Name: Traeger Smoked Tri Tip Pizza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pizza dough pizza dough (your favorite homemade or store-bought dough); 1 tsp flour (for stretching); 1 tsp olive oil (divided for greasing and flavor); 1 tsp garlic salt (adds depth to the crust); 1 cup pizza sauce (for that classic flavor); 1 tsp BBQ rub (to enhance the smoky profile); 4 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded); 4 oz cheddar cheese (shredded); 1 cup tri-tip (smoked/cooked, diced); 1 medium red pepper (diced into ½-inch pieces); ½ cup onion (diced into ½-inch pieces); ½ cup BBQ sauce (for drizzling); 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped (for serving))

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your pizza night, look no further than this delicious Traeger Smoked Tri Tip Pizza. The combination of smoky, tender tri tip and gooey cheese, all atop a perfectly baked crust, is nothing short of heavenly. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza maker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your meal is not only satisfying but also a crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

Traeger Smoked Tri Tip Pizza is a showstopper for various reasons. First, the rich, smoky flavor from the Traeger grill infuses the pizza in a way that traditional ovens simply can’t replicate. Second, the unique combination of ingredients—smoked tri tip, fresh veggies, and a blend of cheese—creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Lastly, it’s versatile! You can customize toppings to your heart’s content or even use leftover tri tip from dinner to cut down on prep time.

What Goes Into Traeger Smoked Tri Tip Pizza

To make this scrumptious Traeger Smoked Tri Tip Pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pizza dough – your favorite homemade or store-bought dough
1 tsp flour for stretching – to prevent sticking
1 tsp olive oil, divided – for greasing and flavor
1 tsp garlic salt – adds depth to the crust
1 cup pizza sauce – for that classic flavor
1 tsp BBQ rub – to enhance the smoky profile
4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded – the essential stringy cheese
4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded – adds a sharp flavor
1 cup tri-tip, smoked/cooked, diced – the star of the show
1 medium red pepper, diced into ½-inch pieces – for color and crunch
½ cup onion, diced into ½-inch pieces – for sweetness
½ cup BBQ sauce – for drizzling
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving) – adds freshness

Setup & Equipment

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather the necessary equipment:

Traeger grill – for that perfect smoky flavor
Pizza stone or baking sheet – for baking the pizza
Rolling pin – to stretch the dough
Spatula – for easy transfer of the pizza
Cutting board and knife – for prepping ingredients
Mixing bowl – for combining sauces and seasonings

The Method for Traeger Smoked Tri Tip Pizza

Follow these simple steps to create your mouthwatering Traeger Smoked Tri Tip Pizza:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by letting your pizza dough come to room temperature if it’s been refrigerated. This helps in stretching it out easily. Lightly dust your work surface with 1 tsp of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Stretch the Dough

Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the dough into a circular shape, about 12 inches in diameter. Be careful not to make it too thin, as you want a sturdy crust to hold all the toppings.

Step 3: Preheat the Traeger Grill

Preheat your Traeger grill to 450°F. This high heat is crucial for achieving that crispy crust. If you’re using a pizza stone, place it on the grill while it preheats.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Once the grill is hot, drizzle ½ tsp of olive oil over the stretched dough. Sprinkle with 1 tsp of garlic salt. Spread 1 cup of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Now, sprinkle 4 oz mozzarella cheese and 4 oz cheddar cheese over the sauce. Then, layer on the 1 cup of diced tri tip, followed by the ½ cup of diced onion and 1 medium red pepper. Finally, sprinkle 1 tsp of BBQ rub over the top for an extra flavor boost.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Close the grill lid and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 7: Finish with BBQ Sauce and Cilantro

Once your pizza is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill. Drizzle ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the top and garnish with 2 tbsp of fresh cilantro. Allow the pizza to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Dietary Customizations

This recipe is incredibly adaptable to fit different dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

For a gluten-free version, substitute the pizza dough with a gluten-free alternative.
Use vegan cheese to create a dairy-free option.
Swap out the tri tip for grilled vegetables or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian variant.
Experiment with different sauces, such as a spicy sriracha or pesto, to switch up the flavor profile.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

Making pizza can be tricky sometimes, but here are a few common issues and their fixes:

Problem: Dough is too sticky. Fix: Use more flour when stretching and rolling out the dough.
Problem: Toppings slide off after baking. Fix: Ensure the sauce is not too watery and allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing.
Problem: Soggy crust. Fix: Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings to ensure it cooks through.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), here’s how to store and reheat your Traeger Smoked Tri Tip Pizza:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet for a crispy base.

Next Up in Your Queue

If you’re excited about trying more delicious recipes, consider these:

Time to Try It

Now that you have all the details for making a phenomenal Traeger Smoked Tri Tip Pizza, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Gather your ingredients, fire up that grill, and savor every bite of this smoky, cheesy delight. Your friends and family will be begging for seconds, and you’ll have the satisfaction of serving a homemade masterpiece. Enjoy your pizza night!

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