Smoked pickles on a Traeger are one of those things that sound weird until you try them—then you get it. The smoky flavor completely changes the game, and honestly, I haven’t bought store-bought smoked pickles since I started making these. They work as an appetizer, on burgers, or just for snacking, and they’re always gone fast. Perfect for cookouts, game day, or whenever you want to bring something a little different.
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Table of contents
Easy Smoked Pickle
This recipe is as straightforward as smoking gets, which makes it great whether you’re just getting started with your pellet grill or you’ve been at it for years. I usually keep it classic with dill and mustard, but you can get creative—bacon-wrapped smoked pickles are always a crowd favorite at our house.
Beyond just making great pickles, this is a solid way to learn to balance flavors and work with brines, skills that carry over into plenty of other BBQ recipes down the line.
What You Need
- Large Mason Jars
- Medium-Sized Cucumbers
- Sprigs Fresh Dill
- Chili flakes
- Peppercorns (Black, White & Pink)
- Garlic Gloves
- Tap Water
- White vinegar
- Honey
- Kosher Salt
Note: Use black peppercorns if you don’t have pink or white ones… You can customize the blend of spices to suit your taste! Get creative and have some fun.
How to Make Smoked Pickles on a Traeger
Step 1 – Wash the Cucumbers
– Wash the cucumbers to remove any debris or dirt.
Step 2 – Smoke the Cucumbers
Load pellets, prime, and preheat the Traeger Smoker to 230°F. Place whole cucumbers, garlic, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and fresh dill on a baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet directly on the grill grate of your Traeger and smoke for 60 minutes. Remove from the smoker and allow to cool.
Step 3 – Prepare the Brine for Your Smoked Cucumbers
In a large pot, combine 500ml of water, 500ml of vinegar, 5g of salt, and a cup of honey, and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat once the sugar and salt have completely dissolved.
Step 4 – Transforming the Smoked Cucumbers to Pickles
Cut cucumbers into spears and place them in your jars. Pour the hot pickling brine over the cucumbers, leaving about ½ inch of headroom in each jar. Close the lids of your jars.
Step 5 – Storing the Traeger Smoked Pickles
Leave the pickle jars in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This will give the flavors a chance to settle and marinate.
What Temperature to Smoke the Cucumbers
You need to lightly smoke the cucumbers and spices at 230°F with indirect heat. Don’t be afraid of the cucumbers burning as they are mostly made up of water!
How Long Will the Smoking Process Take?
The smoking process will take roughly 60 minutes. This is ample time for the smoke to permeate and lightly cook the cucumbers. It will also help release the essential oils from the spice mix for better brine flavor infusion.
Do I Need to Monitor the Internal Temperature?
You don’t need to monitor the internal temperature for this recipe! The cucumbers will be done at 60 minutes, so using a temperature probe is a waste of time…
How to Store Leftovers
Pickles are made for storing! These delicious pickle slices will keep refrigerated for up to 3 months. (If you can last that long)!
My Favorite Wood for Smoking Pickles
If you prefer a lighter flavor, go for apple or cherry wood. Or if you choose a more robust smoke flavor, go for a wood like maple or oak.
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What to Serve With Pickles
Traeger Smoked Pickles
Equipment
- 1 Pellet smoker
- 2 Large mason jars
Ingredients
- 7-8 medium cucumbers
- 2-3 sprigs dill
- 1 tbsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp peppercorns I’m using black white, and pink, but any mix will do
- 7-8 cloves garlic
- For the brine:
- 500 ml water
- 500 ml white vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp salt
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers to remove any debris.
- Place whole cucumbers, garlic, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and fresh dill on a baking sheet
- and place in the smoker.
- Smoke at 230°F for 60 minutes.
- Remove from the smoker and allow to cool.
- In a large pot, combine water, vinegar, salt, and honey and bring to boil, then turn off once the sugar and salt have completely dissolved.
- Cut cucumbers into spears and place them in the jars
- Pour the hot pickling brine over the cucumbers, leaving about ½ inch of headroom in each jar and close the lids.
- Leave the pickle jars in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
- This will give the flavors a chance to settle and marinate.
- Settle in and enjoy the best-tasting pickles you’ve ever tried!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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