Forget the oven! Traeger Baked Potatoes take this classic side dish to a whole new level with deep, smoky flavor and a perfectly crisp skin. The gentle kiss of wood smoke transforms an ordinary potato into a mouthwatering masterpiece, while the traeger’s consistent heat ensures a soft, fluffy interior every time. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just craving comfort food, this effortless grilling method guarantees perfection. Get ready to enjoy the best-baked potatoes you’ve ever had—smoky, crispy, and irresistibly delicious!
Choosing the Best Potatoes for Traeger Baking
Russet potatoes, with their high starch content, are the undisputed champions of Traeger baking. Their fluffy interior and rough skin are ideal for absorbing smoke and crisping up beautifully. Choose medium to large-sized potatoes for even cooking. For a creamier texture, consider Yukon Gold potatoes, but be mindful of their thinner skin which may not crisp up as much.
Traeger Baked Potato Soup
Elevate your potato soup game by using Traeger-smoked baked potatoes as the base. The smoky flavor infuses the entire soup, creating a rich and comforting dish. Simply scoop out the flesh of your smoked potatoes and add it to your favorite soup recipe. Garnish with bacon, cheese, and chives for a truly decadent experience.
Traeger Baked Potato Salad
Ditch the boiled potatoes and use Traeger-smoked baked potatoes for a smoky twist on classic potato salad. The smoky flavor adds depth and complexity, while the creamy texture of the potatoes remains intact. Mix with your favorite potato salad ingredients and chill for a perfect summer side dish.
Traeger Baked Potato Internal Temp
For perfectly cooked Traeger baked potatoes, aim for an internal temperature of 210°F. This ensures a fluffy interior and a tender skin. Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the temperature without guessing.
Traeger Baked Potatoes at 225
Low and slow is the way to go for maximum smoky flavor. Cooking your potatoes at 225°F for about 3 hours allows the smoke to penetrate deeply, resulting in a truly unforgettable baked potato.
Potatoes on Traeger at 350
For a faster baked potato, crank up the heat to 350°F. You’ll have perfectly cooked potatoes in about an hour, with a slightly crispier skin than the low-and-slow method.
How Long to Cook Potatoes on Traeger Grill
Cooking time varies depending on the temperature. At 225°F, expect about 3 hours. At 350°F, they’ll be ready in about an hour. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 210°F.
Traeger Potatoes in Foil
Wrapping potatoes in foil before grilling results in a softer skin and faster cooking. Remember to poke a few holes in the foil to allow steam to escape. This method is great for when you’re short on time or prefer a softer texture.
Sliced Potatoes on Traeger
For easy and delicious Traeger potatoes, try slicing them before grilling. Toss them with olive oil, seasonings, and your favorite herbs, then spread them out on the grill grates. They’ll cook quickly and evenly, making a perfect side for any meal.
Traeger Potato Wedges
Cut your potatoes into wedges and toss them with olive oil, seasonings, and herbs before grilling. The Traeger imparts a smoky flavor that elevates these simple wedges to a new level of deliciousness.
Baked Potatoes on Pellet Grill
While a pellet grill like a traeger delivers rich, smoky flavor, sometimes you need a fast and easy alternative. That’s where the Microwave Baked Potato Recipe comes in! In just minutes, you can achieve a fluffy interior and a tender skin, making it the perfect solution for a quick meal or side dish. With the right technique, seasonings, and toppings, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying baked potato without the wait. Whether you’re short on time or just want a simple cooking method, this microwave trick guarantees great results!
Traeger Roast Potatoes and Carrots
Roasting potatoes and carrots together on your Traeger is a simple and satisfying way to cook these classic vegetables. The smoke adds depth and complexity, while the Traeger’s consistent heat ensures even cooking.
Beef Roast on Traeger
Take your Sunday roast to the next level by cooking it on your Traeger. The wood-fired smoke infuses the beef with incredible flavor, creating a truly memorable meal.
Traeger Roast Beef Sandwich
Use leftover Traeger-smoked beef roast to create the ultimate roast beef sandwich. The smoky flavor and tender texture make this a sandwich you won’t soon forget.
Traeger Beef Roast with Vegetables
Create a complete meal by roasting your beef alongside your favorite vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, onions, and Brussels sprouts all take on a delicious smoky flavor when cooked alongside the roast.
Traeger Smoked Potatoes and Carrots
Smoking potatoes and carrots on your Traeger is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy these classic vegetables. The smoke adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from traditional cooking methods.
Preparing Your Potatoes, Seasoning & Wrapping
Thoroughly wash and dry your potatoes. This removes excess dirt and helps the skin crisp up. Generously rub the potatoes with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Simple salt and pepper are classic, but garlic powder or Traeger rubs like Texas Spicy or Coffee Rub add another dimension of flavor. Wrapping in aluminum foil will result in a softer skin and faster cooking time, while leaving them unwrapped maximizes smoky flavor and creates a crispier skin. Consider poking holes in the foil-wrapped potatoes to allow steam to escape.
Setting Up Your Traeger Grill for Perfect Results
Preheat your Traeger to your desired temperature. For a low and slow approach that maximizes smoky flavor, aim for 225°F. For a quicker bake, 375°F is ideal. Choose your wood pellets wisely: hickory, mesquite, and applewood all complement potatoes beautifully. Preheating the grill ensures consistent cooking and optimal smoke penetration.
Cooking Process, Step-by-Step Guide
Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded and have even heat distribution. At 225°F, expect a cook time of approximately 3 hours. At 375°F, they should be ready in 60-75 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a fork or meat thermometer. The potatoes are ready when the fork slides in easily and the internal temperature reaches 210°F.
The Perfect Traeger Baked Potato Toppings
The beauty of a Traeger baked potato lies in its versatility. Classic toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, and chives are always a hit. For a gourmet twist, try topping with smoked brisket, pulled pork, or blue cheese crumbles. Healthier options include Greek yogurt, avocado, and roasted vegetables.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Overcooking/Undercooking: Monitor the internal temperature with a thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Dry Potatoes: Avoid overcooking and consider wrapping in foil (with holes) to retain moisture.
- Overpowering Smoke: Choose milder wood pellets and don’t over-smoke. Balance the smoky flavor with your seasonings.
Traeger Baked Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 Traeger Grill Any model works; ensure it's preheated for even cooking.
- As needed Wood Pellets Hickory, apple, or mesquite for the best smoky flavor.
- 1 Tongs For flipping and removing potatoes safely.
- 1 Wire Brush To clean the grill grates before cooking.
- 1 Baking Tray (Optional) Helps contain potatoes if not placing them directly on the grill.
- 1 Knife or Fork To check for doneness (should pierce easily).
- 1 Basting brush For applying butter or oil evenly.
- 1 Meat Thermometer (Optional) Ensures potatoes reach an internal temp of 205°F for perfect fluffiness.
Ingredients
- 4 whole Russet Potatoes Best for a fluffy inside and crispy skin.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil Helps crisp up the skin and adds a rich flavor.
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt Enhances flavor and helps with crispiness.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adds a mild kick to the potatoes.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder Optional, but adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- As needed whole Wood Pellets Hickory, apple, or mesquite for a smoky taste.
- Optional tbsp Butter For serving, melts into the fluffy interior.
- Optional tbsp Sour Cream Classic topping for a creamy contrast.
- Optional tbsp Shredded Cheese Cheddar works best for a rich, melty topping.
- Optional tbsp Chopped Chives Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Optional strips Cooked Bacon Crumbled for extra crunch and smoky goodness.
Instructions
- Preheat the Traeger GrillSet your Traeger grill to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 15 minutes. Use hickory, apple, or mesquite wood pellets for the best flavor.
- Prepare the PotatoesWash the Russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them crisp up better.
- Season the PotatoesRub each potato with olive oil to help the skin become crispy. Then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for flavor.
- Place on the GrillPut the seasoned potatoes directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and let them cook for 60-75 minutes, depending on size.
- Check for DonenessUse a fork or knife to pierce the potato. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are ready. For extra accuracy, use a meat thermometer—205°F (96°C) is perfect.
- Serve and Enjoy!Remove the potatoes from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Slice them open and add butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon, or chives for extra flavor.
FAQs
How long to cook potatoes in a Traeger?
It depends on the temperature. At 225°F, about 3 hours. At 350°F, approximately 1 hour.
Is it better to bake a potato at 350 or 400?
350°F on a Traeger provides a good balance of cooking time and crispy skin. 400°F is faster but may result in a drier potato.
How long does it take to bake a potato in a smoker at 225?
Approximately 3 hours.
Can you bake a potato at 250 degrees?
Yes, but it will take longer than at higher temperatures, roughly 2.5-3 hours.
What temperature is a baked potato done?
A baked potato is done when its internal temperature reaches 210°F.
Can you smoke a potato on a Traeger?
Absolutely! Smoking potatoes on a Traeger infuses them with delicious smoky flavor.
Conclusion
The traeger baked potato is a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed by the magic of wood-fired cooking. With a little know-how and a Traeger grill, you can elevate this classic side dish to star status. So fire up your Traeger, embrace the smoke, and prepare to enjoy the ultimate baked potato experience.
