Smoked Pork Rack Recipe: A Delicious Holiday Treat

Updated at: 29/05/2025

Impress your guests this holiday season with this succulent Smoked Pork Rack recipe! This simple yet elegant dish elevates a classic roast to new heights, delivering incredibly tender and flavorful pork that's perfect for any festive gathering. Using a Traeger pellet grill simplifies the process, ensuring consistent, delicious results every time. The aromatic compound butter infuses the pork with a depth of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.This recipe walks you through each step, from preparing the pork rack with a flavorful rub and compound butter to smoking it low and slow until perfectly tender. Learn how to achieve that irresistible crispy exterior and juicy interior, ensuring a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Get ready to create a holiday centerpiece that's as stunning as it is delicious, guaranteed to be the star of your table. Prepare for compliments galore!

Pros And Cons

Traeger Trigger Pro 780 Pellet Grill
  • Easy to use
  • Produces delicious results

Read more: 10 Best Big Green Egg Rib Racks: A Buyer's Guide

Preparing the Pork Rack

Start with a half crown roast of pork, approximately six ribs. This size is perfect for a smaller gathering. Before seasoning, remove the membrane from the side of the ribs, ensuring a tender and flavorful result. This step is crucial for achieving optimal tenderness.

Close-up of the half crown roast of pork.
Close-up of the half crown roast of pork.
Removing the membrane from the pork rack.
Removing the membrane from the pork rack.

Season generously with coarse salt. For added flavor, prepare a compound butter by mixing softened butter, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. This aromatic butter will enhance the pork's natural flavors and contribute to a rich, moist texture.

Mixing the compound butter ingredients.
Mixing the compound butter ingredients.
Seasoning the pork rack with coarse salt.
Seasoning the pork rack with coarse salt.

Smoking the Pork Rack on a Traeger Grill

Preheat your Traeger grill to 250°F (121°C) using apple wood pellets. Place the seasoned pork rack on a roasting rack set over a pan to catch drippings. Insert a meat thermometer into the center of the roast to monitor its internal temperature.

The Traeger grill preheated to 250°F.
The Traeger grill preheated to 250°F.
Inserting the meat thermometer into the pork rack.
Inserting the meat thermometer into the pork rack.

Smoke the pork until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Then, increase the temperature to 350°F (177°C) for approximately 45 minutes, allowing the top to brown nicely. Finally, consider a quick sear at 400°F for extra crispness.

Rotating the pork rack during the smoking process.
Rotating the pork rack during the smoking process.
Checking the internal temperature of the pork rack.
Checking the internal temperature of the pork rack.

Resting and Serving

Once the pork reaches 140°F, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. The internal temperature will rise to 145°F (63°C) during this resting period.

Serve the smoked pork rack sliced, garnished as desired. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts for a complete and satisfying meal. The crispy exterior and juicy interior make this a perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

Conclusion

This smoked pork rack recipe delivers exceptional flavor and tenderness. The use of the Traeger Pro 780 pellet grill simplifies the process, ensuring consistent results. The compound butter adds a depth of flavor, complementing the natural richness of the pork. This dish is a perfect option for holiday meals or any special occasion.