• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Hilda's Kitchen Blog

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Book
  • About
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Book
    • About
    • Resources
    • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    • Recipes
    • Book
    • About
    • Subscribe

    You Are Here Home » Grilling Recipes

    Published: Dec 10, 2021 Updated: Apr 19, 2022 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 8 Comments

    Traeger Smoked Potatoes (with oven instructions)

    Sharing is caring!

    63 shares
    • Share14
    • Yummly
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    traeger smoked potatoes pin

    A new take on Twice Baked potatoes. These tasty Traeger Smoked Potatoes start off like most twice-baked potatoes do but end up in the smoker for the last 15 minutes. They're smokey, cheesy, and delicious! I'm including oven instructions for those who don't own a smoker. Serve Traeger Smoked Potatoes with Perfectly Smoked Traeger Prime Rib or Juicy Oven Tri-Tip.

    Traeger smoked potatoes with sour cream and scallions

    Why This Recipe Works

    This Traeger Smoked Potatoes recipe is quick and easy to prepare, especially if you bake the potatoes in an Instant pot (here's a good recipe). The list of ingredients is simple and the end result is AMAZING!

    Smoked Baked Potatoes make a delicious side dish option to smoked entrees. Especially if the meat requires resting before slicing. While the meat is resting, pop the prepared potatoes in the smoker for 15 minutes and they'll be ready to serve at the same time.

    For those of you who don't have a smoker, I'm including simple oven directions too! This way everyone's happy.

    What Goes Into This Recipe

    twice baked potatoes ingredients

    Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

    • Potatoes — The best potatoes to use to make this recipe is Russet Potatoes.
    • Bacon — Make sure to use regular bacon because you will be brushing the potatoes with some of the rendered fat. Turkey bacon is just too lean. Unless you want to make this recipe healthier, in which case, you can use olive oil to brush the potato skins with.
    • Ranch Seasoning — If you don't have ranch seasoning it can be left out. Instead, you can mix chopped parsley or your favorite herbs or don't replace it at all.
    • Half and Half — Instead of half and half, you can use whole milk or cream. I'll even allow 2%.
    • Garlic — Fresh garlic makes all the difference in this recipe. Especially since it's toasted in the skillet prior to adding it to the filling.
    • Cheese — I like to use shredded sharp cheddar cheese, but you can experiment with various cheeses including smoked gouda or blue cheese.

    How to Make Traeger Smoked Potatoes

    Step 1 | Bake Potatoes: Scrub potatoes with a vegetable brush (affiliate link) and either bake in the oven or in an Instant Pot.

    Meanwhile, fry bacon in a cast-iron skillet (affiliate link) along with the unpeeled garlic cloves. When the bacon is crisp and the garlic is toasted, remove both and drain on paper towels. Crumble the cooled bacon and peel the garlic.

    raw bacon and garlic in a pan
    bacon and garlic on a paper towel covered plate

    Step 2 | Carve Potatoes: When the baked potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half on a cutting board and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving approximately ¼" thickness all around. Brush the potatoes (including the bottoms) with some of the bacon fat, then broil on low for 5 minutes or until the potato skins are golden brown around the edges and slightly crispy.

    potato skins
    potato skins brushed with oil
    potatoes on a pan
    unstuffed potato skins

    Tip: Broiler temperatures can vary. Keep a close eye on the potato skins to make sure they don't burn.

    Step 3 | Prepare Filling: Add the potato flesh to a medium-sized bowl and mash with a fork or a potato masher (affiliate link). Add ranch seasoning, salt, black pepper, sour cream, half and half, and half of the shredded cheese. Run the garlic through a garlic press and add to the bowl along with ½ of the bacon crumbs. Mix thoroughly until combined.

    stuffing for twice baked potatoes
    filling for twice baked potatoes
    cheesy filling for twice baked potatoes
    twice baked potatoes filling

    Step 4 | Fill Potato Skins: Spoon the potato filling mixture into the potato skins. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and bacon bits.

    twice baked potatoes on a baking tray
    smoked potatoes with cheese and bacon

    Step 5 | Smoke Potatoes: Preheat Traeger or Pellet Grill (affiliate links) to 450-degrees F. Add prepared potatoes and smoke for 15 minutes, or until the filling is cheesy and bubbly.

    Optional Oven Directions

    Instead of popping the twice-baked potatoes into the smoker, place the tray in the oven, on the top rack, and broil on low until the cheese is melted and the filling is bubbly. This should only take a few minutes. Watch carefully so that they don't burn.

    Serving Suggestions

    Top with sour cream and sliced scallions before serving. If serving picky eaters, leave some as-is. Another option is to serve the sour cream and scallions on the side and let each person decide for themselves.

    potato skins, prime rib, and salad

    Recipe FAQs and Expert Tips

    How do you know when a baked potato is done in the oven?

    Prick the potato with a fork. If the fork slides in without any resistance, the baked potato is ready. Another way to tell if a baked potato is ready is to squeeze it gently while wearing an oven mitt. If there is resistance, the potato needs to cook longer.

    How long does it take to smoke a potato at 275 degrees F?

    It takes approximately two hours to smoke potatoes at 275 degrees F. This is one reason why I like preparing the potatoes in my Ninja Foodi and smoking them at the end for 15 minutes.

    What potatoes are best for baking?

    Russet potatoes are the best for baking. To begin with, they come in various sizes. The larger ones are perfect for baking. Russets have a high starch content and light, fluffy texture when baked. Finally, their thick skin stands up to baking and tastes delicious when oiled and salted prior to baking.

    • Instead of brushing the baked potatoes with bacon fat, you can use melted butter or olive oil for a healthier option.
    • For spicier smoked potatoes top with Crispy Jalapeños (affiliate link) or sliced fresh jalapeños before adding the potatoes to the smoker.
    • If you want to be extra naughty and throw caution to the wind, mix a tablespoon of the bacon grease into the filling ingredients.
    • For a little added flavor and color, sprinkle the potatoes with smoked paprika before serving.
    twice baked potatoes
    Twice Baked Traeger Smoked Potatoes

    Other Smoker Recipes

    • Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
    • Habanero Pineapple Brisket Burnt Ends
    • Spicy Smoked Pork Jerky
    • Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip

    Related Recipes

    • scalloped potatoes
      Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes (Au Gratin Potatoes)
    • air fried potato wedges in an instant pot
      Crispy Air Fried Potato Wedges
    • pork chops and potatoes
      Pork Chops and Potatoes Casserole
    • chipotle smoked Mac and cheese in a cast iron skillet
      Chipotle Smoked Mac and Cheese

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    traeger smoked potatoes

    Traeger Smoked Potatoes (With Oven Instructions)

    Smokey, tender, and cheesy Twice-Baked Smoked Potatoes.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 10 people
    Calories: 189kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    Equipment

    • Smoker
    • Cast-iron Skillet
    • Vegetable Brush

    Ingredients

    • 10 baked potatoes
    • 6 strips thick-cut bacon
    • 4 cloves garlic (or more)
    • 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ cup sour cream
    • 2 tablespoon half and half
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

    Instructions

    •  Bake Potatoes: Scrub potatoes with a vegetable brush (affiliate link) and either bake in the oven or in an Instant Pot. 
    • Meanwhile, fry bacon in a cast-iron skillet (affiliate link) along with the unpeeled garlic cloves. When the bacon is crisp and the garlic is toasted, remove both and drain on paper towels. Crumble the cooled bacon and peel the garlic.
    • Carve Potatoes: When the baked potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving approximately ¼" thickness all around. Brush the potatoes (including the bottoms) with some of the bacon fat, then broil on low for 5 minutes or until the potato skins are golden brown around the edges and slightly crispy.
    • Prepare the Filling: Add the potato flesh to a medium-sized bowl and mash with a fork or a potato masher (affiliate link). Add ranch seasoning, salt, black pepper, sour cream, half and half, and half of the shredded cheese. Run the garlic through a garlic press and add to the bowl along with ½ of the bacon crumbs. Mix thoroughly until combined.
    • Fill Potato Skins: Spoon the potato filling mixture into the potato skins. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and bacon bits.
    • Smoke Potatoes: Preheat Traeger or Pellet Grill (affiliate links) to 450-degrees F. Add prepared potatoes and smoke for 15 minutes, or until the filling is cheesy and bubbly.

    Optional Oven Instructions

    • Instead of popping the twice-baked potatoes into the smoker, place the tray on the top rack of the oven and broil on low until the cheese is melted and the filling is bubbly. This should only take a few minutes. Watch carefully so that they don't burn.
    • How to Serve: Top with sour cream and sliced scallions before serving. If serving picky eaters, leave some as-is. Another option is to serve the sour cream and scallions on the side and let each person decide for themselves.

    Notes

    • Instead of brushing the baked potatoes with bacon fat, you can use melted butter or olive oil for a healthier option.
    • For spicier smoked potatoes top with Crispy Jalapeños (affiliate link) or sliced fresh jalapeños before adding the potatoes to the smoker.
    • If you want to be extra naughty and throw caution to the wind, mix a tablespoon of the bacon grease into the filling ingredients.
    • For a little added flavor and color, sprinkle the potatoes with smoked paprika before serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2 potato halves | Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 286mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g
    Tried this Recipe? Please leave A Star Rating!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

    More Grilling Recipes

    • sliced corned beef
      Smoked Corned Beef Brisket
    • smoked corn on the cob on the grill
      Smoked Corn On The Cob
    • smoked carne asada on the grill
      Smoked Traeger Carne Asada
    • mini pellet grill smoked pizzas
      15-Minute Smoked Pizza

    Sharing is caring!

    63 shares
    • Share14
    • Yummly
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




       

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Scott Morter says

      March 30, 2022 at 8:18 am

      5 stars
      Finishing in the smoker adds another dimension to these wonderful potatoes. I will most definitely be preparing these for future get togethers!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 30, 2022 at 9:29 am

        So glad you liked the potatoes. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Kathy Fisher says

      December 12, 2021 at 3:16 pm

      5 stars
      If you have a smoker, don't waste that last 15 minutes to take baked potatoes to a whole new level. What a simple way to impress your guests and put your meal over the top.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        December 12, 2021 at 4:34 pm

        I couldn't agree more!

        Reply
    3. Kelly Methey says

      December 10, 2021 at 6:19 pm

      5 stars
      The are wonderful and oh so delicious! They are the perfect complement to your smoked prime rib! YUM!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        December 10, 2021 at 6:47 pm

        Thank you, so glad you enjoyed them! ❤️

        Reply
    4. Kathy Fisher says

      December 10, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      Perfectly delicious potatoes. Thank you Hilda.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        December 10, 2021 at 3:21 pm

        Thank you, kathy, I appreciate the comment, as always!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    profile photo-Hilda

    Hi, I'm Hilda! I'm the creator of Hilda's Kitchen Blog, author of Mom's Authentic Assyrian Recipes, and a recipe contributor to Brian Baumgartner's Seriously Good Chili Cookbook (AKA Kevin Malone, from The Office).

    Are you looking for a little inspiration in the kitchen? Let me show you how to use unique ingredients to make tasty meals for your family! more about me →

    Get My Cookbook!

    cook book on a wooden board

    Easter Recipes

    • easter round up main photo
      35 Tasty Easter Recipe Ideas
    • a slice of carrot cake on a white plate
      Carrot Cake with Pineapple
    • kileche under a Christmas tree
      Kileche | Kleicha (Assyrian Holiday Cookies)
    • roasted carrots
      Parmesan Roasted Rainbow Carrots
    • healthy deviled eggs on a blue plate
      Healthy Keto Deviled Eggs
    • birds nests on a plate
      Bird Nest Recipe (Osh El Bulbul) Baklava

    Check Out My Etsy Shop!

    montana healing salves logo

    Popular Recipes

    • Katiafi pastry
      How to Make Kataifi Pastry from scratch!
    • smoked Tri Tip being sliced
      Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip
    • smoked turkey breast on the grill
      Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
    • tri tip sandwiches featured image
      Tri-Tip Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions
    • orange powder in a jar with oranges around it
      Drying Orange Peels and How to Use Them
    • jiffy cornbread with creamed corn in a cast iron pan with a slice removed
      Jiffy Cornbread with Creamed Corn

    Featured On

    featured on

    Subscribe to Get my Latest Recipes!

    Privacy Policy

    Stay Connected

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • My Etsy Shop

    Policies

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Photo & Content Sharing Policy

    LET'S CONNECT!

    • Contact Page
    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small percentage from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 • Hildas Kitchen Blog • All rights reserved