Introduction
Traeger recipes have become a staple for grilling enthusiasts, offering bold wood-fired flavors for every meal, traeger grills have revolutionized the way we cook outdoors, combining the convenience of modern technology with the unbeatable flavor of wood-fired cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard barbecue enthusiast, a Traeger grill offers unmatched versatility. From perfectly smoked meats to creative desserts, Traeger recipes bring out the best in every dish, making them a must-have for anyone who loves bold, smoky flavors.
What sets Traeger grills apart is their ability to maintain precise temperatures, ensuring consistent results every time. This makes them perfect for low-and-slow cooking, high-heat grilling, and everything in between. Plus, with a variety of wood pellet flavors to choose from—like hickory, apple, and mesquite—you can customize each recipe to match your taste preferences.
In this guide, we’ll explore a wide range of Traeger recipes, from classic smoked meats to creative dishes you might not expect from a grill. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, these recipes are sure to impress.
Classic Traeger Recipes
Traeger recipesn grills are synonymous with mouthwatering classics that define backyard barbecues and weekend cookouts. These tried-and-true recipes are perfect for beginners and seasoned grillmasters alike, offering rich, smoky flavors that showcase the grill’s versatility.
Smoked Chicken Thighs
Juicy and flavorful smoked chicken thighs are a versatile option for any meal.
Ingredients for Smoked Chicken Thighs
Before starting, gather these simple ingredients:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Traeger wood pellets (cherry or apple recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Smoked Chicken Thighs
First, preheat your Traeger to 225°F. While the grill heats up, pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
Next, rub the thighs with olive oil and generously season them with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat each piece evenly for the best flavor.
After that, place the chicken thighs on the grill, skin-side up. Smoke them slowly for about 1.5–2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Finally, if you’d like crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook the thighs for an additional 5–10 minutes. This step creates a golden-brown, crispy finish that’s irresistible.
Tip: Serve your smoked chicken thighs alongside roasted vegetables or a light salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
les or a light salad for a complete meal.
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone ribs are a staple of any Traeger cookout.
- Ingredients: Baby back ribs, BBQ seasoning, apple juice, and BBQ sauce.
- Instructions:
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and coat with BBQ seasoning.
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F and place the ribs on the grill.
- After 3 hours, wrap the ribs in foil with a splash of apple juice and return to the grill for 2 hours.
- Unwrap, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill for an additional hour.
Tip: Use cherry wood pellets for a subtle sweetness that complements the sauce.
Grilled Salmon Steaks
Perfectly grilled salmon steaks are rich, flaky, and delicious.
Ingredients for Grilled Salmon Steaks
To start, make sure you have these ingredients ready:
- Salmon steaks (or fillets)
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Traeger wood pellets (alder or cherry recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Salmon Steaks
First, preheat your Traeger to 375°F. While waiting, brush the salmon with olive oil and drizzle it with fresh lemon juice.
Then, sprinkle the salmon with salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley. These flavors complement the natural richness of the salmon.
Next, place the salmon on the grill and cook it for 12–15 minutes, flipping it halfway through. This ensures even cooking and helps the fish develop a light char.
Finally, check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork to confirm that it’s done. Remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tip: Pair your grilled salmon steaks with grilled asparagus or a side of rice pilaf for a nutritious and elegant dinner.
Wood-Fired Pizza
Turn your Traeger into a pizza oven for crispy, wood-fired crusts.
- Ingredients: Pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings.
- Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 500°F with a pizza stone inside.
- Roll out the dough, add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then transfer to the hot pizza stone.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Tip: Experiment with different wood pellets, like pecan or oak, for unique flavor profiles.
Creative Traeger Recipes
Traeger grills aren’t just for classic BBQ—they’re also perfect for experimenting with bold flavors and unexpected dishes. These creative recipes will inspire you to think outside the box and use your Traeger in innovative ways.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Smoked mac and cheese adds a rich, wood-fired flavor to this comfort food favorite.
with a smoky twist.
Ingredients for Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Elbow macaroni
- Sharp cheddar and gouda cheese
- Butter, flour, milk, and cream
- Breadcrumbs for topping
How to Make Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Boil the macaroni and set aside.
- Create a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheeses.
- Combine the sauce and macaroni in a cast-iron skillet, then top with breadcrumbs.
- Smoke on your Traeger at 225°F for 30–45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tip: Use apple or hickory wood pellets for an extra smoky touch.
Cedar-Plank Salmon
Elevate your salmon with the subtle aroma of cedar and smoke.
Ingredients for Cedar-Plank Salmon
- Salmon fillet
- Olive oil, lemon juice, and dill
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Cedar-Plank Salmon
- Soak a cedar plank in water for 1 hour.
- Season the salmon with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices.
- Smoke on your Traeger at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Tip: Alder wood pellets are ideal for seafood dishes.
Traeger-Roasted Vegetables
Give your vegetables a smoky twist with this easy recipe.
- Ingredients: Zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Instructions:
- Toss chopped vegetables with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Preheat your Traeger to 400°F and place the vegetables on a grilling basket or tray.
- Roast for 15–20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and slightly charred.
Tip: Use cherry wood pellets to enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Smoked Desserts
Your Traeger recipes can even handle sweet creations like desserts!
- Example 1: Smoked Apple Crisp
- Combine sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats, and bake in a cast-iron skillet at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Example 2: Smoked Peach Cobbler
- Layer fresh peaches with a biscuit topping and smoke at 375°F for 40 minutes.
Tip: Use pecan or maple wood pellets to add a subtle sweetness that complements desserts.
Healthy Traeger Recipes
Grilling doesn’t have to mean indulgence—Traeger recipes grills are perfect for preparing light, nutritious, and flavorful meals. These healthy recipes make the most of wood-fired cooking while keeping calories and fat in check.
Grilled Chicken Breast
Juicy and tender chicken breasts are a lean protein staple.
- Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 375°F.
- Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the chicken directly on the grill grates and cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tip: Use apple or pecan wood pellets for a mild, sweet flavor that complements poultry.
Smoked Turkey Breast
A flavorful alternative to traditional turkey preparation.
- Ingredients: Turkey breast, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary.
- Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
- Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary.
- Smoke for 2–3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tip: Pair with hickory wood pellets for a robust, smoky flavor.
Grilled Zucchini and Squash
A simple yet delicious way to enjoy summer vegetables.
- Ingredients: Zucchini, yellow squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Instructions:
- Slice zucchini and squash into long, even strips. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat your Traeger to 400°F and place the vegetables directly on the grill grates.
- Grill for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly charred.
Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after grilling for extra brightness.
Traeger-Smoked Tofu
A smoky, plant-based protein option that’s packed with flavor.
- Ingredients: Firm tofu, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and olive oil.
- Instructions:
- Press and drain the tofu, then slice into thick slabs.
- Marinate the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F and smoke the tofu for 1 hour.
- Increase the temperature to 375°F and grill for 10–15 minutes to crisp up the edges.
Tip: Use mesquite wood pellets to add a bold smoky flavor to the tofu.
Traeger Recipes for Special Occasions
When it’s time to celebrate, your Traeger recipes grill can help you create show-stopping dishes that are sure to impress. From holiday meals to backyard gatherings, these recipes elevate any occasion with rich, wood-fired flavors.
Smoked Brisket
A tender, flavorful brisket is a centerpiece-worthy dish for barbecues and family gatherings.
- Ingredients: Beef brisket, mustard, BBQ rub, and Traeger wood pellets (oak or hickory recommended).
- Instructions:
- Trim excess fat from the brisket and coat it with mustard, followed by a generous layer of BBQ rub.
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F and place the brisket on the grill, fat side up.
- Smoke for 6–8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Wrap the brisket in butcher paper or foil and continue smoking until it reaches 204°F.
- Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Tip: Serve with homemade BBQ sauce and classic sides like cornbread or coleslaw.
Whole Smoked Turkey
Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering.
- Ingredients: Whole turkey, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh thyme.
- Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
- Rub the turkey inside and out with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Place the turkey directly on the grill and smoke for 3–4 hours. Increase the temperature to 350°F and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Tip: Use apple wood pellets for a subtly sweet and smoky flavor.
Smoked Prime Rib
A luxurious, show-stopping roast for special celebrations.
- Ingredients: Prime rib roast, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary.
- Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
- Rub the prime rib with olive oil and season liberally with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and rosemary.
- Place the roast on the grill and smoke for 3–4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare.
- Rest for 20–30 minutes before slicing.
Tip: Serve with horseradish sauce and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfecting Traeger Recipes
To make the most of your Traeger grill and achieve the best results, it’s essential to follow some key practices. These tips will help you elevate your Traeger recipes, ensuring consistency, flavor, and success every time you cook.
Choosing the Right Wood Pellets
The type of wood pellets you use significantly impacts the flavor of your food.
- Fruity Flavors: Apple, cherry, and pecan are great for poultry, pork, and desserts.
- Bold Flavors: Hickory, mesquite, and oak work well for beef, brisket, and game meats.
- Balanced Options: Alder and maple are versatile and can be used for fish, vegetables, and lighter meats.
Tip: Experiment with pellet blends to create unique flavor combinations.
Maintaining Consistent Temperature
Temperature control is critical for successful smoking and grilling.
- Preheat your Traeger for at least 15 minutes to ensure an even cooking environment.
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperatures for perfect doneness.
- Avoid frequently opening the grill lid, as it causes temperature fluctuations.
Tip: If cooking in cold weather, use a Traeger insulation blanket to maintain steady heat.
Prepping Your Grill Properly
A well-prepared grill sets the stage for a seamless cooking experience.
- Clean the grill grates before and after every use to prevent residue buildup.
- Ensure the hopper is filled with fresh pellets to avoid interruptions during cooking.
- Check the grease trap and empty it regularly to prevent flare-ups.
Tip: Season your grill grates with oil before cooking to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
Experimenting with Rubs and Marinades
Rubs and marinades are an excellent way to add depth and variety to your recipes.
- Create your own spice blends using herbs, spices, and sugars tailored to your dish.
- Marinades with acidic components like citrus or vinegar tenderize meats while adding flavor.
- Apply dry rubs generously before grilling, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes for optimal absorption.
Tip: For maximum flavor, marinate meats overnight in the refrigerator before grilling or smoking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Traeger grills offer incredible versatility, but you might still have questions about getting the most out of your recipes. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:
Can I cook desserts on a Traeger grill?
Yes, Traeger grills are excellent for making desserts. From smoked apple crisps to peach cobblers and even wood-fired cheesecakes, the grill adds a unique smoky flavor that elevates traditional sweets. Use cast-iron skillets or baking dishes for the best results.
How do I clean my Traeger grill after smoking?
After the grill cools down, remove and clean the grates with a grill brush. Empty the grease trap and clean the drip pan to avoid buildup. For deep cleaning, vacuum out any ash from the firepot using a shop vacuum. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and prevents flare-ups.
Can I use my Traeger grill in cold weather?
Yes, Traeger grills are designed to perform year-round, even in cold weather. To maintain consistent temperatures, use a Traeger grill insulation blanket and keep the grill out of strong wind. Preheating the grill for a few extra minutes also helps during colder months.
What are the best types of wood pellets to use?
The best wood pellets depend on what you’re cooking:
- Apple and Cherry: Perfect for pork, chicken, and desserts.
- Hickory and Mesquite: Ideal for beef and brisket for bold, smoky flavors.
- Maple and Alder: Great for fish, vegetables, and lighter dishes.
Tip: Experiment with blends to create unique flavor profiles.
How long does it take to smoke a brisket?
Smoking a brisket on a Traeger typically takes 10–15 hours, depending on its size and the smoking temperature. At 225°F, plan for 1.5 hours per pound. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 204°F for maximum tenderness.
Are Traeger grills good for beginners?
Yes, Traeger grills are beginner-friendly. Their digital controllers and consistent temperature management make it easy to achieve great results without extensive grilling experience. The Traeger app and community also offer recipes and tips for new users.
Conclusion
Traeger grills are a game-changer for anyone who loves cooking with bold, smoky flavors. From classic smoked meats to creative desserts and healthy options, the versatility of these grills makes them a must-have for backyard chefs and experienced grillmasters alike.
With the wide variety of recipes outlined in this guide, you can use your Traeger to create show-stopping dishes for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a holiday celebration. By experimenting with wood pellet flavors, rubs, and marinades, you can unlock the full potential of your grill and bring out the best in every meal.
So fire up your Traeger and get cooking—there’s no limit to the delicious creations you can make!