If you’re looking to dial up your next chili night or a backyard BBQ, then you’re bound to adore this Traeger smoked cornbread. This recipe is a delicious way to change up traditional cornbread, as the pellet grill offers a pleasant smokiness while the cheese gives the dish a remarkable depth of flavor. When you throw in a moist, bouncy center and a crispy, golden crust, it’s easy to see why this Southern delight has become one of my all-time favorite recipes.

The secret to this all-American dish is to use buttermilk, butter, and a touch of sugar for a rich yet balanced dish that screams comfort food. This bread also manages to do it all on the texture front; it’s soft without being cakey and crumbly without falling apart in your hands. In my opinion, it’s an unsung hero, fit for any BBQ occasion.

The recipe requires minimal mixing and just a few staple ingredients, so it’s a total breeze to put together. Trust me when I say that you’ll want to bookmark this recipe and save it for later, as the entire family will be clamoring for this smoked Traeger cornbread for years to come. It’s just that good!

Why This Recipe Works

• A glorious balance of cornmeal and all-purpose flour gives this bread plenty of structure.
  
• The combination of buttermilk and butter keeps things moist and flaky while adding depth and richness to the bread.
  
• The sugar adds a wonderful hint of sweetness.
  
• The Traeger gives this smoked cornbread a slightly smoky, rustic flavor.

Ingredients

Here is a list of ingredients that you need to make this recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.

• Fine ground cornmeal. Crucial for getting the signature texture and sweetness of cornbread.
  
• All-purpose flour. Allows your bread to rise and gives it that signature spongy consistency.
  
• Sugar. Offers a hint of sweetness that beautifully balances the bread.
  
• Baking powder. Helps your dough rise.
  
• Baking soda. Ditto!
  
• Salt. A small pinch adds complexity and enhances other flavors.
  
• Buttermilk. Keeps things moist and adds tanginess.
  
• Butter. Makes the bread flaky, moist, and super-rich.
  
• Eggs. A must-have for moisture, structure, and integrity.

Optional add-ins

• Diced green chiles. If you fancy dialing up the heat.
  
• Grated cheese. Great for flavor and perfect for pairing with Mexican dishes.
  
• Fresh or frozen corn kernels. For texture and a little sweetness.
  
• Cooked crumbled bacon. Makes the bread uber-savory and works well with maple syrup for an indulgent result.
  
• Optional spices.

How To Make It

For step-by-step instructions for this recipe, scroll down to the printable recipe card.

1. Preheat the Traeger and grease a cast-iron skillet.
   
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and add any optional mix-ins to the flour.
   
3. Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
   
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold together until just combined.
   
5. Scoop the batter into the skillet and place it on the Traeger.
   
6. Cook until golden brown on top.
   
7. Allow it to cool before slicing.

Tips For Success

• Leave the grill alone! If you can, avoid the temptation to open the grill until at least 22 minutes into the baking time. Opening the lid too often will extend the bake time considerably.
  
• Use an instant-read thermometer. This allows you to check the internal temperature of your bread quickly, giving you an even bake and peace of mind. It also helps avoid overbaking!
  
• Grab the right cornmeal. It may seem arbitrary, but choosing the right cornmeal is crucial to getting this dish right. You’ll want to use fine ground cornmeal that’s free of flour and leavening agents for best results.
  
• Be careful when measuring the flour. Don’t just hope for the best by scooping things out of the bag with a measuring cup. Measure your ingredients with a digital scale to avoid the overly doughy consistency that comes with using too much flour!
  
• Don’t underestimate the cast-iron skillet. This thing is the MVP when it comes to achieving a perfect, crispy crust.
  
• Sniff your cornmeal. It sounds strange, but you’ll want to check if your cornmeal is rancid before using it. Rancid cornmeal will smell musty, while fresh cornmeal is naturally sweet. If you’ve bought your cornmeal from the store recently, this probably won’t be an issue.
  
• Don’t overmix. Having a few lumps is a good thing, as they’ll give your bread a slightly craggy appearance which makes it look oh-so-rustic. Lumps also keep your cornbread bread moist while baking in the Traeger.
  
• Get the grease in your skillet nice and hot before adding the batter. This helps you get the golden crust that characterizes Southern cornbread.
  
• Let your batter rest for 10-15 minutes before baking. The leavening agents will start working their magic, and the cornmeal will absorb the other flavors better.

FAQ

 🛠 Tools and Equipment

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• You gotta get yourself a solid smoker! I have this Traeger Timberline 1300 and absolutely love it. You can also go for this Traeger Pro 780.
  
• A cast iron skillet gives this cornbread a perfect brown, crispy crust and adds to the rustic charm.
  
• Hit the perfect temp and get the moistest cornbread you can by checking the internal temperature with this ThermoWorks instant-read thermometer.

Try These Recipes Also

This Traeger smoked cornbread is screaming for a delicious chili to go along with it. This Trager smoked brisket chili is so delicious. There is a special ingredient that makes this chili a serious contender for the best chili you have ever had!

These Traeger smoked beef short ribs are called dino ribs for a reason! They are monstrous, packed full of beefy flavor, and super tender. If you cannot find short ribs, these Traeger smoked beef back ribs are also killer!

Wrap Up

Whether it’s the height of summer or the dead of winter, this perfect Traeger Cornbread never fails to bring the house down. Easy to make and perfect for adapting to taste preferences with optional add-ins, this is a dish that’ll please even the fussiest eaters.

💬 Tell Me What You Think!

Did you try out this recipe? Please leave a comment below and let me know how you liked it. Also, snap a picture and post it to your favorite social platform. Be sure to tag me at @alicensetogrill and let me know how you liked it!

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