What Is Good to Cook on a Traeger?

by
Traeger

Traeger grills have revolutionized outdoor cooking by offering unparalleled versatility and ease of use. Powered by wood pellets, these grills are perfect for smoking, grilling, roasting, baking, and even braising. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to cook on a Traeger.

From juicy smoked brisket to flavorful grilled vegetables, Traeger grills allow you to explore a variety of recipes. Their ability to maintain consistent heat and impart a rich, smoky flavor to food makes them a favorite among backyard chefs.

This guide will cover 25 mouthwatering ideas to help you decide what is good to cook on a Traeger. For more inspiration, explore our Traeger Recipes: 25 Easy Ideas for Your Grill for an expanded recipe list.

Smoked Meats

Smoking meat on a Traeger grill is a must-try experience. The combination of slow cooking and wood-fired flavor produces incredibly tender and flavorful dishes.

1. Smoked Brisket

  • Ingredients:
    Beef brisket, Traeger beef rub, oak or mesquite pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat the Traeger to 225°F.
    2. Season the brisket with Traeger beef rub.
    3. Smoke for 6–8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Wrap the brisket in butcher paper and continue cooking until it reaches 203°F.
    4. Let it rest for 1 hour before slicing.

Smoked brisket is perfect for family gatherings and pairs well with our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe for a hearty meal.

2. Pulled Pork

  • Ingredients:
    Pork shoulder (Boston butt), Traeger pork rub, applewood pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat the grill to 225°F.
    2. Generously season the pork shoulder with Traeger pork rub.
    3. Smoke for 8–10 hours until the internal temperature reaches 195°F.
    4. Shred the meat with forks and serve with barbecue sauce.

Pulled pork sandwiches are a hit at parties and backyard barbecues.

3. Smoked Chicken Wings

  • Ingredients:
    Chicken wings, Traeger chicken rub, cherrywood pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat the grill to 350°F.
    2. Coat the wings with chicken rub and place them directly on the grill.
    3. Smoke for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
    4. Brush with barbecue sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

These smoky, tender wings are great for game day or as a starter.

For more meat ideas, check out Pellet Grill Tips & Tricks to Help You Master Your Grill.

Grilled Favorites

Grilling on a Traeger is as easy as turning a knob. The grill’s consistent heat ensures perfectly cooked dishes every time.

4. Grilled Steak with Garlic Butter

  • Ingredients:
    Ribeye steak, sea salt, black pepper, garlic butter, mesquite pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat the Traeger to 450°F for high-heat grilling.
    2. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
    3. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side or until your desired doneness is achieved.
    4. Brush with garlic butter before serving.

Grilled steak on a Traeger is rich and smoky, making it a centerpiece for any meal. Pair it with a side like our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe for a complete dinner.

5. Grilled Vegetables

  • Ingredients:
    Zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, olive oil, garlic powder, applewood pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
    2. Toss them in olive oil and season with garlic powder.
    3. Grill at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Grilled vegetables are a healthy and colorful addition to any meal.

6. Grilled Pizza

  • Ingredients:
    Pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, toppings of your choice, cherrywood pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat the grill to 450°F.
    2. Roll out the pizza dough and spread marinara sauce evenly.
    3. Add mozzarella and your favorite toppings.
    4. Grill for 10–15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Grilled pizza brings a wood-fired taste to your homemade pie, rivaling any pizzeria!

Baked Goods

Traeger grills aren’t just for meats and vegetables—they can also bake amazing breads, casseroles, and desserts.

7. Smoked Mac and Cheese

  • Ingredients:
    Elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, breadcrumbs, hickory pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
    2. Combine macaroni with shredded cheddar, milk, and butter in a grill-safe dish.
    3. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Smoked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and has a hint of smoky flavor that elevates this comfort food classic.

8. Traeger Cornbread

  • Ingredients:
    Cornmeal, flour, eggs, buttermilk, honey, maplewood pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Mix the ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
    2. Pour into a cast-iron skillet and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

This cornbread pairs perfectly with barbecue dishes like pulled pork or brisket.

9. Smoked Peach Cobbler

  • Ingredients:
    Fresh peaches, sugar, cinnamon, biscuit dough, butter, cherrywood pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Toss sliced peaches with sugar and cinnamon and place in a grill-safe dish.
    2. Drop pieces of biscuit dough on top and dot with butter.
    3. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

Smoked peach cobbler is a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. For more dessert ideas, visit Traeger’s Official Recipe Collection.

Seafood and Healthy Options

Traeger grills are excellent for cooking seafood and health-conscious meals, delivering incredible flavor while retaining nutrients.

10. Grilled Salmon

  • Ingredients:
    Salmon fillets, olive oil, dill, lemon slices, alderwood pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat the Traeger to 350°F.
    2. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with dill.
    3. Place the fillets skin-side down on the grill and cook for 15–20 minutes.
    4. Garnish with lemon slices before serving.

Grilled salmon is healthy, light, and pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

11. Smoked Trout

  • Ingredients:
    Whole trout, olive oil, salt, pepper, cherrywood pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat the grill to 225°F.
    2. Clean the trout and rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    3. Smoke for 2 hours or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Smoked trout is perfect for making sandwiches, salads, or enjoying as is.

12. Vegetable Kebabs

  • Ingredients:
    Cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, red onion chunks, bell peppers, olive oil, garlic powder, applewood pellets.
  • Instructions:
    1. Skewer the vegetables onto bamboo or metal skewers.
    2. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.
    3. Grill at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally.

These colorful kebabs are a healthy addition to any barbecue. For more ideas on grilled vegetables, check out our Blackstone Recipes.

Tips for Cooking on a Traeger

Mastering your Traeger grill takes practice and a few key tips to maximize your results.

1. Choose the Right Pellets

  • Each type of wood pellet imparts a unique flavor. Use the right one to complement your dish:
    • Hickory or Mesquite: Best for red meats like brisket and ribs.
    • Apple or Cherry: Perfect for chicken, pork, and desserts.
    • Alder or Maple: Great for seafood and vegetables.

For more guidance, visit BBQGuys’ Pellet Grill Tips.

2. Maintain Consistent Temperature

  • Always preheat your Traeger grill fully before adding food to ensure even cooking.
  • Avoid opening the lid frequently, as this can cause temperature fluctuations.

3. Clean and Care for Your Traeger

  • Remove ash from the fire pot after every few uses to maintain airflow.
  • Clean the grates with a grill brush after cooking to prevent residue buildup.

FAQs

1. What Pellets Work Best for Meat?

For meats like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, hickory and mesquite pellets deliver bold, smoky flavors. For milder meats like chicken or fish, use apple, cherry, or pecan pellets.

2. Can I Bake Desserts on a Traeger?

Yes! Traeger grills function like convection ovens, making them perfect for baking. Use a grill-safe dish and follow standard baking temperatures and times.

3. Is Traeger Cooking Beginner-Friendly?

Absolutely! Traeger grills are designed to be user-friendly, with precise temperature controls and a wide range of recipes available. Beginners can start with simple dishes like grilled chicken or vegetables before exploring more advanced recipes.

Conclusion

Traeger grills are a game-changer for outdoor cooking, offering endless possibilities for smoked, grilled, and baked dishes. Whether you’re craving juicy smoked brisket, perfectly grilled vegetables, or a decadent dessert like smoked peach cobbler, Traeger grills make it easy to elevate your meals.

Experiment with these 25 ideas to discover what is good to cook on a Traeger. For more grilling inspiration, check out our Traeger Recipes: 25 Easy Ideas for Your Grill or explore Blackstone Recipes for complementary dishes.

So, fire up your Traeger, load the wood pellets, and enjoy the delicious possibilities that await in your backyard!

Leave a Comment