Looking for the best Traeger recipes? Whether you’re new to pellet grills or have been cooking on a Traeger for years, these easy Traeger recipes include everything from smoked pork shoulder and chicken wings to salmon, steaks, vegetables, appetizers, and desserts. If you’re wondering what to cook on your Traeger next, you’ll find plenty of ideas here.
Best Traeger Recipes by Category
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an all-day smoking project, these Traeger recipes are organized by category to help you find exactly what you’re craving.
Chicken and turkey are especially well suited to a Traeger because they absorb smoky flavor while staying tender and juicy.
Whether you’re making crispy wings, a whole smoked chicken, grilled kabobs, stuffed chicken breasts, or a holiday turkey, these Traeger poultry recipes offer something for every occasion.
5 from 1 vote
Smoked Traeger Chicken Wings
These smoked Traeger chicken wings are packed with smoky flavor, incredibly juicy, and finished with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. They're easy to prepare with very little hands-on time and always disappear fast at parties, tailgates, and backyard cookouts.
This soy grilled chicken is marinated for maximum flavor, then cooked until tender with lightly smoky, charred edges. Paired with a creamy peanut sauce, it's an easy chicken recipe that you'll want to make all summer long.
Stuffing takes smoked chicken to the next level. Whether it’s wrapped in bacon or filled with cheese, jalapeños, or savory stuffing, these recipes stay juicy while delivering bold flavor in every bite.
Traeger Stuffed Chicken Legs
These Traeger stuffed chicken legs are filled with a savory stuffing, wrapped in crispy bacon, and smoked until juicy and tender. The pellet grill adds rich smoky flavor while the bacon keeps the chicken moist and creates an irresistible crispy finish.
This smoked jalapeño popper stuffed chicken combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy cheese filling, spicy jalapeños, and smoky bacon for a flavor-packed meal. Cooked on a Traeger, the chicken stays tender while picking up just the right amount of smoky flavor.
These pineapple chicken kabobs combine juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful vegetables for an easy grilled meal that's full of fresh flavor. The sweet and savory combination caramelizes beautifully on the grill, making these skewers a favorite for summer dinners and backyard barbecues.
Whole chickens and Cornish game hens cook beautifully on a Traeger, developing crisp, golden skin while the gentle heat keeps the meat moist.
5 from 2 votes
Smoked Whole Chicken
Brined, seasoned, and smoked low and slow, this Traeger whole chicken turns out incredibly juicy with beautifully crisp, golden skin. It's an easy pellet grill recipe that's great for family dinners, weekend cookouts, or meal prep.
These smoked Cornish game hens are seasoned with a savory herb blend and cooked on the Traeger until the meat is cooked to perfection with beautifully crisp, golden skin. Their individual serving size makes them an impressive alternative to chicken or turkey for holidays, dinner parties, or smaller gatherings.
Turkey stays remarkably juicy on a Traeger, thanks to the gentle, even heat and subtle smoky flavor.
These recipes range from classic holiday birds to fun twists that you can enjoy any time of year.
4.97 from 28 votes
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Smoking a whole turkey on the Traeger keeps the meat moist and flavorful while creating beautifully crisp, golden skin. With a savory herb seasoning and gentle smoky flavor, it's a delicious alternative to traditional roasted turkey.
This Traeger spatchcock turkey cooks more evenly and in less time than a traditional whole bird, with juicy meat, crisp golden skin, and plenty of smoky flavor. Flattening the turkey also gives more of the surface direct exposure to the smoke and seasoning.
This bourbon-brined smoked turkey is soaked in a flavorful brine that keeps the meat exceptionally juicy while adding subtle notes of bourbon, herbs, and spices. Slow-smoked on the Traeger until golden and tender, it's an impressive holiday centerpiece with rich smoke-kissed flavor.
These Disney-inspired smoked turkey legs are brined for juicy, flavorful meat, then slow-smoked until tender with a deeply browned, smoky exterior. They have the bold, slightly ham-like flavor and oversized presentation of the turkey legs served in the Disney parks.
We love to cook beef on a Traeger because the slow, even heat creates a flavorful crust while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Whether you’re grilling steaks for a quick dinner or smoking a prime rib or brisket for a special occasion, these Traeger beef recipes show just how versatile a Traeger can be.
4.75 from 4 votes
Bacon Wrapped Smoked Meatloaf
This bacon wrapped smoked meatloaf is stuffed with melted cheese, wrapped in smoky bacon, and glazed with a tangy barbecue sauce. The pellet grill adds incredible flavor while the bacon keeps every slice tender, juicy, and packed with savory goodness.
Few cuts benefit from low-and-slow cooking more than beef short ribs. Smoke them until they’re fork tender, then enjoy them as a classic barbecue dinner or in a rich, slow-simmered pasta sauce.
Smoked Beef Short Ribs
These smoked beef short ribs are seasoned with a simple dry rub and smoked low and slow until they're fall-apart tender. Rich, beefy flavor and a beautiful bark make this Traeger recipe an impressive choice for backyard barbecues or special occasions.
This Traeger short rib ragu starts with beef short ribs smoked low and slow, then slowly braised into a rich, hearty sauce that's perfect for pasta. The combination of smoky beef, tender meat, and a savory tomato sauce creates an unforgettable comfort food dinner.
These Traeger beef back ribs are seasoned with a simple dry rub and smoked low and slow until they're tender, juicy, and packed with rich beefy flavor. The long cook creates a flavorful bark while the meat pulls cleanly from the bone, making them a barbecue favorite.
This reverse sear Traeger tomahawk ribeye delivers the best of both worlds—a rich smoky flavor from the pellet grill and a beautifully caramelized crust from the final sear. The reverse sear method cooks the steak evenly from edge to edge, creating a tender, juicy steak that's worthy of any special occasion.
London broil and tri-tip are excellent choices when you want big beef flavor without the cost of premium steaks. The Traeger’s gentle heat keeps these lean cuts tender, while a final sear or reverse sear creates a flavorful crust.
5 from 1 vote
Smoked London Broil
This smoked London broil is marinated for exceptional flavor, then smoked low and slow before being finished over higher heat for a perfectly browned crust. Slice it thin for a juicy, flavorful main dish, or use the leftovers for sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
This Traeger smoked tri tip is seasoned with a flavorful dry rub, smoked low and slow, then reverse seared for a beautifully caramelized crust. The result is a tender, juicy roast with rich beefy flavor made for slicing and serving at family dinners or backyard barbecues.
These smoked brisket burnt ends are rich, smoky, and irresistibly tender with a caramelized bark that's packed with flavor. Slow-smoked on a Traeger and finished with barbecue sauce, they're a true barbecue classic that's worth every minute of cooking time.
A Traeger makes it easy to cook prime rib with edge-to-edge doneness and incredible flavor. Choose a classic preparation or a dry-brined version for an even deeper, more robust crust.
4.90 from 19 votes
Smoked Prime Rib
Slow-smoking gives this prime rib exceptional flavor while keeping it tender, juicy, and evenly cooked from edge to edge. Finished with a savory herb crust, it's a memorable main course for holidays and other special occasions.
This dry-brined Traeger prime rib develops rich, beefy flavor all the way through, thanks to an overnight salt cure before smoking. It's an easy technique that delivers a crisp, flavorful crust and edge-to-edge doneness.
Pork and pellet grills are a perfect match. From tender pulled pork and smoky ribs to juicy pork chops and glazed ham, these Traeger pork recipes develop incredible flavor during low-and-slow cooking while staying moist and tender.
4.93 from 13 votes
Traeger Pork Shoulder
This Traeger pork shoulder is slow-smoked until it's fall-apart tender with a rich smoky flavor and a flavorful bark. Whether you're making pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or rice bowls, this versatile recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd.
This Traeger smoked pork butt is cooked low and slow until it's fall-apart tender with a rich smoky flavor and a flavorful bark. Use it for pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or meal prep. It's a barbecue classic that's always a crowd-pleaser.
These pork belly burnt ends are smoked low and slow until they're incredibly tender, then tossed in barbecue sauce and caramelized into sweet, smoky bites of perfection. Crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth inside, they're a must-try for any barbecue lover.
Whether you start with a spiral-cut ham or a whole smoked ham, a Traeger adds another layer of lightly smoked flavor while warming it gently and evenly.
4.99 from 52 votes
Traeger Smoked Ham with Pineapple
This Traeger smoked ham is coated in a sweet pineapple glaze and smoked until tender, juicy, and full of rich pellet grill flavor. It's an easy holiday centerpiece that's perfect for Easter, Christmas, or any special family gathering.
This double smoked ham is coated in a flavorful glaze and smoked until heated through, creating a rich smoky flavor and beautifully caramelized finish. It's an easy holiday recipe for Easter, Christmas, or any special gathering.
These 3-2-1 Traeger ribs are smoked low and slow until they're fall-off-the-bone tender with a rich smoky flavor and a beautifully caramelized barbecue glaze. This foolproof method makes it easy to turn out juicy, crowd-pleasing ribs every time.
These smoked shotgun shells are stuffed with a savory meat and cheese filling, wrapped in bacon, and smoked until tender with crispy, caramelized edges. They're a fun, flavor-packed appetizer that's always a hit at cookouts, game days, and backyard barbecues.
Don’t let their leanness fool you, pork loin and tenderloin stay wonderfully juicy on a Traeger. These recipes make it easy to serve flavorful slices for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.
Smoked Pork Loin
This smoked pork loin is seasoned with a flavorful dry rub and slow-smoked until tender, juicy, and full of rich wood-fired flavor. It's an easy Traeger recipe for family dinners, holiday meals, or slicing for delicious leftovers.
This bacon wrapped smoked pork tenderloin is seasoned with a flavorful rub, wrapped in crispy bacon, and smoked until perfectly juicy and tender. It's an easy Traeger recipe that delivers smoky flavor and an impressive presentation for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
This smoked stuffed pork tenderloin is filled with a savory stuffing and smoked until perfectly tender. The Traeger adds a rich smoky flavor that makes this impressive main dish.
Seafood cooks beautifully on a Traeger, picking up just the right amount of smoky flavor without overpowering its delicate texture.
From salmon and sea bass to lobster, shrimp, and other fresh catches, these Traeger seafood recipes are easy to prepare and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.
5 from 3 votes
Traeger Smoked Salmon
This Traeger smoked salmon is seasoned simply and smoked low and slow until it's tender, flaky, and infused with rich smoked flavor. It's an easy recipe for serving as a main course, adding to salads, or enjoying on bagels and crackers.
This cedar plank salmon is infused with subtle smoky flavor and finished with a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce for an unforgettable combination. Cooking the salmon on a cedar plank keeps it moist and flaky while adding a delicate smokiness.
Mild white fish cook quickly on a Traeger and absorb just the right amount of smoky flavor. These recipes are simple enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for entertaining.
Traeger Smoked Tilapia
This Traeger smoked whole tilapia is seasoned with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, then smoked until tender, flaky, and infused with rich pellet grill flavor. It's an easy seafood recipe that lets the natural flavor of the fish shine while adding just the right amount of smoke.
This smoked sea bass is cooked low and slow on a Traeger until it's tender, flaky, and infused with delicate wood-fired flavor. Finished with a bright lemon sauce, it's an elegant seafood dinner that's surprisingly easy to prepare.
This grilled mahi mahi is topped with a fresh mango salsa that perfectly complements the mild, flaky fish. It's a quick seafood dinner that's bursting with fresh, tropical flavor. We love it during summer cookouts or weeknight meals.
Meaty fish like tuna and swordfish hold up beautifully over smoky heat. Cook them just until done for a tender interior and lightly smoky finish.
5 from 4 votes
Grilled Tuna Steak
This grilled tuna steak is marinated in a flavorful orange, soy, and ginger sauce, then quickly seared to create a tender, buttery center with a lightly charred crust. It's a fast, restaurant-quality meal.
This grilled swordfish is perfectly seared and served with a bright lemon-dill aioli that complements the firm, meaty fish. It's an easy seafood recipe that's elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
A Traeger isn’t just for everyday meals. Lobster and octopus take on incredible flavor from gentle smoke, making them standout choices for a memorable dinner.
5 from 5 votes
Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Sauce
These grilled lobster tails are brushed with garlic butter and grilled until tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked. Finished with extra garlic butter and grilled lemons, they're an elegant yet surprisingly easy seafood dinner for special occasions or summer cookouts.
This grilled octopus is tender, lightly charred, and served with roasted fingerling potatoes and a bright preserved lemon vinaigrette. It's an impressive seafood dish with bold Mediterranean flavors that's perfect for entertaining or a special dinner.
No backyard barbecue is complete without a few great side dishes. These Traeger side dishes include smoky vegetables, potatoes, and other crowd-pleasing favorites that pair perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, and everything in between.
Smoked Baked Beans
These smoked baked beans are slow-cooked on the Traeger with a rich, savory sauce and just the right amount of smoky flavor. They're a hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and all your barbecue favorites.
This Traeger smoked cornbread has a golden crust, a tender crumb, and a subtle wood-fired flavor that makes it anything but ordinary. Serve it alongside barbecue, chili, soups, or holiday meals for a delicious homemade side.
This smoked jalapeño popper mac and cheese combines creamy cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños for a bold twist on a comfort food classic. Cooked on the Traeger, it develops a subtle wood-fired flavor that everyone loves.
Potatoes are one of the most versatile side dishes you can cook on a Traeger.
From crispy roasted potatoes to creamy casseroles and smoky baked potatoes, these recipes pair with just about any main course.
Smoked Twice Baked Potatoes
These smoked twice baked potatoes feature fluffy mashed potatoes mixed with cheese, bacon, and seasonings, then baked until hot and topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and green onions. A touch of wood-fired flavor from the Traeger makes this classic side dish even better.
These smoked baked potatoes develop crispy, flavorful skins and light, fluffy interiors thanks to slow cooking on the Traeger. They're an easy side dish that pairs perfectly with steaks, barbecue, grilled chicken, and just about any backyard meal.
These smoked potatoes au gratin feature tender layers of potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with a subtle smoke flavor. It's a comforting side dish for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or serving alongside your favorite smoked meats.
Fresh vegetables take on incredible flavor in a Traeger. From tender asparagus and sweet carrots to roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, these recipes make it easy to add a healthy side to any meal.
Smoked Carrots
These smoked carrots are tender, lightly caramelized, and infused with smokiness that brings out their natural sweetness. They're an easy vegetable side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, holiday dinners, or weeknight meals.
These smoked Brussels sprouts are tender on the inside with crispy, caramelized edges and a delicious hint of smokiness. They're an easy vegetable side dish that pairs perfectly with barbecue, roasted meats, or holiday dinners.
This Traeger smoked asparagus is tender with lightly crisp tips and a subtle smoke flavor that complements its natural freshness. It's a quick and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled steaks, chicken, seafood, or pork.
Fresh asparagus wrapped in bacon and smoked on the Traeger creates the perfect balance of tender vegetables, crispy bacon, and subtle wood-fired flavor. This simple side dish is elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for weeknight dinners.
This smoked cauliflower is tender, lightly caramelized, and infused with a hint of smoke that transforms an everyday vegetable into a standout side dish. It's an easy Traeger recipe that pairs well with everything from barbecue to roasted meats.
This grilled eggplant salad combines tender, smoky eggplant with fresh vegetables and a bright, zesty dressing for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired side dish. It's a light, refreshing addition to grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian meals.
Holiday favorites are even better with a touch of smoky flavor. From creamy casseroles to savory stuffing, these Traeger side dishes are perfect alongside turkey, ham, roast beef, and other special occasion meals.
Smoked Green Bean Casserole
This smoked green bean casserole gives the holiday classic a delicious upgrade with rich wood-fired flavor, tender green beans, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy fried onions. It's an easy Traeger side dish that's perfect for holidays or any family gathering.
This smoked corn casserole combines sweet corn, creamy cheese, and a hint of smoky flavor for the ultimate comfort food side dish. It's easy to make on a Traeger and pairs perfectly with everything from barbecue and grilled chicken to holiday ham.
This Traeger smoked cornbread stuffing combines buttery cornbread, savory herbs, and rich pellet grill flavor for a delicious twist on a holiday classic.
Your Traeger isn’t just for the main course. These appetizer recipes deliver smoky flavor in every bite, making them perfect for serving before dinner or sharing with friends at cookouts, tailgates, and parties.
5 from 14 votes
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
These smoked jalapeño poppers are stuffed with a creamy cheese filling, wrapped in bacon, and smoked until perfectly tender with crispy, caramelized bacon. They're an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer for game days, cookouts, and backyard parties.
Impress your guests with this smoked baba ganoush made on the Traeger. Its smooth, smoky flavor and creamy texture make it the perfect dip for pita chips, fresh vegetables, or a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread.
Warm, melty cheese dips are always a hit at parties, game days, and backyard gatherings. The Traeger adds subtle smoky flavor that takes these creamy appetizers to the next level.
Smoked Chili Cheese Dip
This smoked chili cheese dip combines hearty chili, creamy melted cheese, and a touch of wood-fired flavor for the ultimate party appetizer. It's easy to make on the Traeger and we love serving it for game days, tailgates, and backyard gatherings.
This smoked cream cheese is coated in a flavorful seasoning blend and smoked until warm, creamy, and irresistibly spreadable. It's an easy Traeger appetizer that's perfect served with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.
Rich, creamy queso gets even better with a touch of smoke from the Traeger. Packed with seasoned sausage, melted cheese, tomatoes, and peppers, this crowd-pleasing dip is made for sharing with tortilla chips.
This smoked jalapeño popper cheese dip combines creamy cheeses, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños with a touch of smoke. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices for an appetizer everyone will gather around.
Save room for dessert because your Traeger can bake, roast, and smoke sweet treats just as well as savory dishes. These Traeger desserts are the perfect way to end any cookout or family meal.
4.72 from 21 votes
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar
This grilled pineapple is caramelized with cinnamon sugar until it's warm, juicy, and bursting with sweet tropical flavor. Serve it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert that's ready in minutes.
These grilled peaches are caramelized to perfection and topped with a sweet honey mascarpone cream for an elegant yet effortless dessert. The warm, juicy peaches pair beautifully with the cool, creamy topping for a simple summer treat.
This smoked s'mores dip combines gooey melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows with a touch of smoke for a fun twist on the campfire classic. Grab some graham crackers and dig in while it's warm and melty.
Baking pies on a Traeger frees up your oven while adding a touch of smoky flavor. These classic pies come out with golden crusts and perfectly cooked fillings.
Traeger Smoked Apple Pie
Baking apple pie on the Traeger adds a gentle smoky flavor that complements the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and golden, flaky crust. It's a comforting homemade dessert that's worth saving room for.
This Traeger bourbon smoked pumpkin pie combines a silky pumpkin filling with warm spices, a buttery crust, and a subtle hint of smoky bourbon flavor. It's a delicious twist on the holiday classic that will have everyone asking for a second slice.
Dahn Boquist is a retired nurse turned recipe developer, home cook, and baker with years of hands-on experience creating and testing from-scratch recipes. She specializes in whole-food cooking with creative twists on classic dishes. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys sharing meals with family, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and spending time with her grandchildren.
