Traeger grills were invented in 1987 and use 100% natural compressed hardwood pellets. It is an excellent cooking alternative and does not use as much electricity as a conventional oven. Wood pellets are often used to smoke, fry, bake, roast, and grill, making them the perfect traditional flavor enhancement to add that personal touch to many recipes. Traeger recipes can take your cooking to a whole new level. In this article, we will look at the 10 best Traeger recipes (from ribs to cheesecake) that you can try to impress your family and friends.
PrintBBQ Baby Back Ribs
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
First, smoke your ribs for three hours, then cook them in tin foil for two hours, and finally remove them from the foil and base with sauce for up to an hour.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup Traeger ‘Que BBQ Sauce
- 2 racks baby back pork ribs
- To taste poultry & Traeger rub
- 1/3 cup honey, warmed
- 1/2 cup apple juice, divided
Instructions
- Mix ¼ cup apple juice (reserve the rest) with Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Based on both sides of the ribs season with poultry and Traeger pork rub.
- Set the Traeger temperature to 180℉ and pre-heat for 15 minutes with the lid closed. Then, smoke the ribs for three hours meat side up, or until the temperature reaches 160℉.
- Once the ribs have smoked for three hours, move them to an edged baking sheet and turn the grill up to 225℉.
- Next, get four long sheets of foil, place a rack of ribs on each one, and pull the sides up to keep the liquid from running out. Then sprinkle half of the brown sugar, apple juice, and honey on top of the ribs. Place another piece of foil on top and close the edges.
- Now, return the ribs to the grill and cook for another two hours.
- Remove the ribs from the foil and brush both sides with Traeger ‘Que Sauce, place the ribs on the grid, and grill for a further 30 to 60 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finally, allow the ribs to rest for a few minutes then serve with your favorite side dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Method: Grill
Roasted Beer Can Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Everyone loves a good juicy beer chicken, all you need is some chicken rub and Traeger mesquite BBQ wood pellets.
Ingredients
- 1x whole chicken
- 1x can of beer
- Traeger chicken rub as needed
- Mesquite pellets
Instructions
- First, season the chicken on the inside and outside with Traeger chicken rub.
- Tie the tip of the wings back.
- Preheat the Traeger to 350℉ with the lid closed.
- Next, open the can of beer and set it in the chicken's rear cavity.
- Put the chicken and beer can on the grill and cook for 60 minutes.
- Finally, once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before removing the beer can and carving. Serve with your favorite side dish and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Method: Grill
Salt Crusted Baked Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Who doesn’t love salty baked potatoes? Salty on the outside and creamy buttery goodness on the inside. These salt-crusted baked potatoes are sure to be a hit for your next grill.
Ingredients
- 6x scrubbed and dried russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons oil or butter
- Your choice of topping, bacon, sour cream, grated cheese or chives
- Mesquite pellets
Instructions
- Set the Traegers temperature to 450℉ with the lid closed for 15 minutes and preheat.
- Next, rub the potatoes with oil or butter and season with salt.
- Put the potatoes on the grid and bake until soft in the center for about 40 minutes with the lid closed.
- Serve hot with your favorite topping and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Method: Grill
Traditional Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
When it comes to Thanksgiving turkey is a staple in many homes. Turkey is typically the highlight of the meal and is usually prepared to impress. This Thanksgiving turkey recipe calls for simple spices and a wood-fired flavor. Your guests will be sure to come back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 (12lb) whole turkey thawed
- 1/2 pound butter softened
- 1 tablespoon crushed black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 spring fresh rosemary chopped
- 8 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Cherry pellets
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 300°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl mix together the garlic, thyme, kosher salt, rosemary, and black pepper.
- Create a slit in the breast of the turkey and fill the pockets with the herb butter mixture. Then rub the turkey with ¼ of the butter mixture. Season the turkey with black pepper and kosher salt.
- Next, put the turkey in the smoker for 3-4 hours. Be sure to check the internal temperature 160°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh next to the bone.
- Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Method: Grill
Beef Jerky
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Description
Beef jerky can be quite expensive however, if you have a Traeger smoker you can make your own in no time. This beef jerky is so tasty make sure that you make enough to share.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 3 pounds of your choice of prime meat or sirloin steaks cut into 1/4” thick slices
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 cups soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
- Hickey pellets
Instructions
- Start by mixing all the ingredients in a zip-lock bag, then add the beef. Remove all the air from the bag and seal. Place the bag in the fridge and leave it to marinade for 6-24 hours. Take the bag out of the fridge 1 hour before cooking.
- Set the grill to the smoke setting. Place the meat on the grill and leave half an inch of space between each piece of meat. Cook for 4-5 hours turning once after 2 1/2 hours.
- Remove meat from the grill. Finally, let it cool for an hour and then store it in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
Braised Irish Lamb Stew
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
When it comes to comfort food, braised Irish lamb stew is a hearty delightful dish to satisfy any hungry tummy. This juicy lamb dish is cooked in a rich broth with herbs and spices. The slow cooking process is what makes this dish come to life full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 4 pounds of lamb shoulder boneless, cut into 1-inch thick pieces
- 8 ounces chopped bacon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 large onion
- 4 cups beef stock
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 large carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- Pecan pellets
Instructions
- Preheat the Traeger to 350°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
- Next, using a Dutch oven heat the oil over medium heat on the stove-top, and season the lamb with salt and pepper. Then in batches brown the lamb and set it aside.
- Brown the bacon for about 15-20 minutes remove the bacon.
- Thereafter, add the onions to the bacon fat and sauté, add the garlic, and cook for a few more seconds. Next, put the bacon and lamb back in the pan add the white wine, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits left on the bottom of the pan.
- Then add the carrots, potatoes, herbs, and beef stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the grill. Allow it to cook slowly for 1 ½ – 2 hours until the lamb is falling apart and tender.
- Take the stew off the grill and place it back on the stove-top over medium heat. In a small bowl mix the flour and butter and add it to the stew. Allow it to cook for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper and then serve.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Method: Grill
Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
During the summertime time grilled corn on the cob is a popular side dish. It is versatile to have with crab, beef, pork, or poultry. The smokey flavor from the grill adds a delightful sweetness to the corn. Light up that grill and let’s get smoking. Serves 6. Prep time 15 minutes. Cook time 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 corn on the cob
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Traeger Veggie Rub
- Butter for serving
- Mesquite pellets
Instructions
- Preheat, the Traeger to 500°F for 15 minutes with the lid closed.
- Next, peel the husks back and remove the corn silk. Then rub the corn with olive oil, salt, pepper, and veggie rub, and re-wrap the husks around the corn.
- Put the corn on the grill grates and close the lid allow the corn to cook for approximately 25-30 minutes turning occasionally. Serve hot with butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Total Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Pumpkin seeds are full of zinc, vitamins, and antioxidants. Not only are they a nutritious healthy snack but they can be eaten at any time. Pumpkin seeds pair well in salads, muesli, curries, and more. A great way to save money and reduce waste is to roast them in the oven or your Traeger.
Ingredients
- 1 pumpkin remove the seeds and reserve
- Kosher salt to taste
- Vegetable oil or olive oil as needed
- Hickory pellets
- Optional: garlic spice, onion spice, Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- First, remove the seeds from the pumpkin, rinse under cold water, and take off any stringy bits.
- Then oil a baking sheet and put seeds on in a single layer giving them a toss. Preheat the Traeger with the lid closed for 15 minutes at 180℉.
- Put the baking sheet on the grill grate and smoke for 30 minutes with the lid closed.
- After that, sprinkle the seeds with salt or desired spice and turn the grill up to 325℉. Roast for a further 20 minutes giving them a toss after the first 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy! You can also store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Method: Grill
Perfect Asparagus
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Asparagus is low in calories rich in vitamins and minerals and commonly served as a side dish. The key to creating the perfect asparagus is to look for ones that are tightly closed, bright green, and firm. This recipe is super easy and quick to make you’ll wish you made a double batch.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound asparagus wash and tips cut off.
- Mesquite pellets
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 375℉ with the lid closed.
- Use a griddle pan with a side or tin foil with rolled-up raised sides to prevent the butter from leaking.
- Wash and dry the asparagus, then toss with olive oil.
- Season with your favorite spices, and lay them out in a single layer on the griddle.
- Add a few dollops of butter and grill for about 6-8 minutes on medium heat then give them another toss.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Method: Grill
Baked Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Total Time: 9 hours
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
To create a rich, decadent pumpkin cheesecake it involves using sugar, eggs, a graham crust, and cream cheese to create a smooth creamy filling. This fall you could attempt to make this delicious dessert using your Traeger grill to gratify your family and friends' sweet tooth, best served with ice cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of your choice of crushed cookies, graham crackers, ginger, or Oreo, whichever one your heart desires
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 pint of sour cream
- 2 can (30 0z)pumpkin pie filling (or you could just parboil and blend your own)
- 2 eggs
- Pecan pellets
Instructions
- Set the temperature to preheat at 450 ˚F with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
- Crush the cookies and mix them with melted butter. Then press the mixture into a springform pan to create the crust.
- Next, place the pan on the grill and bake the crust for 10 minutes with the lid closed. Take the springform pan odd the grill and set it aside. Then drop the temperature to 325℉.
- In the meantime, mix the cream cheese until smooth, then add the sugar and sour cream and finally the pumpkin filling, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mix over the cookie crust, and tap the springform pan on the counter to remove any air pockets.
- Then, cook for 45-50 minutes. Depending on your grill it may need to cook for an extra 5-10 minutes. Remove from the grill and place it in the fridge for a minimum of 8 hours.
- For best results bake your cheesecake the day before. Best served with ice cream, whipped cream, or your preferred choice of topping, fruit can be added as a topping too, drizzle with caramel or creamed liquor.
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Conclusion
Traeger recipes cover a wide range of flavors and different culinary dishes. Whether you enjoy grilled vegetables, roasts, desserts, or smokey BBQs, Traeger has a recipe to impress everyone’s taste buds. As mentioned before Traeger does not use as much electricity, making it the ultimate convenience for versatile cooking styles. We hope that you enjoy trying the best 10 Traeger recipes (from ribs to cheesecake) for your next culinary dish.
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The image featured at the top of this post is ©Smoking Hot Dad/Shutterstock.com.