There’s something incredibly special about cooking on a Traeger grill. The unmistakable smoky flavor it infuses into your food, the versatility it offers, and, of course, the community of Traeger fanatics who swear by their Traeger recipes. Whether you’re new to Traeger cooking or looking to expand your BBQ repertoire, you’re in the right place. These Traeger recipes will have your taste buds dancing, and your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Before we dive into the Traeger recipes, I just want to say a huge thank you for being here! I absolutely love sharing recipes that I’m passionate about, and I can’t wait for you to try these. If you want even more deliciousness sent directly to your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe for updates!
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Now, let’s fire up the grill and dive into these mouth-watering Traeger recipes. From succulent meats to savory sides, these dishes prove that grilling can be anything but boring!!
Why We Love Traeger Grills for BBQ Recipes
If you’ve ever cooked on a Traeger grill, you know the difference it makes. For those unfamiliar, a Traeger is not your average backyard BBQ. These pellet grills use wood pellets to maintain a precise temperature, adding incredible layers of flavor to your food. From low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing, a Traeger gives you complete control.
The best part? The flavor is second to none. You can infuse a delicious smokiness into meats, vegetables, and even desserts, elevating your meals to something truly special. With just a few simple Traeger recipes, you’ll see why Traeger has a cult following.
1. Traeger Smoked Pulled Pork
Why You’ll Love This Traeger Recipe
Pulled pork is a BBQ classic, and when you smoke it on a Traeger grill, the results are out of this world. This Traeger recipe delivers tender, juicy pork shoulder with a perfect balance of smoky flavor and just the right amount of sweetness from the rub.
The taste? Picture this: melt-in-your-mouth pork with a deep, smoky richness that pairs beautifully with your favorite BBQ sauce. Trust me, the smell when this is in the smoker is going to have everyone in your neighborhood asking what you’re cooking.
Ingredients for This Traeger Recipe:
- 1 (5-7 lbs) pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Tools You’ll Need for Your Traeger
- Traeger grill
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil or butcher paper
- Large cutting board
- Pulled pork claws (optional, but fun!)
How to Make This Traeger Recipe:
- Prepare the Pork: Start by coating the pork shoulder with mustard and apple cider vinegar. This helps the rub adhere and enhances the flavor. Mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Rub this generously all over the pork shoulder.
- Set Up Your Traeger Grill: Preheat your Traeger to 225°F. Place the pork shoulder directly on the grill grates, fat side up.
- Smoke It Low and Slow: Smoke the pork for 8-10 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You’ll want to check the temperature using a meat thermometer. The key here is patience—smoking at a low temperature gives the meat time to absorb all that smoky goodness.
- Wrap and Finish: Once the pork hits 165°F, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or butcher paper and return it to the grill. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 205°F. This usually takes another 2-3 hours.
- Shred and Serve: Let the pork rest for at least 30 minutes before shredding it with forks or pulled pork claws. Serve with BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and buns for the ultimate pulled pork sandwich.
Pro Tip: Leftover pulled pork is a dream! Use it for tacos, nachos, or even pizza toppings. If you need a tasty dessert to follow up, try this raspberry cheesecake recipe.
2. Traeger Smoked Brisket
Why You’ll Love This Traeger Recipe
Brisket is the holy grail of BBQ, and smoking it on a Traeger makes it foolproof. With a simple rub and plenty of time in the smoker, this brisket turns out perfectly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
The taste? The bark is crispy and flavorful, while the inside is juicy, tender, and so full of that signature smoky goodness.
Ingredients for Traeger Smoked Brisket:
- 1 (10-12 lbs) whole brisket
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- ¼ cup black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup beef broth (optional, for spritzing)
Tools You’ll Need for This Traeger Recipe:
- Traeger grill
- Meat thermometer
- Spray bottle (for spritzing)
- Aluminum foil or butcher paper
How to Make Traeger Smoked Brisket:
- Season the Brisket: Combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this mixture generously all over the brisket, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger to 225°F. Once preheated, place the brisket on the grill fat side up.
- Smoke It: Smoke the brisket for 10-12 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Spritz the brisket with beef broth every hour to keep it moist.
- Wrap and Continue Cooking: Once it hits 165°F, wrap the brisket tightly in foil or butcher paper and return it to the grill. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 203°F. This can take another 4-6 hours.
- Rest and Slice: Allow the brisket to rest for at least an hour before slicing against the grain. Serve with your favorite BBQ sides and sauces.
Pro Tip: Save the juices that accumulate in the foil to pour over your sliced brisket for extra flavor. For a fun twist on desserts, don’t miss out on this unique cinnamon sugar pizza dough.
3. Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
Why You’ll Love This Traeger Recipe
If you’re a fan of crispy chicken wings with a smoky twist, then this Traeger recipe is for you. These wings are first smoked for incredible flavor, then cranked up to high heat for that perfect crispy skin.
The taste? Smoky, crispy, and absolutely addicting. You’ll never want to order wings from a restaurant again!
Ingredients for Smoked Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Your favorite wing sauce (optional)
Tools You’ll Need for This Traeger Recipe:
- Traeger grill
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs
How to Make Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings:
- Season the Wings: Toss the chicken wings in olive oil, then coat them with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Smoke the Wings: Preheat your Traeger to 225°F. Place the wings on the grill and smoke for 1 hour.
- Crisp Them Up: After smoking, increase the grill temperature to 450°F. Cook the wings for another 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve: Toss the wings in your favorite sauce or serve them plain. Either way, they’ll be packed with flavor!
Pro Tip: Pair these wings with a cool, creamy blue cheese dip for the ultimate flavor combo. Looking for something sweet to end the meal? Check out these amazing cake mix cookies.
4. Traeger Smoked Salmon
Why You’ll Love This Traeger Recipe
Salmon on the Traeger is a revelation. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the natural richness of the fish, and the result is a flaky, buttery filet that practically melts in your mouth.
The taste? Delicately smoky, with a hint of sweetness from the marinade. It’s an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
### Ingredients for Smoked Salmon:
1 large salmon filet (about 2 lbs)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need for This Traeger Recipe:
- Traeger grill
- Baking sheet or grill-safe tray
- Aluminum foil
How to Make Traeger Smoked Salmon:
- Marinate the Salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and lemon juice. Place the salmon in a dish and pour the marinade over it. Let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger to 225°F. Once it’s preheated, place the salmon skin side down on a foil-lined baking sheet or directly on the grill grates.
- Smoke the Salmon: Smoke the salmon for 1-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh dill and serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing finish.
Pro Tip: This smoked salmon is perfect on its own, but it also makes an amazing addition to bagels, salads, or pasta dishes. For another seafood-inspired delight, try out this fun fried chicken ice cream.
5. Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
Why You’ll Love This Traeger Recipe
Yes, you read that right—mac and cheese on the Traeger! The combination of creamy cheese sauce with a subtle smokiness takes this comfort food to a whole new level.
The taste? Creamy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of smokiness. It’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients for Smoked Mac and Cheese:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded gouda (optional for extra smokiness)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Tools You’ll Need for This Traeger Recipe:
- Traeger grill
- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Whisk
How to Make Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, then slowly add the milk and cream, whisking continuously. Stir in the shredded cheddar, gouda, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Smoke: Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, then transfer everything to a baking dish. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top. Preheat your Traeger to 225°F and place the dish on the grill. Smoke for 1 hour.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese hot, straight from the smoker.
Pro Tip: This mac and cheese pairs beautifully with just about any grilled meat, but especially ribs or pulled pork. For a fun dessert option, try this indulgent no-bake mango cheesecake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Traeger Grills
Can I Use a Traeger Grill in All Weather Conditions?
Yes! Traeger grills are designed to work in a wide range of temperatures, from scorching summer days to chilly winter evenings. Just keep in mind that extreme cold might require longer cooking times.
What’s the Best Wood Pellet Flavor to Use for Traeger Recipes?
It depends on what you’re cooking. Hickory and mesquite are great for bold flavors like beef and pork, while milder woods like apple or cherry are perfect for poultry and fish.
How Do I Clean My Traeger Grill After Smoking?
After the grill cools down, remove the grates and clean them with a grill brush. Empty the pellet hopper and vacuum out any remaining ash. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
Conclusion
These Traeger recipes prove that you can do so much more with your grill than just burgers and hot dogs. From juicy pulled pork to smoky mac and cheese, there’s no limit to what you can create. So fire up that Traeger, grab your favorite wood pellets, and get ready to wow your friends and family with these unforgettable dishes.
Be sure to leave a review or share photos of your creations on Pinterest—I’d love to see how these Traeger recipes turn out in your kitchen!
Also, if you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out my other Traeger recipes, including smoked ribs, grilled peaches, and Traeger pizza. Let’s keep the grilling goodness going!