A Perfect Winter Family Lunch

When it’s 12°F outside, and snow is piled high, what better way to warm up than with a homemade pizza cooked on your Traeger Woodridge? This weekend, we embraced the cold, fired up the grill, and turned a simple garlic bread baguette into the ultimate family-friendly lunch: Garlic Bread Pizza.

This recipe wasn’t just about the food—it was about the experience. With our 3.5-year-old twins taking part in every step, from topping the pizzas to pressing the grill’s buttons, we created a memory just as satisfying as the cheesy, crispy final product.

And let’s talk about the Traeger Woodridge. This grill made the entire process seamless, even in frigid weather. The easy startup, clear temperature screen, and simple cleaning features make it perfect for busy parents who want great results without the fuss.

Let’s dive into the recipe, the process, and the magic of getting kids involved in cooking!

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Why the Traeger Woodridge is a Game-Changer

The Traeger Woodridge is the latest addition to our backyard setup, and it’s quickly becoming our go-to grill for winter grilling. Here’s why:

1. Effortless Startup

Gone are the days of wrestling with matches or complicated ignition systems. The Woodridge is designed with simplicity in mind—just press a button, turn the dial, and you’re good to go. Our twins even took turns pressing the buttons to help start the grill, and seeing their excitement made it extra special.

2. Big, Clear Temperature Screen

When it’s freezing outside, you don’t want to squint at a tiny, hard-to-read temperature gauge. The Woodridge’s large digital display is a lifesaver, giving you precise temperature control at a glance.

3. Hassle-Free Cleanup

The easy-clean drip tray is a feature we didn’t realize we needed. After a full day of cooking, cleanup was a breeze, leaving us more time to enjoy the pizza (and less time scrubbing).

4. Affordable Price Point

Despite its premium features, the Woodridge is surprisingly budget-friendly, making it an accessible option for families looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game.

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A Grill That Handles the Cold Like a Champ

One of the things we were most impressed with during this cook was how well the Traeger Woodridge handled the extreme cold. With temperatures hovering at 12°F, we were worried about maintaining a consistent heat, but the Woodridge didn’t flinch. Its advanced insulation and precise temperature control kept everything steady, proving that it’s a grill you can rely on year-round.

Winter grilling can be intimidating, especially when the weather feels like it’s working against you, but the Woodridge makes it easy. No running in and out of the house to check on food, no struggling to ignite the grill in icy conditions—just consistent, reliable performance. For families who love to grill, no matter the season, this feature alone is worth its weight in gold.

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The Recipe: Garlic Bread Pizza

Let’s talk about the star of the show—Garlic Bread Pizza. This recipe is quick, fun, and customizable, making it ideal for family cooking sessions.

Ingredients:

• Garlic bread baguette (pre-sliced, with garlic butter)
• Marinara sauce
• Pepperoni slices
• Italian cheese blend
• My signature Garlic Junkie seasoning
• Optional: Ranch dressing for dipping

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Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Traeger Woodridge

Set the grill to 375°F. While it heats, keep the garlic bread in its original wrapper and place it on the grill for about 10 minutes. This softens the bread and warms it through, setting the stage for those gooey toppings.

2. Assemble the Pizzas

Remove the bread from the grill and slice each baguette piece in half. Let the kids take the lead here—it’s their time to shine! They can:

• Spread marinara sauce on each slice.
• Add pepperoni slices (or customize with their favorite toppings).
• Sprinkle on the Italian cheese blend.
• Finish with a dash of Garlic Junkie seasoning for extra flavor.

3. Back on the Traeger

Place the topped bread slices on a cookie sheet and return them to the grill. Let them cook for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling.

4. Slice and Serve

Once the pizzas are done, slice them into strips and serve with ranch dressing on the side. Watching the kids enjoy their own creations is half the fun—and the warm, cheesy goodness is the other half.

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Building Flavor and Family Memories

What really sets this recipe apart is the balance between simplicity and flavor. The garlic bread acts as the perfect crispy-yet-soft base, the marinara adds a tangy layer, and the melted cheese ties it all together. Add the smoky undertones from the Traeger, and you’ve got a pizza experience that’s hard to beat.

But beyond the flavor, it’s the process that sticks with you. Seeing the kids get excited about helping, laughing as they “sneak” bites of cheese, and watching their faces light up when the pizzas come off the grill is what makes cooking together so rewarding. Meals like these aren’t just about filling bellies—they’re about making moments.

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Why the Garlic Bread Hack Is Genius

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this garlic bread hack. Starting with pre-sliced garlic bread saves so much time, but it doesn’t skimp on flavor. The buttery garlic coating soaks in the smoky aroma from the grill, elevating what might otherwise be an ordinary base. Plus, it crisps up beautifully on the Traeger without getting soggy, making it an ideal substitute for traditional pizza dough.

For busy parents, this hack is a game-changer. There’s no kneading, rising, or rolling required—just grab a loaf from the store, dress it up, and let the grill do the rest. It’s proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated.

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Grilling with Kids: A New Family Tradition

After this weekend, we’re more convinced than ever that grilling with kids is something every family should try. Not only does it teach them new skills, but it also gives them a sense of ownership over the meal. Our twins loved being part of the action—especially pressing the buttons to start the Traeger—and they were so proud to show off their pizzas.

It’s easy to assume that cooking with kids will be chaotic (and yes, it can be messy!), but the memories you make are worth every spilled piece of cheese. The Traeger Woodridge’s user-friendly design only adds to the experience, making it easy for little hands to help out safely. We’re looking forward to trying more kid-friendly recipes on the Traeger this year—it’s a tradition we’re excited to keep growing.

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Bonus: Other Recipes to Try on the Traeger

If you loved this Garlic Bread Pizza recipe, check out these other Traeger-friendly pizza-inspired ideas:

• Pull Apart Pizza Bites
• Zucchini and Cheddar Crusted Pizza
• Cheesy Traeger Pizza Dip
  

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Final Thoughts

Garlic Bread Pizza on the Traeger Woodridge is more than a meal—it’s an experience. From firing up the grill to sprinkling on the last bit of cheese, this recipe brings the whole family together in the best way possible.

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly, cold-weather crowd-pleaser, this recipe hits all the marks. And if you haven’t yet tried the Traeger Woodridge, now’s the time to elevate your outdoor cooking game.

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Ready to try this recipe? Fire up your Traeger and tag us in your creations on Instagram! Don’t forget to share how your kids helped out—we’d love to see their masterpieces.

Have any Traeger tips or favorite recipes? Drop them in the comments below. Let’s keep the smoke rolling!