Get ready to elevate your BBQ game with these mouth-watering Traeger brisket recipes! Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, these smoky delights are sure to become a new favorite. With flavors ranging from classic and simple to bold and adventurous, we’ve got something for everyone.
From tender, slow-cooked briskets slathered in honey glaze to spicy chipotle-infused masterpieces, our collection of 21 Traeger brisket recipes is the ultimate guide for any BBQ enthusiast. And don’t worry about running out of ideas – with options like burnt ends, sliders, and even breakfast-inspired dishes, you’ll never get bored. So fire up your Traeger and get ready to indulge in some of the most mouthwatering, fall-apart-tender brisket you’ve ever had.
In this article, we’ll dive into each and every one of these incredible recipes, sharing tips, tricks, and techniques for achieving that perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender texture. Whether you’re a Traeger newbie or a seasoned pro, you won’t want to miss out on the deliciousness that awaits!
Classic Smoked Traeger Brisket
A tender and flavorful brisket recipe that’s perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) beef brisket flat cut
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the brisket, making sure to cover it evenly.
4. Place the brisket in the Traeger, fat side up.
5. Close the lid and smoke for 10 hours.
6. During the last hour of cooking, brush the brisket with Worcestershire sauce.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 10 hours
Traeger Brisket with Coffee Rub
Elevate your Traeger game with this rich and savory brisket recipe, infused with the deep flavors of coffee and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole beef brisket (5-6 lbs)
– 1/4 cup coffee rub (see below for recipe)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt, to taste
Coffee Rub:
– 2 tbsp freshly brewed strong coffee
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the coffee rub ingredients.
3. Apply the coffee rub evenly to both sides of the brisket, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Place the brisket in the Traeger, fat side up.
5. Close the lid and smoke for 8-10 hours, or until the brisket reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Honey Glazed Traeger Brisket
Elevate your brisket game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the richness of honey with the smokiness of the Traeger. Perfect for a special occasion or just a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole beef brisket (5-6 lbs)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup wood chips (your choice of Traeger flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until well combined.
3. Season the brisket with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Place the brisket in the Traeger, fat side up.
5. Close the lid and cook for 8-10 hours or until tender and easily shredded.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the honey glaze all over the brisket.
7. Let the brisket rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Spicy Traeger Brisket with Chipotle
Elevate your brisket game with this bold and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of slow-cooked beef with the spicy kick of chipotle peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) beef brisket
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Rub the spice blend all over the brisket, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the brisket on the Traeger grates, fat side up.
5. Close the lid and cook for 8-10 hours or until the brisket reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the brisket with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Traeger Brisket Burnt Ends
Elevate your BBQ game with this mouthwatering Traeger brisket burnt ends recipe, perfect for a crowd-pleasing snack or meal. This tender and flavorful dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket points (burnt ends)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup beer or beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 275°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the brisket points.
4. Place the brisket points in the Traeger basket, leaving space between each piece.
5. Close the lid and smoke for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until tender and caramelized.
6. During the last 30 minutes, brush with beer or beef broth every 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Maple Bourbon Traeger Brisket
Slow-cooked to perfection, this Maple Bourbon Trager Brisket is a game-changer for any BBQ enthusiast. With the rich flavors of maple syrup and bourbon, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the brisket, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the brisket in the Traeger and close the lid. Cook for 10 hours or until tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 10 hours
Traeger Brisket with Mustard Sauce
Get ready to experience the perfect blend of tender brisket and tangy mustard sauce, all smoked to perfection on your Traeger. This classic combo is a crowd-pleaser, and with this recipe, you’ll be enjoying fall-apart brisket and creamy sauce in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 whole brisket (5-7 pounds)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup mustard sauce (see below)
Mustard Sauce Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger 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 brisket, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the brisket in the Traeger and cook for 10-12 hours or until tender.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the mustard sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, mustard, honey, vinegar, and salt.
6. Once the brisket is cooked, brush with the mustard sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 10-12 hours
Garlic Herb Crusted Traeger Brisket
This recipe combines the rich flavor of slow-cooked brisket with the savory aroma of garlic and herbs, all achieved through the magic of a Traeger smoker. The result is a tender, flavorful brisket that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) beef brisket
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the brisket, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the brisket in the Traeger and cook for 8-10 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the brisket.
6. Remove the brisket from the Traeger and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Traeger Brisket Sliders with Coleslaw
Transform your brisket into tender, flavorful sliders that are perfect for a backyard barbecue or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole brisket (6-8 lbs)
– 2 tbsp Traeger rub
– 1 cup coleslaw mix (cabbage, carrots, and onions)
– 4 hamburger buns
– Pickle slices and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
2. Season the brisket with Traeger rub, making sure to coat all surfaces evenly.
3. Place the brisket in the Traeger and smoke for 10-12 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
4. Once cooked, slice the brisket thinly against the grain.
5. Assemble sliders by placing a few slices of brisket on each bun, followed by a dollop of coleslaw.
6. Garnish with pickle slices and chopped cilantro.
Cooking Time: 10-12 hours
BBQ Traeger Brisket Pizza
Take your pizza game to the next level with this unique recipe that combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked brisket with the crispy crust of a wood-fired Traeger pizza.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Pizza dough for one large pizza or two small pizzas
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 375°F.
2. Season the brisket with salt and pepper, then cook it in the Traeger at 225°F for 8-10 hours, or until tender.
3. Shred the cooked brisket and mix with BBQ sauce.
4. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness and spread shredded mozzarella cheese evenly.
5. Top with caramelized onions, chopped cilantro, and shredded brisket mixture.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and cook in the Traeger at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (brisket) + 10-12 minutes (pizza)
Traeger Brisket Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Get ready to elevate your taco game with tender Traeger brisket and creamy avocado salsa! This recipe combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked brisket with the freshness of ripe avocados, all wrapped up in a crispy taco shell.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1/4 cup beer (optional)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Avocado Salsa (see below for recipe)
– Shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
2. Season the brisket with taco seasoning and place it in a large piece of aluminum foil or a Traeger brisket bag.
3. Cook the brisket for 10-12 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F.
4. Shred the brisket with two forks and warm it up on the Traeger at 300°F for about 30 minutes.
5. Assemble tacos by spooning the shredded brisket onto tortillas, topping with Avocado Salsa, cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings.
Avocado Salsa:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mash all ingredients together in a bowl until you reach your desired consistency. Serve alongside the Traeger brisket tacos!
Traeger Brisket Chili
Get ready to experience the perfect blend of tender brisket and hearty chili, all infused with the rich smokiness from your Traeger. This recipe is a twist on traditional chili that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket, sliced into thin strips
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 275°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the brisket strips over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Transfer the mixture to your Traeger’s cooking grates and add the cooked brisket strips, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
6. Cook on the Traeger at 275°F for 2-3 hours or until the brisket is tender and the chili has thickened.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Traeger Brisket Mac and Cheese
This rich and creamy macaroni and cheese dish is elevated by the smoky flavor of Traeger-cooked brisket. Perfect for a comforting meal or potluck, this recipe combines tender pasta with a velvety sauce and tender beef.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 pound Traeger-cooked brisket, shredded
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and shredded brisket with the cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes (including prep time)
Traeger Brisket Stuffed Peppers
Traeger Brisket Stuffed Peppers Recipe Summary:
This recipe combines the tender, smoky flavor of slow-cooked brisket with the sweetness of bell peppers, creating a unique and delicious twist on traditional stuffed peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound brisket, cooked to desired tenderness
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Stuff each pepper with cooked brisket, cheese, onion, cilantro, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Place the stuffed peppers on the Traeger grill grates.
5. Close the lid and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
6. Brush with olive oil during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Traeger Brisket Nachos
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this mouthwatering Traeger brisket nacho recipe! Slow-cooked brisket, crispy tortilla chips, and melted cheese come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) beef brisket
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 cup liquid smoke (optional)
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 can of nacho cheese sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Optional toppings: diced onions, jalapeños, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F.
2. Season brisket with chili powder and cumin.
3. Smoke brisket for 8-10 hours or until tender and easily shredded.
4. Shred brisket with two forks and mix in liquid smoke (if using).
5. Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
6. Spoon nacho cheese sauce over chips, followed by shredded brisket.
7. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
8. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 9 hours (smoking) + 10-12 minutes (baking)
Traeger Brisket Sandwich with Pickles
This recipe brings together the tender juiciness of slow-cooked brisket and the tangy crunch of pickles, all on a soft bun. The perfect combination for a satisfying meal or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole brisket (5-6 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons Traeger Rub
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup pickle slices
– 4 hamburger buns
– Optional toppings: chopped onions, barbecue sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
2. Season the brisket with Traeger Rub and place it in the smoker.
3. Cook for 10-12 hours or until the brisket reaches an internal temperature of 190°F.
4. Remove the brisket from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Slice the brisket thinly against the grain.
6. Assemble sandwiches by placing sliced brisket on a bun, topping with pickle slices, and adding optional toppings if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 hours
Traeger Brisket Hash for Breakfast
Elevate your morning with this hearty Traeger brisket hash recipe, featuring tender brisket and crispy potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. brisket (tripe or flat cut), cooked to desired tenderness
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chives or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes, onion, and garlic. Cook until the potatoes are golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Add the cooked brisket to the skillet, breaking it into smaller pieces as needed.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chives or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Traeger Brisket Quesadillas
Traeger Brisket Quesadillas: A Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
These smoky, cheesy quesadillas are the perfect way to repurpose leftover Traeger brisket. With the rich flavor of slow-cooked beef and melted cheese, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded Traeger brisket
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the brisket, cheese, and cilantro.
3. Place a large flour tortilla on a cutting board or flat surface.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the brisket mixture onto half of the tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Brush the top with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Place the quesadillas on the Traeger grill grates and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until crispy and melted.
Cooking Time: 10-14 minutes
Traeger Brisket Poutine
This recipe combines the rich flavors of slow-cooked brisket with the comforting warmth of poutine, all infused with the smoky goodness of a Traeger grill. Perfect for a cozy evening or a tailgating party.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket
– 1/4 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3-4 Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat Traeger to 225°F.
2. Season brisket with salt, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and beef broth.
3. Place brisket on the grill and cook for 8 hours or until tender.
4. Meanwhile, toss potato wedges with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill alongside brisket for about 1 hour, or until golden.
5. Assemble poutine by placing potatoes at the bottom of a bowl, topping with shredded cheese, and spooning brisket slices over top. Garnish with parsley.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (brisket) + 1 hour (potatoes)
Traeger Brisket Shepherd’s Pie
This recipe combines the tender juiciness of slow-cooked brisket with the comforting warmth of shepherd’s pie, all thanks to the unique flavors and low-and-slow cooking capabilities of your Traeger. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as a show-stopping main course for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Traeger to 275°F.
2. Season the brisket with salt, pepper, and thyme. Place it in the Traeger, fat side up.
3. Cook for 8 hours or until tender.
4. Remove the brisket from the Traeger and shred it with two forks.
5. In a separate pot, combine the cooked peas and carrots, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and shredded cheese. Heat until warm and bubbly.
6. Layer the dish by placing the pea mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, followed by the brisket shreds, and finally topping with mashed potatoes.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Traeger Brisket Egg Rolls
Get ready to elevate your egg roll game with this mouth-watering Traeger brisket-inspired recipe! Slow-cooked brisket gets wrapped up with creamy scrambled eggs, crispy scallions, and savory soy sauce for a flavor combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb slow-cooked Traeger brisket (shredded)
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped scallions
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 egg roll wrappers
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Traeger to 375°F (190°C).
2. Scramble eggs in a bowl and set aside.
3. In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped scallions and cook until crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Wrap egg roll wrappers with shredded brisket, scrambled eggs, crispy scallions, and soy sauce.
5. Place rolls on the Traeger for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Conclusion
Get ready to fire up your Traeger grill and try out these mouthwatering brisket recipes! From classic smoked brisket to innovative twists like honey glazed, spicy chipotle, and maple bourbon, there’s something for every BBQ lover. Try them as burnt ends, sliders with coleslaw, or even in a pizza or tacos. And why stop at dinner? Use Traeger brisket in mac and cheese, hash for breakfast, or quesadillas. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, these 21 smoky Traeger brisket recipes are sure to impress.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
