Traegers aren’t just for the main event — you can make a wide variety of delicious side dishes on a pellet grill. From vegetables and potatoes to cheesy casseroles and grilled breads, the Traeger (or any wood-pellet grill) adds a subtle, smoky depth that lifts everyday sides into crowd-pleasing favorites.
Below is a curated list of my favorite Traeger side dishes featured on Or Whatever You Do. Each entry includes a short description and a link to the full recipe so you can recreate them at home.
Traeger Side Dishes
Simple pellet-grill side dishes that pair perfectly with steaks, poultry, pork, seafood, or a casual weeknight dinner. These recipes make the most of wood-fired flavor while keeping prep approachable. Use the Traeger to free up oven space, add smoke to familiar favorites, or create new textures with direct and indirect heat. Below are tips, flavor ideas, and a collection of tested recipes to inspire your next cookout or holiday meal.
Quick tips for success: use a light coating of oil on vegetables to encourage caramelization; finish cheesy casseroles on the grill to develop a golden top; and take advantage of the Traeger’s steady low-and-slow settings for smoked potatoes and stuffed veg. These recipes are intentionally flexible—substitute herbs, swap cheeses, or scale quantities to suit your gathering.
Traeger Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Crispy grilled Brussels sprouts make a versatile side for nearly any entrée. Tossed with bacon and finished on the pellet grill, they get smoky char and a satisfying crunch.
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Traeger Thanksgiving Dressing
Traditional Thanksgiving dressing gets the Traeger treatment to free up oven space and add wood-fired flavor. Ideal for holiday buffets and family dinners.
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Traeger Grilled Carrots
Sweet carrots grilled with browned butter and fresh herbs. Simple to prepare and ideal for a weeknight or holiday side.
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Traeger Funeral Potatoes
Cheesy, comforting funeral potatoes are a classic for gatherings. The pellet grill adds a gentle smoky note while crisping the top.
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Traeger Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin
A cheese-lover’s dream: broccoli topped with a homemade cream sauce and loads of melted cheese, finished until golden on the pellet grill.
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Traeger Grilled Milk Rolls
Rich, tender milk rolls made with milk instead of water, baked on the grill for a comforting, bakery-style finish.
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Traeger Grilled Spinach
Quick grilled spinach tossed with oil and salt, wilted on the pellet grill for a faint wood-fired flavor—an easy, healthy summer side.
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Traeger Grilled Croutons
Turn slightly stale bread into crisp, flavorful croutons by finishing them on the pellet grill—great for salads or soups.
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Traeger Smoked Mac and Cheese
Classic macaroni and cheese with a touch of smoked cheese and finished on the wood-fired grill for added depth.
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Traeger Smoked Salsa Verde
A simple grilled salsa with a hint of smoke, brightened by lime juice—ready in under an hour and perfect with chips or grilled proteins.
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Traeger Smoked Smashed Potatoes
Crisp-skinned smashed potatoes with creamy centers—smoked for flavor and finished for texture that everyone will reach for.
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Traeger Smoked Caramelized Onions
Rich, sweet caramelized onions with subtle smoke—an excellent topping for burgers, steaks, or mixed into side dishes.
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Traeger Grilled Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Homemade cheddar bay biscuits baked on the grill for a golden exterior and tender interior—an easy copycat for garlic-butter lovers.
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Traeger Corn on the Cob
Simple, smoky corn on the cob roasted on the pellet grill—perfect with herb butter or a squeeze of lime for a quick summer side.
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Traeger Grilled Prosciutto Asparagus
Quick and elegant prosciutto-wrapped asparagus—ready in minutes and beautifully charred on the pellet grill for a meaty, savory side.
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Grilled Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash grilled whole on the pellet grill, served with browned butter and herbs for a simple, low-carb side.
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Grilled Butternut Squash
Savory-sweet butternut squash finished with brown sugar and butter. Serve scooped from the shell or mashed for a seasonal favorite.
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Loaded Smoked Mashed Potatoes
Comforting mashed potatoes with smoky depth and loaded with cheese and bacon—an indulgent pairing for grilled steaks or roasts.
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Smoked Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
A family favorite combining smoked cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning—rich, smoky, and adored by kids and adults alike.
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Caesar Pasta Salad
A cookout classic: pasta salad tossed with Caesar-style dressing and grilled components for extra flavor. Make ahead for easy entertaining.
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Smoked Scalloped Potatoes
Layered, creamy scalloped potatoes baked on the pellet grill for a touch of smoke and a golden top—great for weekend dinners and holidays.
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Pellet Grill Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Seasoned zucchini and yellow squash grilled until tender and slightly charred—an easy, healthy side accented with Mediterranean spices.
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Grilled Mexican Street Corn Elote
Bold, messy, and totally worth it—elote topped with crema, cotija-style cheese, and spices straight from the grill.
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Grilled Baked Potatoes
Classic baked potatoes prepared on the pellet grill for crisp skins and fluffy interiors—easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
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Smoked Garlic Butter
Wood-fired garlic butter smoked on the pellet grill—an easy flavor booster for bread, vegetables, and grilled meats.
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Smoked Salmon Dip
Easy smoked salmon dip made with hot smoked salmon and cream cheese—great for entertaining or as an appetizer alongside grilled sides.
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Togarashi Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus seasoned with a bold Japanese togarashi blend, then grilled for an extra-flavorful vegetable side.
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Perfect Grilled Asparagus
Simple, perfectly grilled asparagus—charred, tender, and deserving of the “perfect” title for its balance of texture and flavor.
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