with a rich cherry chipotle sauce. Perfect for a summer BBQ or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork steaks (6 oz each)
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cherry preserves, ketchup, chipotle peppers, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika.
3. Season pork steaks with salt and pepper.
4. Grill pork steaks for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Brush cherry chipotle sauce on pork steaks during the last minute of grilling.
6. Let steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoked Pork Shanks with Root Beer Glaze
Smoked Pork Shanks with Root Beer Glaze Recipe
Transform your pork shanks into tender, flavorful, and sweetly glazed masterpieces with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 pork shanks
– 1 cup root beer
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wood chips for smoking (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C). If you don’t have a smoker, use liquid smoke or grill at medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together root beer, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork shanks in a shallow dish and brush with the root beer glaze. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours.
4. Smoke the pork shanks according to your smoker’s instructions (if using). Otherwise, grill for about 2-1/2 hours on each side, or until tender.
5. Brush the remaining glaze over the pork shanks during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours
Traeger Pork Carnitas with Citrus Marinade
This recipe transforms pork shoulder into tender, flavorful carnitas perfect for tacos, burritos, or grilled sandwiches. A zesty citrus marinade adds a burst of freshness to this slow-cooked delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger grill to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the pork shoulder to the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Place the pork shoulder on the Traeger grill and cook for 8-10 hours, or until tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the pork with olive oil.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Pork Sausage Stuffed with Jalapeños and Cheese
Elevate your sausage game with this bold and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of pork sausage with the spicy kick of jalapeños and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork sausages
– 2 large jalapeños, sliced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the top third off each sausage casing, creating a pocket.
3. Stuff each sausage with a slice of jalapeño and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
4. Place sausages on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sausages are cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Pork Kabobs with Pineapple Teriyaki Glaze
This recipe combines sweet and savory flavors with a delicious twist on traditional kabobs. Smoked pork is paired with juicy pineapple and a tangy teriyaki glaze, perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb smoked pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 10 bamboo skewers
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread pork, pineapple, and red bell pepper onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil.
4. Brush the glaze evenly onto the kabobs.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until pork is cooked through.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Traeger Pork Butt with Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce
Transform your pork butt into a sweet and spicy masterpiece with this Traeger recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 pound boneless pork butt
– 1/4 cup Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce (see below for recipe)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup peach preserves
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork butt, making sure to cover it evenly.
4. Place the pork butt on the Traeger grill and cook for 8-10 hours, or until tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce all over the pork butt.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Pork Chops with Smoked Apple Butter Glaze
Elevate your pork chops game with this sweet and savory glaze, featuring the deep flavors of smoked apple butter.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 inches thick)
– 1/2 cup smoked apple butter
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked apple butter, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
3. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
4. Place the pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Pork Rib Roast with Herb Crust
This recipe combines the rich flavor of smoked pork with a savory herb crust, resulting in a tender and aromatic roast perfect for special occasions. With minimal prep time and simple cooking instructions, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork rib roast
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork roast, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the roast in the smoker and cook for 4-5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. During the last hour of cooking, brush the herb crust (chopped rosemary and olive oil) on the roast.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Traeger Pork Belly Sliders with Pickled Red Onions
Get ready to elevate your slider game with tender, smoky pork belly and tangy pickled red onions.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tbsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup pickle juice (from pickling red onions)
– 8 hamburger buns
– Pickled Red Onions (recipe below)
Pickled Red Onions:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub mixture all over pork belly.
3. Place pork belly on the Traeger grill grate and cook for 4 hours or until tender.
4. Meanwhile, pickle red onions by combining vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add sliced red onions and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Assemble sliders by slicing cooked pork belly into thin strips and placing on hamburger buns with pickled red onions.
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Pork Tenderloin with Smoked Cherry Bourbon Glaze
Pork Tenderloin with Smoked Cherry Bourbon Glaze: Elevate your pork tenderloin game with this sweet and savory glaze, featuring the rich flavors of smoked cherries and bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-1.5 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/2 cup smoked cherry jam
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine smoked cherry jam, bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let glaze cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
4. Meanwhile, season pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
5. Place pork tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush glaze evenly over the meat.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your pork game with these mouth-watering Traeger recipes! From tenderloins and chops to ribs and burgers, there’s something for every pork lover. Try Smoked Pork Shoulder with Apple Cider Glaze or Traeger-Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter. For a sweet and tangy twist, go for Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Brown Sugar Rub or Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Honey Mustard Sauce. Whether you’re in the mood for BBQ, Tex-Mex, or classic comfort food, these smoky Traeger recipes are sure to please.
