If you want to improve your grilling skills, Traeger grills are the ultimate tool for achieving professional-level results right in your backyard. Known for their versatility and ease of use, Traeger grills offer the perfect combination of wood-fired flavor and precision control, allowing beginners and seasoned grillers to cook confidently. From smoky meats to wood-fired pizzas, the possibilities are endless.
This blog will walk you through various tasty Traeger recipes, offering tips and tricks to help you grill like a pro. Whether you’re firing up your Traeger for the first time or looking to add new recipes to your collection, these dishes will impress your friends and family.
Why Choose a Traeger Grill?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about what makes Traeger grills stand out. Traeger pioneered the wood pellet grill, which uses compressed hardwood pellets as fuel. This gives your food that authentic wood-fired taste without the need to babysit a traditional smoker. With the ability to control temperatures precisely, Traeger grills can smoke, grill, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ, all in one unit.
The versatility of these grills means you can experiment with various cooking techniques and recipes. Whether you prefer low and slow smoking or high-heat grilling, a Traeger makes it easy to master.
Essential Tips for Traeger Grilling
- Preheat Properly: Always give your Traeger time to preheat fully before placing food on the grill. This ensures that your food cooks evenly and gets the perfect sear.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Cooking meats to the correct internal temperature is critical to achieving perfect doneness. A digital meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling, ensuring your food is juicy and perfectly cooked.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give your food enough space on the grill for proper airflow. This helps the food cook evenly and develop that signature smoky flavor.
- Experiment with Pellets: Traeger offers a variety of wood pellet flavors, from hickory and mesquite to apple and cherry. Each wood type imparts a unique taste, so feel free to mix and match depending on the recipe.
Now, let’s get into some mouthwatering Traeger recipes that make you feel like a pro.
1. Smoked Baby Back Ribs
Smoked ribs are a BBQ classic, and Traeger grills make it easy to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard (for coating)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Rub the ribs with mustard, then season generously with the dry rub mixture made from brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your Traeger to 225°F and let it preheat with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes.
- Smoke the Ribs: Place the ribs directly on the grill grates and smoke for 3 hours.
- Wrap and Cook: After 3 hours, remove the ribs and wrap them in aluminum foil with a splash of apple cider vinegar. Return to the grill and cook for an additional 2 hours.
- Glaze and Finish: Unwrap the ribs, brush them with BBQ sauce, and return them to the grill for one more hour or until they reach an internal temperature of 190°F.
- Serve: Let the ribs rest briefly before slicing. Enjoy with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
2. Wood-Fired Pizza
You’re missing out if you’ve never made pizza on a Traeger! The high heat and wood-fired flavor create a delicious crispy crust and perfectly melted toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers, etc.)
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger: Set the Traeger to 450°F and allow it to preheat for 10-15 minutes.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Brush the dough with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, then top with mozzarella and your favorite toppings.
- Grill the Pizza: Place the pizza directly on the grill grates and cook for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the pizza from the grill, slice it, and serve it hot.
3. Smoked Brisket
Mastering smoked brisket is a test of BBQ skills, but it’s much easier to get it right with a Traeger.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 lb brisket
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup black pepper
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- Season the Brisket: Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the mixture all over the brisket.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set the Traeger to 225°F and preheat with the lid closed.
- Smoke the Brisket: Place the brisket directly on the grill grates, fat side up, and smoke for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Wrap and Continue Cooking: Remove the brisket from the grill, wrap it tightly in butcher paper or foil, and return to the grill. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 203°F.
- Rest and Slice: Let the brisket rest for 30-60 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite BBQ sides.
4. Traeger Smoked Salmon
For a lighter, healthier option, try smoked salmon. The Traeger infuses the fish with a delicate, smoky flavor while keeping it moist and tender.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Traeger: Set the Traeger to 225°F and allow it to preheat.
- Prepare the Salmon: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and dill. Brush the mixture over the salmon fillets and season with salt and pepper.
- Smoke the Salmon: Place the salmon directly on the grill grates and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and serve with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or Rice.
Conclusion
Traeger grills open up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing you to create everything from perfectly smoked meats to wood-fired pizzas easily. By mastering these recipes and following our pro tips, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with your grilling skills. Whether preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a summer BBQ, these tasty Traeger recipes will elevate your grilling game. So, fire up the Traeger, experiment with new flavors, and enjoy the delicious results!