Cooking on a Traeger is an absolute game changer for anyone who loves barbecue, smoked meats, and even baked goods. With its wood pellet system, the Traeger grill combines rich, smoky flavors with convenience, making it one of the most versatile grills on the market. Today, we’re going to explore the best dishes to cook on a Traeger, from classic smoked brisket to creative smoked mac and cheese. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pitmaster, these recipes will help you get the most out of your Traeger grill.
What Makes Cooking on a Traeger Special?
When it comes to grilling, Traeger grills stand out for their ability to infuse food with wood-fired flavor while maintaining consistent temperatures. Whether you’re smoking meats, roasting vegetables, or even baking desserts, a Traeger ensures that your dishes come out perfectly cooked every time. This grill is perfect for those who want a rich, smoky flavor without having to babysit a fire for hours.
The beauty of cooking on a Traeger is the grill’s versatility. You can cook everything from pulled pork and smoked chicken to pies and cookies, all while enjoying the convenience of a set-it-and-forget-it cooking method. Below, we’ll break down some of the best dishes to cook on a Traeger, focusing on the best meats and accompaniments that truly shine on this grill.
1. Smoked Brisket: A Traeger Masterpiece
Why It’s One of the Best Dishes to Cook on a Traeger:
Brisket is considered the ultimate test of a pitmaster’s skill, but with a Traeger, you can achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful brisket without the stress. The Traeger’s consistent temperature and wood pellets allow the brisket to smoke slowly, resulting in meat that’s packed with smoky goodness.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb beef brisket
- Traeger Beef Rub or your favorite brisket rub
- Yellow mustard
- 1 cup beef broth (for spritzing)
Necessary Tools:
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil or butcher paper
- Spray bottle for basting
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
- Trim excess fat from the brisket, leaving about ¼ inch of fat on top.
- Apply a thin layer of mustard to help the rub stick, then coat the brisket with Traeger Beef Rub.
- Place the brisket on the grill and smoke for 6-8 hours, spritzing with beef broth every hour.
- When the internal temperature reaches 165°F, wrap the brisket in foil or butcher paper.
- Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 203°F.
- Let the brisket rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tip:
Spritzing the brisket with beef broth keeps it moist while forming a flavorful bark, which is key to great smoked brisket.
What to Serve With Brisket:
Serve this Traeger smoked brisket with smoked mac and cheese, coleslaw, and pickles for a full barbecue experience.
For a unique dessert to follow your meal, check out this raspberry cheesecake recipe, a perfect sweet treat to complement your savory brisket.
2. Smoked Ribs: A Barbecue Favorite
Why Ribs Are One of the Best Dishes to Cook on a Traeger:
Ribs are a crowd favorite, and cooking them on a Traeger elevates their flavor to new heights. The grill’s low-and-slow smoking process ensures that the ribs become tender and juicy, while the wood pellets add an unbeatable smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 racks of pork ribs
- Traeger Pork Rub or homemade rub
- Apple cider vinegar (for spritzing)
- Barbecue sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs, then generously season with your rub of choice.
- Smoke the ribs for 3 hours, spritzing with apple cider vinegar every hour.
- Wrap the ribs in foil and continue cooking for another 2 hours.
- Unwrap, apply barbecue sauce if desired, and cook for an additional hour.
- Allow the ribs to rest before slicing.
Pro Tip:
The 3-2-1 method (3 hours smoking, 2 hours wrapped, and 1 hour unwrapped) ensures perfectly cooked ribs every time.
What to Serve With Smoked Ribs:
Ribs pair wonderfully with grilled corn, coleslaw, and potato salad. For a sweet follow-up, try this cinnamon sugar pizza dough.
3. Pulled Pork: A Traeger Classic
Why Pulled Pork Is a Top Choice on a Traeger:
Pulled pork is another barbecue staple that shines on a Traeger grill. The consistent low temperature ensures that the pork shoulder breaks down slowly, making it tender enough to pull apart with ease.
Ingredients:
- 8-10 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt)
- Traeger Pork Rub or your favorite pork rub
- Apple cider vinegar (for spritzing)
- Barbecue sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
- Rub the pork generously with Traeger Pork Rub.
- Place the pork shoulder on the grill and smoke for 8-12 hours, spritzing with apple cider vinegar every hour.
- When the internal temperature reaches 195°F, remove the pork from the grill and let it rest.
- Shred the pork and mix with barbecue sauce if desired.
Pro Tip:
Use applewood pellets for pulled pork to add a sweeter, fruitier smoke.
What to Serve With Pulled Pork:
Pulled pork is great on sandwiches, served with coleslaw, or alongside cornbread. For a fun dessert idea, see what makes fried chicken ice cream so special.
4. Smoked Salmon: A Healthy Option
Why Salmon Is One of the Best Dishes to Cook on a Traeger:
Smoked salmon is perfect for those looking for a lighter yet flavorful meal. Traeger’s precise temperature control ensures that the salmon remains moist while absorbing just the right amount of smoke.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb salmon fillet
- Traeger Fin & Feather Rub or lemon-dill seasoning
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 180°F for a gentle smoke.
- Rub the salmon with olive oil and season with Fin & Feather Rub.
- Smoke the salmon for 1-2 hours, depending on the thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Serve with fresh dill and lemon wedges.
Pro Tip:
Place the salmon on a cedar plank for an extra layer of flavor.
What to Serve With Smoked Salmon:
Pair smoked salmon with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a sweet conclusion to your meal, try this recipe for cake mix cookies.
5. Smoked Turkey: A Holiday Favorite
Why Smoked Turkey Is One of the Best Dishes for Your Traeger:
If you want to impress your guests during the holidays, look no further than smoked turkey. Cooking the bird on a Traeger ensures that the meat stays juicy and the skin becomes perfectly crispy.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb whole turkey
- Traeger Turkey Rub or your favorite seasoning
- Olive oil
- Apple and onion (optional for stuffing)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil and season generously with Traeger Turkey Rub.
- Place the turkey on the grill and smoke for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Pro Tip:
For an even more flavorful bird, stuff the cavity with an apple and onion.
What to Serve With Smoked Turkey:
Serve this smoky turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Afterward, treat your guests to a delightful no-bake mango cheesecake.
6. Smoked Chicken Wings: The Ultimate Party Food
Why Chicken Wings Are One of the Best Dishes to Cook on a Traeger:
Chicken wings are a go-to for any gathering, and smoking them on a Traeger gives them a rich flavor with crispy skin. Whether you prefer them spicy, sweet, or smoky, the Traeger can handle it all.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb chicken wings
- Traeger Chicken Rub or your preferred seasoning
- Barbecue sauce or buffalo sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
- Season the wings with Traeger Chicken Rub.
- Smoke for 1.5-2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For crispy skin, increase the grill temperature to 450°F for the last 10 minutes.
- Toss the wings in barbecue or buffalo sauce before serving.
What to Serve With Smoked Chicken Wings:
Carrots,
celery, and blue cheese dressing are the perfect accompaniments for wings. For a dessert that pairs well with a savory meal, explore how lemon juice impacts cakes.
7. Smoked Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic
Why Smoked Mac and Cheese Is Perfect for a Traeger:
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and when cooked on a Traeger, it gains a smoky richness that elevates this classic dish. The wood-fired flavor from the Traeger adds depth to the creamy cheese sauce, making it an irresistible side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded smoked gouda
- 3 cups milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your Traeger to 225°F.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk and stir until thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and smoked gouda until melted.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and place it in a cast-iron skillet.
- Smoke for 30-60 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tip:
Add smoked bacon or sausage to the mac and cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
What to Serve With Smoked Mac and Cheese:
This dish pairs well with any barbecued meat, especially brisket or pulled pork. For another great dessert idea, learn about the differences between cookie mix and cake mix.
Conclusion: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Traeger
Cooking on a Traeger unlocks endless possibilities, from smoking meats to baking desserts, all while adding that signature wood-fired flavor. Whether you’re making smoked brisket, pulled pork, or mac and cheese, Traeger grills make it easy to achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Don’t forget to experiment with different hardwoods like hickory, apple, or cherry to add new dimensions of flavor to your food.
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FAQ Section
1. Can I bake desserts on a Traeger?
Yes, the Traeger is versatile enough for baking. You can make cookies, pies, and even cakes. Check out some dessert ideas like this red velvet cake mix comparison for more inspiration.
2. What’s the best temperature for smoking meats on a Traeger?
Most meats smoke best at 225°F, giving them time to absorb the wood smoke and cook slowly.
3. How do I clean my Traeger after cooking?
Let your grill cool down, then use a grill brush to clean the grates and empty the grease bucket. Regular maintenance keeps your grill in top condition.
For more insights and answers to common baking questions, like why mini cheesecakes might collapse, check out my latest posts!