PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 50 minutes
RECOMMENDED PELLETS: Hickory or Pecan
SERVES: 6-8 people

INGREDIENTS

2 packs cream cheese
1 pint sour cream
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
dash of vanilla
1 tub cool whip and 1 large can of pumpkin pie filling

Crust:
1 tbsp butter
1-2 cups of your favorite crushed cookie or graham cracker

PREPARATION

Start off by getting your ingredients together and starting up your Traeger with the lid open and set to the "Smoke" setting for 3-5 minutes to warm up. While it's getting ready, we can prepare our mixture.

Let's get our cream cheese nice and smooth by mixing it up until it's nice and smooth, once it's mixed well, add your sugar and continue to mix. Once your sugar is incorporated, add your sour cream. Finally, add 1/2 can of your pumpkin filling, vanilla and your eggs. Once your mixture is all together and smooth, set to the side.

Go ahead and set your grill to 325 and close your lid. While your grill is getting to temperature, we can get our crust good and ready. Melt your butter in a large bowl for 15-30 seconds depending on your microwave, until it's all melted. Take your smashed cookies and mix into the butter until all of the crumb mixture is coated and there is no liquid sitting in the bottom of the bowl. Press this into a spring form pan, then pour your cheesecake mix over the pressed cookie crust. Now that it's ready, we can start cooking! 

Cook this cheesecake at 325 for 45-50 minutes depending on your grill. Once your cheesecake is finished, place in the fridge for at least 8 hours, difficult, I know. You'll be happy you did though. Once it's nice and chilled, top with your favorite cool whip or whipped cream (I did a chantilly cream) and you're ready to dig in!

PREP TIME: 20 minutes
COOK TIME: about 1 hour
RECOMMENDED PELLETS: Any
SERVES: 8

INGREDIENTS

1 red bell pepper
1 to 2 jalapeño peppers
1 green bell pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 leek, white and light-green parts only finely chopped
1 (about 2 pounds) sugar pumpkin, seeds removed and cut in half
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 sprig fresh sage
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 ear corn, kernels removed
3 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
1 bay leaf
Roasted pepitas or pumpkin seeds, for garnish (optional)

PREPARATION

Start the Traeger on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established (about 5 minutes). Close the lid and preheat to High heat for about 15 minutes.

Place all of the peppers directly on the grill grate and roast for about 10 minutes or until they have charred, turning occasionally.

Lightly drizzle the pumpkin halves with olive oil and cook the pumpkin at the same time as the peppers are roasting for about 15 to 20 minutes or just until the pumpkin starts to soften but don't let it turn to mush!

While they're still warm, seal the charred peppers in a plastic bag for 10 to 12 minutes. Peel, stem, seed, and cut peppers into 1/2-inch pieces. Set aside.

After the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and cut the flesh into 1-inch chunks.

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven either on the Traeger or over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned. Remove the chicken and keep warm.

Add the leeks and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they have softened. (You may need to add in a little bit more olive oil.)

Add in the flour, cumin, chili powder, ancho chile powder, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Add the corn, diced roasted peppers, pumpkin, browned chicken, broth, sage, and bay leaf and bring the soup to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and simmer, about 30 minutes.

Remove the sage and bay leaf and garnish with sour cream and a sprinkle of pepitas, if desired, and serve hot.

PRINTABLE RECIPE:

Pumpkin n Chicken Chowder 10.17.docx (766.52 kb)

HERB ROASTED TURKEY

INGREDIENTS

8 tablespoons (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons chopped mixed herbs such as parsley, sage, rosemary, and marjoram
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 turkey, 12 to 14 pounds, thawed if previously frozen
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Traeger Pork and Poultry Rub, or salt and pepper
2 cups chicken or turkey broth

PREPARATION

In a small mixing bowl, combine the 8 tablespoons of softened butter, mixed herbs, and black pepper and beat until fluffy with a wooden spoon. (You can make the herbed butter several days ahead: Cover and refrigerate, but bring to room temperature before using.) Remove any giblets from the turkey cavity and save them for gravy making, if desired.

Wash the turkey, inside and out, under cold running water. Dry with paper towels.

Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Tuck the wings behind the back, and tie the legs together with butcher’s string. Using your fingers or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently push some of the herbed butter underneath the turkey skin onto the breast halves, being careful not to tear the skin. Massage the skin to evenly distribute the herbed butter.

Rub the outside of the turkey with the melted butter and sprinkle with the Traeger Pork and Poultry Rub. Pour the chicken broth in the bottom of the roasting pan.

When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established (4 to 5 minutes). Set the temperature to 325 degrees F and preheat, lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Put the roasting pan with the turkey directly on the grill grate. Roast the turkey for 3 hours. Insert the probe from the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, but not touching bone: You’re looking for a temperature of 165 degrees F. The turkey should also be beautifully browned with crisp skin. If the temperature is less than that, or if your turkey is not browned to your liking, let it roast for another 30 minutes, then check the temperature again. Repeat until the turkey is fully cooked.

When the turkey is done, carefully transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not tent it with aluminum foil or the skin will lose its crispness. Use the drippings that have accumulated in the bottom of the roasting pan to make gravy, if desired. Carve the turkey and serve.

APPLE CRUMBLE PIE

INGREDIENTS

7 cooking apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar, depending on the sweetness of the apples
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pie crust dough, homemade or purchased (only need 1 crust), chilled
1/4 cup apple jelly, melted

Crumble Topping:

2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup uncooked rolled oats
1/3 cup all-purpose
5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
3/4 cup granola

PREPARATION

Combine the apples, lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.

Roll the pie crust dough into two 11-inch circles. Fit one circle into a 9-inch pie plate (try not to stretch the dough), preferably glass. Brush with the apple jelly.

Add the apple mixture. in a bowl, mix together the crumble topping ingredients using forks or a pastry cutter to cut in the butter.

When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established (4 to 5 minutes). Set the temperature to 400 degrees F (High) and preheat, lid closed, for 15 to 20 minutes.

Bake the pie for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

STUFFED SWEET POTATOES WITH PECAN AND MARSHMALLOW STREUSEL

INGREDIENTS

12 large sweet potatoes
3/4 cup (11/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup toasted pecan pieces
1 cup miniature marshmallows

PREPARATION

Start the Traeger on Smoke, lid open, for about 5 minutes or until the fire is established. Preheat the Traeger to 400 degrees F.

Wash the sweet potatoes, scrubbing them well to remove any dirt. With a fork, prick the sweet potatoes in a couple of spots and place them on a sheet pan. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center goes in easily.

In a large bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, and flour together until it's crumbly-looking. Add the cinnamon, salt, pecans, and marshmallows; fold the streusel topping together to combine.

Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise down the center and push the ends towards the middle so it opens up. Stuff the sweet potatoes generously with the streusel topping and return to the oven. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and brown.

Smoked Beer-Cheese Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes of smoke time: 45 min cook time
Serves: 10-12
Recommended Pellets: Apple

INGREDIENTS 
1 block of sharp cheddar cheese
1 bottle pale ale beer 
1 stick of butter
3/4 c flour
1 handful baby carrots and 1 small onion (chopped) 
4 c chicken stock 
1 c heavy cream
3 shakes worcestershire sauce 
5 shakes hot sauce (Franks Red Hot)

PREPARATION:

Once your 30 minutes is up, take your cheese out and immediately cover and place into the freezer. All we're looking to do is firm it up really quickly. While your cheese is cooling, melt your butter in a large pot and chop your carrots and onion. Once your butter is melted, add your carrots and onion and cook about 15 minutes over medium heat until your veggies have softened and started to caramelize. 

Next, add your smoked beer, heavy cream, worcestershire and hot sauce. Lower your heat to medium low and simmer your liquid mixture for 15 minutes. While your soup mixture is incorporating, take your cheese out of the freezer and start to shred it. Once your 15 minutes is up, start adding your cheese in by the handful, making sure each handful of cheese mixes into the soup before adding the next. Once all of your cheese is added, salt and pepper your soup to taste. 

We suggest serving your soup with a touch of heavy cream, shredded cheese and bacon of course. Why bacon? Because. Bacon.

But sometimes you want to be able to whip up that buttery bite of cornbread without having to dig through the vaults or brush the dust off that cookbook.

Well, we have got you covered! We've Traeger'ed up something that is so ridiculously easy while not losing that rustic sweet cornbread taste that we love so much.

CHEATER'S SWEET KERNEL CORNBREAD

PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 30 to 45 minutes, plus 30 minutes if you grill the corn
RECOMMENDED PELLETS: Cherry, Apple or Alder
SERVES: 8 to 10

INGREDIENTS

1 box cornbread mix (plus ingredients required on box instructions)
1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients required on box instructions)
4 ears corn, shucked (you could use leftover, frozen or canned corn)
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
2 tablespoons butter to grease cast iron pan

PREPARATIONS

Start your Traeger on Smoke, lid open, until the fire is established (about 5 minutes). Preheat to High heat, lid closed, for about 15 minutes.

Drizzle the corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Put the corn on the Traeger and cook for about 30 minutes or until the kernels feel softened and cooked. You could definitely use leftover corn or even frozen or canned corn instead. Grilling the corn gives it that extra layer of caramelization and smokiness.

While the corn is cooking get started on the mixing of the cornbread. It seriously is as simple as combining both of the box mixes along with the ingredients required on the box instructions and mixing those puppies together.

Cut the corn kernels off the cobs and add them into the cornbread mixture. We also like to add in a couple of pinches of salt as well.

Turn the heat on the Traeger down to 325 degrees F.

Use the butter to grease a large cast iron skillet. Pour the cornbread mixture into the pan.

Place the pan on the Traeger and cook for about 30 - 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cornbread comes out clean.

Rotate the skillet 180 degrees halfway through the cooking time and keep an eye on the browning. If it looks like it's getting too dark, cover the cornbread with aluminum foil.

Once you remove the cornbread from the Traeger let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Give those pieces a generous pad of butter and let that baby melt in before you take that first bite.

PRINTABLE RECIPE:

Cheater's Sweet Cornbread Recipe.docx (12.11 kb)

Picking your Turkey:

How big of a turkey do I need? Typically we plan 1 lb of turkey per person. Yes, there will be leftovers but that never makes us sad.

Should I buy a kosher turkey or not? Kosher turkeys are injected with a salt solution to make them more flavorful and juicy. If you purchase a kosher turkey, you do not need to do an additional brine as this will make your turkey too salty and can adversely affect the texture. We recommend purchasing a turkey that hasn't been injected with anything so you can add your own flavor with a brine. If you have a kosher turkey and still wish to brine it, soak the turkey in cold water overnight to draw out some of the salt and then brine. In addition to being pre-salted, kosher turkeys are raised on a vegetarian diet and are hormone and anti-biotic free.

Thawing:

What's the best way to thaw my turkey?  There are two safe ways to thaw a turkey The  easiest way is to put a roasting pan under it and thaw in the refrigerator. Allow about 1 day for every 4 pounds. In other words, a 20-pounder will take 5 days. The second way to safely defrost a turkey is to make sure there are no tears in the wrapping, then submerge it in a sink, food-safe pail, or large basin filled with cold water (40 degrees F or less). It’s a good idea to put the turkey in a large resealable plastic bag so water and turkey juices don’t mingle. Allow about 45 minutes per pound. Be sure to drain and change the water every 30 minutes.

Brines:

Why would I brine a turkey? Brining a turkey adds more flavor and juiciness than any other method we have tried. Brining allows you to season your turkey from the inside out before cooking, and who doesn't want yummy flavor in every single bite? A simple brine is 1 gallon cold water, 1 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar and any additional seasonings you'd like. We recommend peppercorns, thyme, bay leaves, rosemary, or garlic. We have an awesome infographic post ALL about brining turkeys. If you are thinking about brining a bird, consult that post first.

How long should I brine my turkey? Opinion on this varies, but we recommend no less than 16 and no more than 32 hours. We find 24 hours is the perfect amount of time to add the right amount of flavor without the turkey getting too salty.

Rubs:

What do I season my turkey with? We like to keep this one simple and classic. We mix 8 tablespoons of softened butter with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped mixed herbs such as parsley, sage, rosemary and marjoram and use our fingers to press the butter mixture up under the skin of the turkey. Spread it evenly across all areas of the bird. Drizzle the outside of the bird with a couple tablespoons of olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper or Traeger's Pork & Poultry Rub.

Stuffing:

Do I stuff the cavity of my turkey? This one is completely personal preference, but we personally prefer not to. When you stuff a turkey, the internal temperature of the stuffing must reach 165 degrees F and that typically means the breast and thigh meat of your turkey is much higher and the meat will be dry. We like to stuff the cavity of our turkeys with aromatics like onion, garlic, rosemary, thyme and citrus quarters that can infuse the meat with more flavor from the inside out.

Cooking the bird:

Directly on the grill or in a roasting pan? Again, personal preference. We will always choose to put a whole turkey in a roasting pan so we can collect the drippings for gravy. When using a roasting pan, we also like to add a few cups of broth to the bottom of the pan to steam the bird with extra flavor and moisture while cooking. No roasting pan? Layer the bottom of a large pan with carrot and celery sticks and place the bird on top. This will elevate the bird enough so it isn't stewing in its' own juices and will also add great flavor to the drippings.

How long and and what temperature do I cook my turkey? A small bird (8 to 12 pounds) requires 2-1/2 to 3 hours at 325 degrees F; a medium (12 – 18 pounds) will need 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours; and a large bird (over 18 pounds) could take up to 6 hours. 

How do I add more smoke flavor to my turkey? Cook your turkey on the Smoke setting for 1 to 3 hours, then finish cooking on higher heat (325 degrees F or higher) to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and crisp the skin. We do not recommend cooking a turkey – especially a large one – entirely on the Smoke setting as it adds hours to the cooking time. The skin also tends to be rubbery as the heat on the Smoke setting isn’t high enough to render the fat. Check out our turkey guide below for more information.

What flavor of pellets should I use on a turkey? Our favorite is a 50/50 mix of apple and hickory. Of course, you can always refer to our pellet guide and pick your own or create a personal blend.

Basting:

Should I baste my turkey, or leave it alone? Basting is entirely optional. If you've already brined, seasoned, and smoked we don't think basting is completely necessary but it is a good way to add extra flavor to the skin specifically. Just keep in mind that every time you open the lid, you lose up to 20% of the heat in your grill.

Serving:

How long does my turkey need to rest? We recommend letting a 12-15  lb turkey rest for at least 20 minutes. Anything over 15 lbs needs at least 30 minutes to rest before carving. DO NOT tent your turkey with foil. Unless you enjoy soggy skin. The steam from the hot turkey will collect on the foil and drip onto your perfect turkey skin and make it anything but crispy.

There you have it, Traeger Nation. Our tried and true method for the perfect turkey. Got any tips to add?? Be sure to add your voice to our discussions on Facebook and Instagram @traegergrills. Also, tag us in your Thanksgiving food pictures using #traegerthanksgiving. We'd love to see what you make!

Got a meat slicer? Double the recipe, chill the smoked breast for a day, and then slice thinly for the most amazing smoked turkey sandwiches you'll ever have.

Cajun Brined and Smoked Turkey Breast

Prep Time: 10 minutes, plus 1-2 days for brining
Cook Time: 1 1/2-2 hours
Serves: 5-6 people
Recommended Pellets: Apple, Cherry, Oak

INGREDIENTS:
1 5-6 lb bone-in turkey breast
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Traeger Cajun Shake
For the Brine:
1 gallon water
3/4 cups canning & pickling salt
3 tablespoons garlic, minced
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Traeger Cajun Shake

PREPARATION:

In a large food safe container or bucket, combine all of the ingredients for the brine. Cover and allow the turkey to brine in a refrigerated place for 1-2 days.

Remove the turkey breast from the brine and pat dry.

Drizzle with the olive oil and use your hands to cover all areas of the bird.

Season liberally with the Cajun Shake.

When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open for 4-5 minutes to establish the fire. Place the turkey breast directly on the grill grate, close the lid, and smoke for 1 1/2-2 hours or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F when a thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the breast.

Remove the turkey breast from the grill, tent with foil, and allow to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Slice directly off of the breast and serve, or remo the breasts completely by sliding your knife along the breast bone then slicing.

Printable recipe:

Cajun Brined and Smoked Turkey Breast.docx (14.50 kb)

First, FLAVOR: A spatchcocked turkey has many advantages when it comes to flavor. Think about a traditionally cooked turkey. The smoky flavor coming from your Traeger circulates around the bird, penetrating it only from the outside while the large surface area inside goes un-smoked. Now imagine a flattened bird on your grill grate. The smoke is touching every available inch of your turkey, adding that extra hint of flavor from the bottom to the top and all around. A flat bird also ups the juiciness factor. How many times have you cooked a turkey and dried out the breast meat while trying to get the thighs up to the perfect temperature? With a spatchcocked turkey, cooking the thighs and breast meat takes the same amount of time because the heat is more evenly distributed throughout the bird.  A flat bird also keeps the juices right where they should be. No juices from the breast running down into the back of the bird. The breast stays nice and juicy and the thighs are perfectly tender.

Second, TIME: A flattened bird cooks in almost half the time of a traditional turkey. There are several methods for cooking a turkey on your Traeger, and they all work well for a spatchcocked turkey. We cooked ours slowly at 225 degrees to up the smoke flavor but you can also roast at 350 degrees and still get great flavor in a lot less time. A 12-14 lb bird will take approximately 2.5-3 hours at 225 degrees but only 1.5-2 hours at 350 degrees. Talk about a time saver on the busiest cooking day of the year! Our general guide is to cook your spatchcocked turkey for 11-12 minutes per pound at 225 degrees or 6-7 minutes per pound at 350 degrees.

Last of all: SPACE: Let's face it, a big bird needs a big space to cook and real estate on our grill grate is at a premium around the holidays. When we spatchcocked our turkey, it took up a little more space across the surface of the grill but opened up the top space in the grill. We used the extra rack in our Texas and were able to put three sides on the top rack to cook along with the turkey and still had enough space on the grill grate to roast several sweet potatoes as sides.

Below you'll find our method for cooking a spatchcocked turkey. It involves a brine, a simple salt and pepper rub, and basting during the slow smoke but you can switch out any of these parts for flavors your family likes. Just follow the guide above for proper cooking time and you'll be all set!

Traeger's Thanksgiving Smoky Spatchcocked Turkey

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Brine Time 8-16 hours
Cook Time: 2.5 hours
Serves: 12-14 people

INGREDIENTS:
12-14 lb fresh turkey (make sure it hasn't been previously injected with a brine solution)
For the brine:
16 cups cold water
2 cups apple cider
1 1/2 cups kosher salt
1 cup brown sugar
For the rub:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
For the basting liquid:
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

PREPARATION:

Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey and discard or set aside for giblet gravy, if desired. Flip the bird breast side down on a large cutting board or baking sheet and remove the backbone completely using heavy duty kitchen shears, an electric knife, or a sharp butcher's knife.

Turn the bird breast side up and spread apart the legs. Press heavily on the breastbone of the turkey until you hear a cracking sound and the turkey flattens out.

Combine all of the ingredients for the brine in a large container and stir until all of the sugar and salt crystals have dissolved. Place the turkey in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (up to 16).

When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open for 4-5 minutes to establish the fire. Close the lid and turn the temperature setting up to 225 degrees. Allow the grill to preheat for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the turkey.

Remove the turkey from the brine and dry throroughly with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and rub with your hands to cover all of the skin with the oil. Season liberally with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.

In a small bowl, combine the butter, lemon and sage butter basting liquid. Set aside.

Place the turkey directly on the grill grate, breast side up and close the lid. Roast at 225, basting with the butter mixture every 30 minutes for approximately 2.5 hours or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the breast meat reads 160 degrees F.

Remove the turkey to a large cutting board or serving platter and allow to rest for at least 25-30 minutes before slicing and serving. Do not tent the turkey with foil during the resting period or the skin will get soggy. Drizzle with any of the additional basting liquid before serving, if desired. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe:

Smoky Spatchcocked Turkey.docx (14.83 kb)

Brined and Smoked Turkey Breast

Prep Time: 10 minutes, plus overnight in the refrigerator
Cook Time: 2 and a half hours
Serves: 10-12 people
Recommended Pellets: Hickory, Cherry, Mesquite, Pecan

INGREDIENTS 
1 8-10 lb Turkey Breast
2 tbsp Butter 
7 fresh sage leaves
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp each salt and pepper
6 quarts water 
8 cups of ice
1 cup Kosher salt
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses

Preparation:

Start off by putting your water into a large pot and add your kosher salt, brown sugar, molasses, seasonings and fresh sage leaves. You'll want to cook this on medium heat until the water just starts to boil to ensure that all of the salt and sugar dissolve fully into the brine. Once your brine is fully incorporated, add your ice cubes. This is a very important step. If you don't cool down your brine completely prior to adding the turkey breast, all you're going to do is poach the meat, and that wouldn't be good. Once your mixture is cool, either add your turkey breast to the pot (if it's big enough and won't over fill it) or place your turkey into a large pot, or dutch oven, then add enough of the liquid to cover your turkey. Once the turkey is covered with brine, cover the whole dish with foil and place in your fridge for 24-32 hours.

Now that we've been patient and let the turkey sit over night, let's start our Traeger on the "Smoke" setting and ensure the lid is open. Let this run for 3-5 minutes so the grill can warm up. In the mean time, let's finish our turkey prep. You'll want to take your turkey out of the brine and rinse it well, inside and out. After, take a paper towel and pat the whole exterior of the turkey dry. This is where the butter comes in. Take 2 tbsp of room temperature butter and smear it all over the turkey's skin. This will make sure we get a nice crust, but also will help our seasoning to stick. Now that it's covered in butter feel free to dust this baby with anything you'd like. Your favorite Traeger rub, your own rub mixture, or even just plain ol' salt and pepper would taste fantastic. Once your turkey has been seasoned, kick your Traeger up to 375. As soon as you reach 375, place your turkey breast in the Traeger for 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes depending on the size of your bird and how hot your Traeger is running. What you will see next will weaken the knees.

It's like something out of a magazine. By now the smell is ready to drive you nuts, however you do want to let this cool a touch, if you don't, all of those delicious juices will come running out. It's well worth the wait. Now that 10-15 minutes is up, we can start to slice! 

When people get a taste of this bird be prepared to be the new go to guy (or gal) for the holidays. Once you get this recipe mastered you can feel free to add other things, like say, Franks Red Hot. That stuff is killer in turkey! The combinations are endless! Substitute honey for brown sugar and see the flavor difference! Add different seasonings to alter the flavor completely. Either way, you're going to have a killer turkey!

Bacon: check. Brown Sugar: check. Veggies: check.

So, that pretty much covers it! Whip up these outstanding little bundles for your Thanksgiving feast and pretty much everybody will wonder why on earth they ever ate that nasty casserole. Blanch the green beans, toss in the brown sugar mixture and wrap in bacon the night before Thanksgiving for a side dish that cooks in minutes while your perfect Traeger'ed turkey is resting on the big day. 

Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Green Bean Bundles

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 8 people
Recommended Pellets: Maple, Apple, Oak, Pecan, Alder

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 lbs green beans. ends trimmed
4 strips bacon, cut in half
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt

PREPARATION: 

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Gently place the green beans in the water, cover with a lid and boil for 8 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove from the water, and thoroughly dry on a paper towel.

In a large bowl combine the butter, brown sugar, garlic and salt. Toss the cooled green beans in the butter and brown sugar mixture.

Wrap each bundle of about 8-10 green beans in a piece of the bacon. Secure with a toothpick, if necessary and set aside. Repeat with the remaining bacon and green beans. If cooking the next day, cover and refrigerate overnight.

When ready to cook, start the Treager grill on Smoke with the lid open for 4-5 minutes to establish the fire. Close the lid and set the temperature to High. Allow the grill to preheat for 10-15 minutes.

Place the green bean bundles on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning once, until the bacon is crisp.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Printable Recipe:

Bacon Wrapped Brown Sugar Green Bean Bundles.docx (14.09 kb)

This year among the many delicacies that will grace our table, we've been itching to make the perfect fall take on our plump feathered friend with a cider brined turkey. Every 'lil gobbler needs a little sweetness, whether it's cranberries or in our case apples.

While browsing the store we found a beautiful lookin' turkey breast so we're using that as our test bird. And while you're making this test run turkey, go ahead and make two...or three. You won't regret it.

Oh, and to gild the lily a wee bit we glazed the beautiful bird with a rich apple cider glaze, sure to make that skin crispy and delicious.

AUTUMN CIDER BRINED TURKEY BREAST

PREP TIME: Overnight to brine
COOK TIME: 90 minutes to 2 hours
RECOMMENDED PELLETS: Apple
SERVES: 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS

6 cups apple cider, divided use
4 cups ice water
2 cloves garlic, smashed
3 bay leaves
1 T allspice
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup kosher salt
1 turkey breast
Traeger Pork and Poultry Shake
1 stick (1/2 cup) plus two tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

PREPARATION

First make the brine. Simmer 4 cups apple cider, salt, allspice, garlic cloves, brown sugar and bay leaves in a large pot for 5 minutes, stirring often.

Cool completely. Add in the ice water. Place turkey in brine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Drain turkey and rinse.

Start Traeger on Smoke, lid open, until fire is established (about 5 minutes).

Take two tablespoons of the softened butter and smear it under the skin of the turkey breast.

Use your fingers to gently spread the butter around under the skin.

Lightly season the turkey breast with the Pork & Poultry Shake. Smoke the breast on the Traeger for 1 hour.

While the turkey is smoking get the cider glaze going. Boil the remaining 2 cups of apple cider in a saucepan until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 15 minutes. Whisk in butter. Cool completely.

Turn the heat up to 375 degrees F and cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Brush the turkey with the cider glaze after the turkey has cooked for 20 minutes. If the breast starts to get too dark, cover it with foil.

Transfer turkey to a plate; tent with foil. Let stand 30 minutes and then slice up and serve that sweet deliciousness.

PRINTABLE RECIPE:

Cider Brined Turkey Breast Recipe.docx (12.15 kb)

Caramelized Bourbon Baked Pears

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Recommended pellets: Apple, Cherry, Maple, Pecan

INGREDIENTS:
3 D'Anjou pears or another firm variety of pear
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

PREPARATION:

Start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open for 4-5 minutes to establish the fire. Close the lid and turn the temperature setting up to 325 degrees F. Allow the grill to preheat for 10-15 minutes.

Peel and core the pears. Arrange them in a buttered baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, butter, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Pour the bourbon mixture over the pears.

Place the baking dish on the grill grate, close the lid and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the pears are fork tender.

Transfer to a serving plate and spoon the caramelized bourbon mixture over the pears. It's even better served warm over vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Printable recipe:

Caramelized Bourbon Baked Pears.docx (14.25 kb)

SWEET MANDARIN-GLAZED SMOKED MEATLOAF

PREP TIME: 2 1/2 hours, including time to set up in the fridge
COOK TIME: about 2 hours
RECOMMENDED PELLETS: Hickory
SERVES: 8

INGREDIENTS

2 lbs. lean ground beef
10 to 12 slices peppered bacon
2 eggs
1 large onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons Traeger Asian BBQ Rub
1 bottle Traeger Mandarin Glaze Sauce
1/2 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish

PREPARATION

Place ground beef in a large mixing bowl; set aside.

Dice the bacon slices and cook in a skillet until lightly browned.

Remove bacon with slotted spoon and set aside.

Remove all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from skillet. Add the onion, garlic and pepper and saute until onion is translucent.

Add to the ground beef along with the bread crumbs, eggs, Traeger Asian BBQ Rub, milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and 1/3 cup Traeger Mandarin Glaze Sauce. Mix well to blend all ingredients.

Cover and place beef mixture into the fridge for at least 2 hours. Mold the beef into large round - you could even use the mixing bowl to shape it.

Start the Traeger on Smoke, lid open, until the fire is established (about 5 minutes).

Carefully place the loaf on a cooking grid/rack placed on top of an aluminum foil-covered baking sheet.

Close lid and smoke on the Traeger for 1 hour.

After the hour of smoke turn the heat up to 300 degrees and cook until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.

Carefully slide the meatloaf onto a place and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes before dusting with more chopped cilantro and slicing and serving.

PRINTABLE RECIPE:

Sweet Mandarin Glazed Meatloaf Recipe.docx (12.46 kb)

CHEESY STUFFED ARTICHOKES with a SPICY TWIST

PREP TIME: 40 minutes
COOK TIME: 5 to 10 minutes
RECOMMENDED PELLETS: Any
SERVES: 2 to 4 as an appetizer

INGREDIENTS

2 artichokes
1 lemon, cut in half
2 ounces finely grated parmesan cheese
2 ounces finely grated pepper jack cheese
2 ounces bread crumbs, toasted
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish

PREPARATION

Cut 3/4-inch off the top of the artichokes and cut the points off of the outer leaves.

Quarter the artichokes and use a spoon to remove the fuzzy choke and inner purple leaves.

Put each prepared artichoke quarter in a bowl of cold water with a few squeezes of lemon juice while you finish preparing the rest and are waiting for the water to boil.

Start a pot of water gently boiling on the stovetop with about 1 inch of water and 1/4 cup lemon juice. If you have one available, use a steamer basket.

Steam the artichokes for 25 to 30 minutes or until the leaves are tender.

While they are steaming start the Traeger on Smoke, lid open, until the fire is established. Preheat to High heat, lid closed, for about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix together the parmesan, pepper jack, bread crumbs, minced garlic cloves and cumin.

After the artichokes have cooled, drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Layer the stuffing in between the leaves.

Put the artichokes directly on the Traeger and cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Remove and enjoy while they're warm.

PRINTABLE RECIPE:

CHEESY STUFFED ARTICHOKES Recipe.docx (11.92 kb)

It stands to reason that anything that a pig might eat would be quite delicious when eaten with a pig. (Don't over-think it.) Although we dream of suckling pigs, we don't always have time to roast one. So we'll settle for a tasty pork loin. "But what about the apple?", you ask. Well, the apple comes in with a silky apple butter glaze. So much deliciousity!

We've come to the conclusion that the pig was really onto something. Apple and pork were just meant to be.

APPLE & HERB GLAZED PORK TENDERLOIN

INGREDIENTS

3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 5 lb boneless pork loin
1/2 cup apple butter or apple jelly
1 tablespoon butter

PREPARATION

Combine the garlic, basil thyme, rosemary, salt and black pepper together either by chopping with a knife or using a small food processor.

Drizzle in the olive oil and mix until combined. Smear the herb mix on all sides of the pork loin.

Start the Traeger on Smoke, lid open, until the fire is established (about 5 minutes). Put the loin on the Traeger and smoke for 30 minutes up to 1 hour.

Meanwhile heat up the apple butter in the microwave along with 1 tablespoon of water and a tablespoon of butter, just until it's warm. (Keep warm while the turkey finishing cooking.)

Turn the temperature up to 350 degrees F and cook for about 40 minutes or until pork reaches 130 degrees F. Brush the pork with the apple butter glaze and cook until it reaches 140 degrees F.

Let the pork loin rest tented under aluminum foil for about 15 minutes before slicing.

PRINTABLE RECIPE:

Apple & Herb Glazed Pork Roast Recipe.docx (11.50 kb)

This salami gets it's sweet flavor from a slather of honey on the outside prior to smoking (bonus: it helps the smoke particles cling to the meat) and it's spicy kick from the red pepper flakes and whole peppercorns. Serve it sliced thin with deli mustards, cheeses, and crackers for an amazing appetizer. Everyone will be ridiculously impressed that you made the salami yourself.

A few tips if this is your first attempt at this kind of sausage:

- Have your butcher run the ground sirloin through their finest grind a second time. This will get the texture of the meat to the perfect place. A little more crumb than a hot dog, and a little less than country style sausage.

-Using the Tenderquick salt really isn't an optional step when home curing something like salami. If you leave out the tenderizing salt, the meat won't bind as nicely or turn that lovely reddish-pink color. You'll end up with a somewhat crumbly pink-grey disaster. (We tested both options when cooking this recipe, just trust us and use the curing salt)

-Since the salami requires a long smoke to come up to temperature, we recommend loading up your grill grate with other things that smoke for long periods of time to get the most use out of your pellets. Think jerky, smoking salts, etc.

Sweet & Spicy Smoked Salami

Prep Time: 2 days
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Serves: 18-20 as an appetizer
Recommended Pellets: Maple or Mesquite

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs ground sirloin (85/15)
1 tablespoon Morton Tenderquick curing salt
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons whole mustard seed
1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust according to taste)
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1-2 tablespoons honey

PREPARATION:

In a large glass bowl combine the beef, curing salt, worcestershire, pepper, mustard, red pepper flakes and peppercorns. Use your hands to gently distribute the ingredients through the meat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 day.

After the meat has cured for 1 day, lay two pieces of long plastic wrap on top of each other on your work surface. Overturn the meat directly into the middle of the plastic wrap. Use your hands to form the meat into a long log shape.

Pull the plastic wrap around one side and smooth out the edges of the log. Use even pressure across the length to work out any bubbles. Pull the plastic wrap tightly around the other side and overlap the edges of the wrap to create a tight seal. Roll the sausage forward and back with both hands. Once you have the sausage fairly uniform in width, tightly twist the ends of the plastic wrap. Return to the refrigerator for 1 day.

When ready to cook, start the Traeger on Smoke with the lid open for 4-5 minutes to establish the fire. Unwrap the sausage and drizzle with the honey. Place directly on the grill grate, close the lid and smoke for 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature of the sausage reads 170 degrees F with a meat thermometer.

Allow the sausage to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Click below for a printable version of this recipe:

Sweet & Spicy Smoked Salami.docx (15.19 kb)

Some love these nuggets savory and some love them sweet but we just love 'em.

ROASTED CHESTNUTS

PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 15 to 20 minutes
RECOMMENDED PELLETS: Mesquite, Hickory, Alder or Cherry

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 pounds fresh unshelled chestnuts
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
2 teaspoons kosher salt or flake sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

PREPARATION

Start the Traeger on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established (about 5 minutes). Preheat to High heat, lid closed, for 15 minutes.

Place chestnuts, flat side down, on a work surface. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut through the shell on the rounded side of each chestnut to score an X into the shell.

Either soak the chestnuts in a bowl of hot water for a minute or drizzle the chestnuts with a few sprinkles of water.

Drain chestnuts and pat dry. Add the melted butter into a bowl along with the rosemary, salt, nutmeg and cracked black pepper.

Add the chestnuts into the bowl and toss to thoroughly coat.

Arrange chestnuts in a single layer on a foil lined baking sheet.

Gather up edges of foil around chestnuts, leaving an opening on top.

Roast the chestnuts on the Traeger until the peel begins to curl up and chestnuts are cooked through, 15-20 minutes, depending on size of nuts. Make sure you move the chestnuts around every 5 minutes or so to keep them from burning.

Transfer chestnuts to a platter, using a spatula to scrape in any butter and spices with them, and toss to coat.

Cover the chestnuts with a towel and let them sit for about 5 minutes. Season with more salt, if desired. Peel, serve and enjoy them while they're still warm.

PRINTABLE RECIPE:

Roasted Chestnuts Recipe.docx (11.89 kb)

Under $10

Sauces and Rubs: Give the gift of flavor this Christmas! Traeger's collection of rubs and sauces are each priced under $10. These would also make great gifts for neighbors and friends this holiday season.

Cookbooks: All eleven of Traeger's awesome cookbooks are under $10 and best part? No shipping costs! These cookbooks are a downloadable PDF that is sent to you upon check-out. Print and bind for an easy gift they can open on Christmas morning, or send the PDF for a gift they can use on their computer all year long.

Accessories: Well made tools make the pitmaster happy. Our basting brush and sauce mop come complete with the Traeger insignia on the handle and will last forever. Plus, basting and mopping is fun and makes food taste good. Everybody wins!

Under $30

Tools of the Trade: Our top gift picks under $30 are the presents we'd want to open come Christmas morning. The silicone BBQ mit is perfect for hot jobs around the grill. The pellet caddy keeps pellets fresh and dry. The chicken throne cooks the juiciest chicken you've ever eaten. The meat injector kit is hours of fun and more importantly makes everything taste better.

Also, PELLETS! Always Pellets.

Under $50

Extra Grill Racks seriously maximize your space in your grill. Make the most of those pellets and grill multiple things at once or completely spare your oven/stove and cook everything for your meal right on your Traeger!

Extra Shelves! From front shelves to bottom shelves, adding storage and work space to your grill expands the usability and versability of your Traeger.

Under $100

Remote Probe Thermometer. Our most recommended item for the inexperienced newbie and seasoned pitmaster. Everybody needs a thermometer, and a thermometer that can remotely alert you of your grill AND food temperature is pretty ridicululously awesome AND useful.

Trick out your Junior!The insulation blanket and stainless kits both come in under $100. A great deal for our best priced grill.

Over $100 (for your favorite people ever!)

Trick out your big grills! Stainless kits and insulation blankets just make great gifts, really.

The ultimate gift for the Traeger connoisseur is the cold smoker attachment. This chamber allows smoke in without raising temperatures. Cold smoked cheese, fish, you name it. Give this gift and be paid in tasty smoked goods for years to come. It's more like a gift for you, really.

A Traeger firepit. Imagine cool nights snuggled around the fire with loved ones roasting mallows and telling stories. Beautiful construction complete with the Traeger insignia visible through the flickering fire. Your Traeger junkie will love it!

Whatever gifts you are giving this year, we hope they are received with as much love and joy as we had making them. Happy holidays from all of us here at Team Traeger!

This recipe comes from an old Traeger cookbook with a collection of recipes submitted by actual Traeger users. This one comes from Allen Burton in Colorado. Thanks!!

Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 16-20 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Recommended Pellets: Any

INGREDIENTS:
2 pork tenderloins (approx. 1 lb. each)
1/2 lb. thinly sliced prosciutto ham
1/2 lb. sliced bacon or pancetta
Butcher's twine
For the Rub:
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp minced fresh rosemary
1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper

PREPARATION:

Trim excess fat and silver skin from tenderloin; set aside. Combine olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl and mix well.

Coat tenderloins with rub; set aside.

Lay four or five 8-inch pieces of butcher's twine, two incehs apart, horizontally on work surface.

Lay a few slices of bacon or pancetta perpendicular on top of twine.

Lay one slice of prosciutto ham on top of bacon/pancetta.

Place the tenderloin on top of the prosciutto.

Lay one to two more slices of prosciutto ham and then bacon or pancetta on top of pork; bring ends of twine up and over the pork. Tie snug, but not too tight as to squeeze the tenderloin.

Repeat with the second tenderloin.

Start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open for 4-5 minutes to establish the fire. Close the lid and turn the temperature up to High. Allow the grill to preheat for 10-15 minutes. Place the tenderloins directly on the grill grate and roast with the lid closed for 16-18 minutes, turning once until internal temperature reads 145 degrees F when inserted into the thickest part of the loin.

Remove from the grill and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before removing the strings and slicing. Drizzle with extra olive oil and salt and pepper, if desired.

Ingredients:

1 standing prime rib roast (bone-in) 8-10LBS

½ cup kosher salt or sea salt

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary

2 tablespoons fresh thyme

2 tablespoons fresh oregano

8 cloves roasted garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoons black pepper

Instructions:

Finely chop all the fresh herbs; mix them with the salt, pepper, roasted garlic and olive oil. If your butcher hasn’t already done so, trim the excess fat from around the meat, and remove the  cartilage from around the bones (This is called Frenching). This makes for a spectacular presentation, see video).Make sure to truss it (tie it up), using cotton butchers twine to ensure the bones don’t come apart from the roast while cooking. This also makes it cook evenly.(also see video).

Next, rub the salt, herb mixture completely over the roast, and let it come to room temperature.

When ready to cook, start the Traeger on smoke with lid open until you have a fire (4 to 5 minutes).Set the temperature to 450 degrees, preheat, lid closed 10 to 15 minutes.

Put it inside the grill and sear for 10 minutes on each side to seal in the flavor at 450 degrees. Reduce the temperature to 300 and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the internal meat temperature reaches 135 degrees for medium rare.

When it has finished cooking, put the roast on a cutting board, and let it rest for 15 minutes. Remove the twine, carve and enjoy.

Difficulty: 4/5

Prep time: 1 hour

Cook time: 3 hours

Serving size: 10 to 12 people

Recommended wood: Mesquite

Traeger's Dr.Pepper Glazed Holiday Ham

Ingredients:

§  1 Whole Spiral Cut Ham

§  Traeger Sweet Rub

§  1 can of pineapple slices

§  1 cup of pineapple juice 

§  3 cups Brown Sugar

§  1/2 cup Spicy Brown Mustard

§  1 can Dr. Pepper Or Coke (not diet)

§  3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

Preparation Instructions:

Cover the bottom of the aluminum pan with pineapple slices. Place the ham flat side down on top of the pineapple slices and pour the remainder of the juices from the can of pineapple over the ham. Sprinkle Traeger Sweet Rub over the ham. 

When ready to cook, start your Traeger on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established  (4 to 5 minutes). Set the temperature to 325 degrees F and preheat.

Once the grill has reached 325, cover the Ham with foil and place in the grill.

While the ham is roasting, heat the brown sugar, mustard, vinegar and soda in a small saucepan until it reaches a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes until glaze thickens.

Once the Ham reaches an internal temperature of 130-135 uncover the Ham and turn the grill temperature to high. Brush the glaze all over the ham and sprinkle it with brown sugar and place back in the grill to caramelize. You can apply the glaze more than once during this process if desired. 

Once the ham reaches 145 internal temperature (or 30 minutes) remove from the grill and place the Ham on a cutting board to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. You don't want to leave the ham uncovered for longer than 30 minutes on high or you risk drying it out. 

Pellets- Apple or Maple

15- 20 servings