By Traeger Game Day Challenge 2023 – A Backyard BBQ Win
Kicking Off the Challenge
Game day at our house has always been about rooting for the Maize & Blue, but this year it took on a little extra excitement. This year Traeger cranked it up with their Game Day Challenge, and I couldn’t resist jumping in. Every week they created a new challenge and since I was already firing up my smoker it gave me a new excuse to throw something on the Traeger. For me, it wasn’t just about cranking out recipes—it was about getting creative, sharing food while watching the Wolverines, and just having a blast with it.
Why Traeger?
It’s no secret, I’m a huge Traeger fan. If you’ve cooked on one, you already know. Traegers just make life easier. Wood-fired flavor, steady temps, and the ability to go from ribs to desserts without missing a beat. I’ve smoked, grilled, and even baked all six models. Add in WiFIRE, Super Smoke, and the Keep Warm features and my Traeger can take care of anything I need.
My Starting Lineup: Three Traeger Grills in Action
Boy was I ready for this challenge—I rolled out the big guns:
- Timberline XL – This beast is my go-to when I’ve got big cooks or need everything locked in tight. Never lets me down.
- Ranger – The little guy, but don’t sleep on it. Perfect for quick sides or small batches where I still want that Traeger smoke.
- Ironwood 885 – The dependable middle child. Big enough for family dinners, solid enough for game day chaos. For my money, the best model Traeger has ever made!
Honestly, it felt like having a team of grills working together. Each had its role, and they all came through.
Game Day Recipes that Scored Big
The food? That’s what made this challenge worth it. Here’s the lineup I went with:
Week 1
Game Day Wet Wings – Sticky, saucy, and just the right balance of sweet and heat.
Week 2
Dairy-Free Spinach Artichoke Dip – Creamy, smoky, and a total crowd-pleaser. Also a cheesy bean dip while we were tailgating at the Big House – GO BLUE!
Week 3
Bar Down Mojito – A cocktail with mint, lime, and just enough smoke to remind you it’s game day. Also in the mix was my “Lights Out Mule” and my Whistle Pig Ol’ Fashion.Â
Week 4
275 Ribs – My go-to method, and honestly, still my favorite way to do ribs on a Traeger.
The Weekly Wins
Traeger made it even more fun with prizes each week. A select few submissions won weekly, and I was fortunate to win weeks #1, #2 & #3!
- Week 1: Sticker pack—because who doesn’t love decking out their gear?
- Week 2: Game Day Magnet—a little reminder stuck right on the grill.
- Week 3: Game Day Flag—the kind of flag you fly with pride while the smoke’s rolling.
Wrapping It All Up
Looking back, the Traeger Game Day Challenge was way more than a cook-off. It was a chance to swap ideas, see what everyone else was making, and just geek out with people who love their Traeger as much as I do. From briskets and ribs to dips and cocktails, I was blown away by what the community was showing off week in and week out.
I simply love cooking outdoor while football season is kicking off. Winning a couple prizes didn’t hurt either. But the real win? Being part of this big ol’ backyard of pitmasters who all live for that smoky, wood-fired flavor.
Can’t wait to see what Traeger cooks up for the next one.