Traeger grills have taken the outdoor cooking world by storm, and for good reason. These wood-fired pellet grills offer incredible flavor and versatility, making it easy to smoke, bake, roast, and even braise your favorite foods. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, this guide will help you unlock the full potential of your Traeger with some delicious and easy-to-follow recipes.
Getting Started with Your Traeger
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s cover a few essential tips for using your Traeger:
Clean Your Grill: Regularly clean your grill grates and drip tray to prevent flare-ups and ensure even heat distribution.
Traeger Recipes for Beginners
Here are a few simple yet impressive recipes to get you started on your Traeger grilling journey:
Traeger Smoked Chicken
This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
1 (3-4 lb) whole chicken
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken inside and out with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Smoke the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill grates, breast-side up. Smoke at 225°F for 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Finish with Barbecue Sauce: (Optional) Brush the chicken with barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite sides.
Traeger Grilled Salmon
This recipe is quick and easy, yet bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
2 (6-8 oz) salmon fillets
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Rub the salmon with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill grates. Grill at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
3. Serve: Remove the salmon from the grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Traeger Grilled Vegetables
This versatile recipe allows you to grill a variety of your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients:
1 pound mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Grill the Vegetables: Place the vegetables on the grill grates and grill at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
3. Serve: Remove the vegetables from the grill and serve immediately.
Traeger Recipes for the Adventurous
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to explore more challenging and flavorful recipes:
Traeger Smoked Brisket
This low-and-slow masterpiece requires patience but rewards you with incredibly tender and flavorful meat.
Ingredients:
1 (10-12 lb) beef brisket (point cut or flat cut)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brisket: Trim any excess fat from the brisket. Rub the brisket with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Smoke the Brisket: Place the brisket fat-side up on the grill grates. Smoke at 225°F for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
3. Wrap the Brisket: Wrap the brisket tightly in aluminum foil.
4. Continue Smoking: Return the wrapped brisket to the grill and continue smoking at 225°F for another 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 203-205°F.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the brisket from the grill and let it rest for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Traeger Pulled Pork
This classic barbecue dish is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
1 (4-5 lb) pork shoulder (Boston butt)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Shoulder: Rub the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Smoke the Pork Shoulder: Place the pork shoulder fat-side up on the grill grates. Smoke at 225°F for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F.
3. Shred the Pork: Remove the pork shoulder from the grill and let it rest for 30 minutes. Shred the pork using two forks.
4. Combine with Sauce: Toss the shredded pork with apple cider vinegar and barbecue sauce.
5. Serve: Serve the pulled pork on buns with your favorite toppings.
Traeger Smoked Ribs
Baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs are both excellent choices for smoking on your Traeger.
Ingredients:
2 racks of baby back ribs or St. Louis-style ribs
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Rub the ribs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Smoke the Ribs: Place the ribs bone-side down on the grill grates. Smoke at 225°F for 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
3. Wrap the Ribs: Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil.
4. Continue Smoking: Return the wrapped ribs to the grill and continue smoking at 225°F for another 1-2 hours, or until the ribs are very tender.
5. Finish with Sauce: Remove the ribs from the foil and brush with barbecue sauce. Grill for an additional 5-10 minutes to set the sauce.
6. Serve: Remove the ribs from the grill and serve immediately.
Traeger Baking and Roasting
Your Traeger isn’t just for grilling. You can also use it to bake and roast delicious dishes:
Traeger Baked Potatoes
This simple yet satisfying side dish is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
4 large russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes: Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Bake the Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates. Bake at 350°F for 1-1.5 hours, or until tender.
3. Serve: Remove the potatoes from the grill and let them cool slightly before cutting open and adding your favorite toppings.
Traeger Roasted Chicken
This method produces juicy and flavorful roasted chicken.
Ingredients:
1 (3-4 lb) whole chicken
Instructions: