When it comes to grilling, there’s nothing quite like the flavor you get from a Traeger grill. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your grilling journey, using a Traeger grill opens up a world of culinary possibilities. With wood pellets as your secret weapon, your food is bound to develop a rich, smoky taste that no other grill can replicate. From perfectly cooked meats to irresistible sides and even decadent desserts, your Traeger grill can do it all. In this article, we’ll take you through 10 of the best Traeger recipes that guarantee perfectly grilled meats, sides, and desserts that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
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Why Traeger Grills Are the Ultimate Grilling Companion
If you’ve ever used a Traeger grill, you already know that the experience is nothing short of magical. Traeger grills use wood pellets to produce both heat and smoke, giving your food that irresistible smoky flavor that can’t be replicated by any other method. But beyond the flavor, the ease and convenience of cooking with a Traeger are unmatched.
Traegers are known for their user-friendly features, including precise temperature control, which ensures consistent cooking results every time. Whether you’re grilling at high heat for a quick cook or low and slow for the perfect smoke, Traeger grills give you the flexibility to do it all. The pellet system also provides a set-it-and-forget-it convenience, so you can spend less time hovering over the grill and more time enjoying the company of your friends and family.
What’s more, the versatility of a Traeger grill extends beyond just grilling meats. You can bake, roast, smoke, and even braise your food, making it the ideal appliance for everything from breakfast to dessert. With a Traeger grill, the possibilities are endless.
Now that you understand why Traeger grills are so amazing, let’s dive into the 10 best recipes that will help you unlock the full potential of your Traeger.
5 Best Traeger Recipes for Perfectly Grilled Meats
1. Juicy Traeger Ribs: Fall-Off-The-Bone Perfection
Nothing beats the tender, smoky goodness of ribs cooked on a Traeger. The low and slow cooking method makes these ribs fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving up a family dinner or hosting a BBQ party, these ribs are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the Ribs: Start by removing the membrane from the back of the ribs. Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Generously rub this spice mix on both sides of the ribs.
- Preheat Your Traeger: Set your Traeger to 225°F and use your favorite wood pellets. Applewood or hickory work best for a deep, smoky flavor.
- Smoke the Ribs: Place the ribs on the grill bone-side down and cook for 3 hours, ensuring the temperature stays consistent.
- Optional Glaze: If you want to add a glossy finish, brush your BBQ sauce over the ribs during the last 15 minutes of grilling.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ribs rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Perfect Ribs:
- Wrapping in Foil: To make the ribs extra tender, wrap them in foil after smoking for about 2 hours, then unwrap for the last 45 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
- Experiment with Rubs and Sauces: Feel free to play around with different seasonings and sauces. Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat or using a fruit-based BBQ sauce for sweetness.
2. Traeger Grilled Chicken: Crispy Skin, Tender Meat
A whole chicken cooked on the Traeger is a showstopper. The skin becomes perfectly crispy while the meat stays juicy and tender, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a delicious roast chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken halves with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure the seasoning gets under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger to 375°F.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken halves skin-side down on the grill and cook for 45 minutes. Afterward, flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Tips:
- Brining: To ensure extra juicy chicken, brine it for 2-4 hours before cooking.
- Butter Basting: For a richer flavor, baste the chicken with melted butter while it cooks.
3. Smoked Traeger Brisket: Slow-Cooked to Smoky Perfection
Brisket is one of the most iconic smoked meats, and with a Traeger grill, you can achieve mouthwatering tenderness and deep smoky flavor. This recipe requires patience but delivers a result that’s worth the wait.
Ingredients:
- 5 lb beef brisket
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of paprika
- 2 tablespoons of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
Instructions:
- Season the Brisket: Coat the brisket generously with the seasoning mixture. Rub it into all sides for even coverage.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger to 225°F and use a flavorful wood like oak or hickory for the perfect smoky profile.
- Smoke the Brisket: Place the brisket on the grill and smoke for 10-12 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches around 200°F.
- Rest the Brisket: After smoking, wrap the brisket in foil and let it rest for 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips:
- Spritzing: Keep the brisket moist by spritzing it with apple cider vinegar or beef broth every few hours during the smoking process.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: A digital meat thermometer is your best friend when smoking brisket. Make sure to check the temperature to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
4. Grilled Traeger Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter
Salmon is one of the easiest fish to cook on the Traeger, and it pairs wonderfully with the light, refreshing taste of lemon-dill butter. It’s a perfect option for a healthy yet indulgent meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup of butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Make the Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter with dill and lemon juice.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger to 350°F.
- Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the grill skin-side down. Grill for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Top with Butter: In the final few minutes of cooking, spoon the lemon-dill butter over the salmon to melt and infuse the flavor.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when it’s tender and flaky, so keep an eye on it and check for doneness with a fork.
- Wood Choice: For a mild smoky flavor, try alder or cedar pellets.
5. Traeger Smoked Turkey: A Holiday Classic
Smoking a whole turkey on the Traeger is a game-changer. The result is a juicy, tender bird with a deep, smoky flavor, perfect for any holiday or special gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup of fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh rosemary, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the Turkey: Rub the turkey with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure the seasoning gets under the skin for the best flavor.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger to 225°F.
- Smoke the Turkey: Place the turkey on the grill and cook for 5-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the turkey to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Tips:
- Basting: Baste the turkey with melted butter or a broth mixture every hour to keep it moist.
- Stuffing: Stuff the turkey with aromatics like onions, garlic, and citrus for extra flavor.
3 Must-Try Sides to Complement Your Traeger Meats
6. Traeger Grilled Vegetables: Smoky and Flavorful
Grilled vegetables on the Traeger are elevated by the wood pellet smoke, making them the perfect complement to your main dishes. From bell peppers to zucchini, this side dish is simple but full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms (as much as desired)
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Vegetables: Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger to 400°F.
- Grill the Vegetables: Place the vegetables on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through for even cooking.
Tips:
- Use a Grill Basket: If you’re grilling small vegetables like mushrooms, consider using a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Finish the vegetables with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
7. Traeger Baked Beans: Smoky, Sweet & Savory
Baked beans cooked on the Traeger absorb the wood smoke, giving them a unique flavor that’s perfect for any BBQ spread.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of baked beans
- 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain and set it aside.
- Prepare the Beans: In a large bowl, combine the baked beans with brown sugar, mustard, chopped onion, and cooked bacon.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger to 225°F.
- Bake the Beans: Place the beans in a foil pan and cook for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Tips:
- Customize the Flavor: You can add other ingredients like diced jalapeños for a kick or a splash of whiskey for a richer flavor.
- Make Ahead: This side dish is great for making ahead and reheating during the BBQ.
8. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Corn on the cob cooked on the Traeger is a must-try. The natural sweetness of the corn is enhanced by the smoky flavor, and when paired with herb butter, it becomes the perfect side dish.
Ingredients:
- 6 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Corn: Preheat your Traeger to 350°F. Brush the corn with olive oil and season with salt.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Make Herb Butter: Mix the softened butter with chopped parsley and garlic powder.
- Serve: Slather the grilled corn with the herb butter before serving.
Tips:
- Use Foil for Extra Tenderness: If you prefer softer corn, wrap the husked corn in foil before grilling.
- Add Parmesan: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered corn.
3 Decadent Traeger Desserts
9. Traeger Smoked Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is a fall classic, and when cooked on the Traeger, it takes on a smoky, caramelized flavor that will have you hooked.
Ingredients:
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Toss the sliced apples with cinnamon and place them in a baking dish.
- Make the Topping: In a bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly and spread over the apples.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger to 350°F.
- Bake: Place the apple crisp in the Traeger and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Tips:
- Add Walnuts: For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the topping.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
10. Traeger Smoked Cheesecake
Yes, you can make cheesecake on a Traeger grill, and it’s incredible. The subtle smoky flavor adds an unexpected depth to this classic dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Make the Filling: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, mixing in vanilla extract.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger to 225°F.
- Bake: Place the cheesecake on the grill and cook for 2 hours, until set and slightly firm to the touch.
Tips:
- Water Bath: For a creamier texture, bake the cheesecake in a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with water.
- Top with Fruit: Serve with fresh berries or fruit compote for a delicious finishing touch.
Conclusion
The versatility of a Traeger grill is unparalleled, and these 10 recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the incredible flavors and textures that you can achieve with this grilling powerhouse. Whether you’re preparing juicy ribs, tender chicken, or even smoking a perfect brisket, Traeger recipes take your grilling experience to new heights. The ease of use, combined with the unique smoky flavor imparted by the wood pellets, ensures that your dishes will always be infused with a delicious depth of flavor that can’t be replicated by other cooking methods.
What truly sets Traeger apart is its ability to seamlessly move from grilling meats to baking, roasting, and even smoking desserts. The inclusion of Traeger-friendly sides, such as the smoky grilled vegetables or baked beans, adds an exciting complement to your main dishes, making every meal an unforgettable experience. And don’t forget about desserts—whether it’s a smoky apple crisp or a decadent cheesecake, Traeger opens up endless possibilities for creating mouthwatering treats that will wow your family and friends.
The beauty of Traeger cooking lies in the convenience it offers. Thanks to the precision temperature control, you can cook your meals to perfection without the constant need to monitor the grill. This gives you the freedom to spend more time enjoying your guests and less time tending to the grill. Whether you’re hosting a casual weekend get-together or a holiday feast, the results will always be spectacular.
So, why not take your grilling game to the next level? Try out these 10 Traeger recipes, and discover how this amazing grill can transform the way you cook and eat. The rich, smoky flavors and tender textures will undoubtedly make your meals memorable and keep everyone coming back for more.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—Traeger grills are designed to make your cooking journey as enjoyable as the food you create. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So fire up your Traeger, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your guests with perfectly grilled meats, flavorful sides, and delightful desserts that will keep them coming back for more. Happy grilling!