Traeger grills have revolutionized outdoor cooking, bringing the art of smoking and grilling to backyard chefs everywhere. These versatile wood pellet grills provide consistent heat and a smoky flavor that can transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Whether you're a novice griller or a seasoned pitmaster, these Traeger recipes will inspire you to create mouthwatering meals that impress your friends and family.

1. Smoked Brisket

Ingredients:

• 1 whole packer brisket (10-12 lbs)
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder
• 1/4 cup paprika
• Wood pellets (hickory or mesquite recommended)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F.
2. Trim the brisket, removing excess fat and silver skin.
3. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Rub the mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5. Place the brisket on the grill, fat side up.
6. Smoke the brisket for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F.
7. Remove the brisket from the grill and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

2. Traeger Smoked Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs salmon fillet
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Lemon slices (optional)
• Wood pellets (cherry or apple recommended)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 180°F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Rub the mixture over the salmon fillet.
4. Place the salmon directly on the grill grates, skin side down.
5. Smoke the salmon for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.

3. BBQ Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

• 1 pork shoulder (8-10 lbs)
• 1/4 cup mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• Wood pellets (hickory or oak recommended)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix the mustard and apple cider vinegar. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture onto the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork shoulder on the grill, fat side up.
5. Smoke the pork shoulder for 12-14 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195-205°F.
6. Remove the pork from the grill and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
7. Shred the pork with two forks and mix with your favorite BBQ sauce.

4. Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs chicken wings
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup Traeger chicken rub or your favorite poultry seasoning
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• Wood pellets (mesquite or pecan recommended)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F.
2. Toss the chicken wings in olive oil, then season them with the Traeger chicken rub.
3. Place the wings directly on the grill grates.
4. Smoke the wings for 1 hour, then increase the temperature to 350°F.
5. Cook for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. In a small bowl, mix the honey and hot sauce. Toss the wings in the sauce before serving.

5. Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• Wood pellets (apple or cherry recommended)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 350°F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and transfer to a greased baking dish.
7. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
8. Place the baking dish on the grill and smoke for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

6. Traeger Grilled Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Wood pellets (oak or maple recommended)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Place the baking sheet on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
5. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice for a delicious vegetarian main course.

Conclusion

Traeger grills open up a world of culinary possibilities, allowing you to experiment with flavors and techniques that elevate your cooking. From smoked brisket and salmon to BBQ pulled pork and grilled vegetables, these recipes are sure to become staples in your grilling repertoire. Enjoy the smoky, rich flavors that only a Traeger grill can provide and make every meal an outdoor feast to remember.