Traeger grills have revolutionized outdoor cooking, making it easy to create flavorful dishes with the perfect balance of smoke and heat. Using wood pellets as fuel, Traeger grills are ideal for smoking, grilling, roasting, and even baking. Their versatility allows home cooks to experiment with a variety of recipes, from juicy smoked meats to creative desserts.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply preparing dinner for the family, these Traeger recipes will inspire you to take your cooking to the next level. The combination of smoky flavor and consistent heat is what makes Traeger grills a favorite among food enthusiasts.
For more grilling ideas, check out our Blackstone Recipes: 25 Easy & Delicious Meals to complement your pellet grill cooking.
Smoked Meat Recipes
These Traeger recipes for smoked brisket, pulled pork, and chicken wings are perfect for any occasion.
1. Smoked Brisket
- Ingredients:
Beef brisket, Traeger beef rub, wood pellets (oak or mesquite). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 225°F.
- Trim excess fat from the brisket and apply a generous layer of Traeger beef rub.
- Place the brisket on the grill and smoke for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Wrap the brisket in butcher paper or foil and continue smoking until it reaches 203°F. Rest for 1 hour before slicing.
For more tips, visit Traeger’s Official Smoked Brisket Recipe to perfect your technique.
2. Smoked Pulled Pork
- Ingredients:
Pork shoulder (Boston butt), Traeger pork rub, apple cider vinegar, wood pellets (hickory or apple). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 225°F.
- Rub the pork shoulder with Traeger pork rub, ensuring even coverage.
- Smoke for 6-7 hours, spritzing with apple cider vinegar every hour after the first 3 hours.
- Once the internal temperature reaches 195°F, remove from the grill and rest for 30 minutes before shredding.
Pair this with a hearty side like our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe for a complete meal.
3. Smoked Chicken Wings
- Ingredients:
Chicken wings, Traeger chicken rub, barbecue sauce, wood pellets (cherry or pecan). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 350°F.
- Season the chicken wings with Traeger chicken rub.
- Place the wings directly on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes for a sticky, smoky glaze.
For alternative seasoning ideas, explore BBQGuys’ Pellet Grilling Tips to elevate your grilling game.
Grilled Main Dishes
Explore Traeger recipes like grilled steak, salmon, and even pizza for a unique twist on your favorite meals.
1. Grilled Steak with Garlic Butter
- Ingredients:
Ribeye steaks, garlic butter (melted), sea salt, black pepper, wood pellets (oak or mesquite). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 450°F for direct heat grilling.
- Season the steaks generously with salt and black pepper.
- Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Brush the steaks with garlic butter as they rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For tips on selecting the best cuts of steak, visit Traeger’s Guide to Grilling Steak.
2. Traeger Grilled Salmon
- Ingredients:
Salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon slices, dill, Traeger seafood seasoning, wood pellets (alder or cherry). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 350°F.
- Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with Traeger seafood seasoning.
- Place the fillets skin-side down on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh dill and lemon slices before serving.
For additional seafood grilling inspiration, check out Traeger’s Salmon Recipes.
3. Grilled Pizza
- Ingredients:
Pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, toppings of your choice (pepperoni, veggies), wood pellets (hickory or apple). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 450°F.
- Roll out the pizza dough and spread marinara sauce evenly over the surface.
- Add mozzarella and your desired toppings.
- Place the pizza directly on the grill grates and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
For creative topping ideas, see Traeger’s Grilled Pizza Tips.
Vegetarian Recipes
Traeger recipes aren’t just for meat lovers—vegetarian options like smoked stuffed bell peppers are just as satisfying.
1. Smoked Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Ingredients:
Bell peppers (halved and cored), quinoa, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, wood pellets (pecan or hickory). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 375°F.
- Mix cooked quinoa, black beans, and corn in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the bell pepper halves with the mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Place the peppers on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
For more vegetarian grilling ideas, visit BBQGuys’ Vegetarian Recipes.
2. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
- Ingredients:
Portobello mushroom caps, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, wood pellets (cherry or maple). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 350°F.
- Brush the mushroom caps with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Grill the mushrooms for 8-10 minutes per side, or until tender.
- Serve as a main dish or a hearty side.
3. Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Ingredients:
Elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, breadcrumbs, wood pellets (hickory or apple). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 375°F.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
- Combine macaroni, shredded cheddar, milk, and butter in a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Smoke on the grill for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pair these vegetarian recipes with our Blackstone Recipes: 25 Easy & Delicious Meals for even more options.
Side Dishes
Complete your meal with Traeger recipes for smoked corn, grilled vegetables, and indulgent desserts like peach cobbler.
1. Smoked Corn on the Cob
- Ingredients:
Fresh corn (husked), butter, salt, pepper, wood pellets (mesquite or hickory). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 350°F.
- Brush the corn with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve with additional butter and a sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor.
For more corn grilling ideas, check out Traeger’s Smoked Corn Recipes.
2. Traeger Grilled Vegetables
- Ingredients:
Zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, olive oil, garlic powder, wood pellets (apple or pecan). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 375°F.
- Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil and garlic powder.
- Spread the vegetables in a grill-safe basket or on a foil-lined tray.
- Grill for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
3. Smoked Baked Potatoes
- Ingredients:
Russet potatoes, olive oil, coarse salt, wood pellets (hickory or mesquite). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 225°F.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates and smoke for 2-3 hours, or until soft.
- Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, and chives before serving.
Desserts on the Traeger
1. Smoked Peach Cobbler
- Ingredients:
Fresh peaches (sliced), sugar, cinnamon, biscuit dough, butter, wood pellets (cherry or apple). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 350°F.
- Toss sliced peaches with sugar and cinnamon. Place them in a cast-iron skillet.
- Drop pieces of biscuit dough on top and dot with butter.
- Bake on the grill for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling.
For more dessert ideas, visit Traeger’s Dessert Recipes.
2. Grilled Pineapple
- Ingredients:
Fresh pineapple rings, brown sugar, cinnamon, wood pellets (maple or pecan). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 375°F.
- Sprinkle the pineapple rings with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Grill the pineapple for 3-5 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tropical treat.
3. Smoked Chocolate Brownies
- Ingredients:
Brownie mix, eggs, butter, water, wood pellets (cherry or hickory). - Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 325°F.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to package instructions and pour it into a grill-safe baking dish.
- Place the dish on the grill and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until set.
- Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Pair these desserts with savory dishes like our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe for a well-rounded meal.
Tips for Perfect Grilling
Using your Traeger grill effectively requires understanding its features and taking advantage of its versatility. Here are some essential tips:
1. Use the Right Pellets
- Different wood pellets impart unique flavors to your dishes. For example:
- Hickory: Ideal for pork and beef.
- Apple: Perfect for chicken, fish, and desserts.
- Mesquite: Great for bold flavors like brisket or ribs.
- Always use high-quality Traeger-approved pellets to ensure consistent performance and flavor. Learn more about pellets at Traeger’s Pellet Guide.
2. Maintain Consistent Temperature
- Preheat the grill fully before cooking to stabilize the temperature.
- Avoid opening the lid frequently, as it causes temperature fluctuations and delays cooking times.
3. Experiment with Smoke Levels
- Use the “Super Smoke” feature, if available, to intensify the smoky flavor for meats and veggies.
- For a lighter touch, grill at higher temperatures with minimal smoke.
4. Clean and Maintain Your Grill
- After each use, clean the grates and remove ash from the fire pot to maintain airflow.
- Periodically check the auger and hopper for any pellet jams or blockages.
For detailed maintenance tips, visit BBQGuys’ Pellet Grill Maintenance Guide.
FAQs
1. Can I use a Traeger for baking?
Yes! Traeger grills work like convection ovens, making them perfect for baking cakes, bread, and desserts. Just preheat to the desired temperature and use grill-safe baking dishes.
2. How do I get the best smoke flavor?
To maximize smoke flavor for Traeger recipes:
- Cook at lower temperatures (around 225°F) for longer periods.
- Use hardwood pellets like hickory or mesquite for stronger flavor profiles.
3. What pellets should I use for different recipes?
- Fruit woods (apple, cherry): Great for chicken, pork, and desserts.
- Hardwoods (oak, hickory): Best for beef and brisket.
- Blended woods: Versatile for general grilling and smoking.
4. How do I grill pizza on a Traeger?
Preheat the grill to 450°F, roll out the dough, and place it directly on the grates. Add your toppings and cook until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
5. Can I smoke and grill on the same Traeger?
Absolutely! Start by smoking your meat at a low temperature to infuse flavor, then increase the heat to grill and sear for the perfect finish.
Conclusion
Traeger grills are a game-changer for anyone who loves outdoor cooking. From smoked meats and grilled veggies to baked desserts, their versatility allows you to experiment with endless recipes. These Traeger recipes are just the beginning of what you can create with a pellet grill.
For more inspiration, pair these dishes with options from our Blackstone Recipes: 25 Easy & Delicious Meals or try a hearty comfort food like our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe.
So fire up your Traeger, load those pellets, and enjoy the flavorful possibilities of grilling, smoking, and beyond. Your backyard gatherings will never be the same again!