What to Cook on a Blackstone Griddle: Easy Recipes.

Introduction

Are you wondering what to cook on a Blackstone griddle? This versatile flat-top cooking tool makes it easy to prepare everything from hearty breakfasts to savory dinners and even indulgent desserts. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or crafting a quick family meal, the Blackstone griddle offers endless possibilities to elevate your cooking game.

The Blackstone griddle is a versatile tool that can handle a variety of dishes, making it a favorite for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. If you’re wondering what to cook on a Blackstone griddle, this guide will help you get started. From breakfast classics to gourmet dinner ideas, the possibilities are endless.

But what makes the Blackstone griddle stand out? Its ability to handle diverse recipes, its spacious cooking area, and its robust heat control features. Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue or experimenting with gourmet recipes at home, the griddle is a go-to for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best recipes to try on your Blackstone griddle, from breakfast classics to dinner masterpieces and even sweet treats. You’ll also get tips for cooking like a pro and maintaining your griddle for long-lasting performance.

Let’s dive into the endless possibilities of what you can cook on a Blackstone griddle!

Breakfast Recipes

Pancakes and bacon cooking on a Blackstone griddle.

A Blackstone griddle is a breakfast lover’s dream. Its large, flat cooking surface and even heat distribution make it perfect for preparing classic breakfast dishes. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, the griddle’s efficiency and versatility help you start the day off right. Here are a few must-try breakfast recipes for your Blackstone griddle.

When it comes to what to cook on a Blackstone griddle, breakfast options are plentiful. Try classics like pancakes and bacon or go for something creative like French toast or breakfast burritos. The griddle’s even heat distribution makes it easy to cook multiple items at once.

Breakfast Burritos

Scramble eggs with diced peppers and onions on one side of the griddle, while warming tortillas on the other. Add shredded cheese, cooked sausage, and the scrambled eggs to the tortilla. Roll it up and give it a quick sear for a delicious breakfast burrito.

For something portable, breakfast burritos are among the best ideas for Blackstone griddle meal recipes.

French Toast

Dip bread slices in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then cook them until golden on the griddle. Top with powdered sugar, syrup, or fresh berries for a sweet start to your day.

Lunch and Dinner Ideas

Smash burgers and toasted buns cooking on a Blackstone griddle.

Your Blackstone griddle truly shines when it comes to lunch and dinner recipes. Its versatile cooking surface allows you to prepare everything from quick sandwiches to elaborate multi-ingredient dishes. Here are some delicious meal ideas perfect for satisfying your midday or evening cravings.

Knowing what to cook on a Blackstone griddle for lunch or dinner expands your culinary possibilities. Griddle classics like smash burgers and stir fry are perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.

Smash Burgers

Smash burgers are one of the easiest Blackstone griddle meal ideas for lunch.

Ingredients:
Ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness), salt, pepper, and optional toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and condiments.
Method:
1. Roll the ground beef into balls (about 4 ounces each).
2. Preheat the griddle and lightly oil the surface.
3. Place the beef balls on the hot griddle and smash them flat with a heavy spatula or burger press.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Flip after 2-3 minutes, add cheese if desired, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Pro Tip: Toast your burger buns on the griddle for added flavor and texture.

Grilled Chicken and Veggies

This healthy and flavorful meal is a great way to use your Blackstone griddle for a balanced dish.

Chicken:
Marinate boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. Cook on medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side.
Veggies:
Use a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then cook them alongside the chicken until tender and slightly charred.
Serving:
Slice the chicken and serve with the grilled veggies for a delicious, low-carb meal.

Hibachi-Style Stir Fry

When thinking about what to cook on a Blackstone griddle, hibachi stir fry stands out for its flavor and simplicity.

Recreate the flavors of a Japanese steakhouse at home with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients:
Thinly sliced steak, chicken, or shrimp, along with vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and onions. For the sauce, combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a touch of honey.
Method:
1. Preheat the griddle and cook the protein until seared and fully cooked.
2. Push the protein to one side and stir fry the vegetables in the center.
3. Combine everything and drizzle the sauce over the mixture, letting it caramelize slightly before serving.
Pro Tip: Add fried rice on the side by cooking cooked rice with scrambled eggs, soy sauce, peas, and carrots.

Snacks and Desserts

Many people overlook snacks and desserts when exploring recipes for Blackstone griddles, but they’re just as exciting.

The Blackstone griddle isn’t just for main meals—it’s also an excellent tool for preparing tasty snacks and indulgent desserts. From savory appetizers to sweet treats, here are a few ideas that will elevate your snacking and dessert game.

Loaded Nachos

Who doesn’t love nachos? The Blackstone griddle allows you to cook everything right on the surface for a perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors.

Ingredients:
Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, cooked ground beef or chicken, jalapeños, onions, black beans, and sour cream for topping.
Method:
1. Spread tortilla chips evenly on the griddle.
2. Top with shredded cheese and your choice of toppings (ground beef, jalapeños, beans, etc.).
3. Cover with a lid to allow the cheese to melt, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Tip: Use a large spatula to mix the nachos for an even distribution of toppings.

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

These bite-sized versions of the classic Philly cheesesteak are perfect for a party appetizer or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients:
Slider rolls, thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed onions and peppers, provolone cheese.
Method:
1. Sauté the onions and peppers on the griddle until soft.
2. Cook the sliced steak on the griddle, then pile onto the bottom half of the slider rolls.
3. Top with sautéed veggies and provolone cheese, then cover to melt the cheese.
4. Place the top halves of the slider rolls and toast them on the griddle for a few minutes until golden brown.

Finish your meal with a warm and gooey chocolate chip cookie made right on your Blackstone griddle.

Ingredients:
Cookie dough, chocolate chips, a cast-iron skillet.
Method:
1. Preheat the griddle and place a cast-iron skillet on it.
2. Press cookie dough into the skillet and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
3. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 10-15 minutes, checking to ensure the cookie is golden and cooked through.
4. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.

Tips for Griddle Cooking

When planning what to cook on a Blackstone griddle, remember to manage heat zones and keep your griddle seasoned for the best results.

Heat Zones: Create heat zones (high, medium, and low) to cook multiple items simultaneously without overcooking or burning.

Cleaning: After each use, scrape off food residue, wipe the surface, and apply a thin coat of oil to maintain the griddle’s seasoning.

Essential Tools:

Spatulas: For flipping and smashing burgers.
Tongs: Ideal for handling vegetables and proteins.
Oil Bottles: Keep a squeeze bottle of oil handy for greasing the surface.

FAQs

Cooking on a Blackstone griddle can seem intimidating at first, but these frequently asked questions address common concerns and provide helpful guidance for beginners and experienced users alike.

How Do You Season a Blackstone Griddle?

Seasoning a Blackstone griddle is essential for creating a non-stick surface and protecting the metal from rust. Here’s how:

Clean the griddle surface with soapy water before its first use, then dry thoroughly.
Apply a thin, even layer of high-heat oil, such as flaxseed or canola oil, over the entire surface.
Heat the griddle until the oil smokes and bonds to the surface (about 10-15 minutes).
Let it cool, then repeat the process 2-3 more times to build a strong, seasoned layer.
After every use, clean the griddle and apply a light coat of oil to maintain the seasoning.

What Are the Best Oils to Use on a Blackstone Griddle?

The best oils are those with a high smoke point to withstand the griddle’s high temperatures. Popular options include:

Canola oil
Flaxseed oil (especially for initial seasoning)
Grapeseed oil
Avocado oil
Sunflower oil
Using these oils helps prevent sticking and maintains the griddle’s seasoning.

Can You Use a Blackstone Griddle Indoors?

Blackstone griddles are designed for outdoor use due to the smoke and grease they produce. If you want to use it indoors:

Ensure you have a well-ventilated space with a strong range hood or exhaust fan.
Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to confirm indoor use compatibility.

For safety and optimal performance, it’s best to use the griddle in an outdoor setting.

What Foods Should You Not Cook on a Blackstone Griddle?

While the griddle is highly versatile, there are some foods to avoid:

Overly Wet or Liquid-Based Dishes: Soups and stews don’t work well since the surface is flat.
Delicate Fish: Thin, flaky fish like sole may break apart unless handled carefully.
Sticky Foods Without Proper Seasoning: Items like sugar-heavy marinades or uncoated dough can stick if your griddle isn’t well-seasoned.

How Do You Prevent Food from Sticking?

Ensure your griddle is properly seasoned.
Preheat the griddle before adding food.
Use a light coating of oil on the surface before cooking.
Avoid scraping the surface too aggressively, which can damage the seasoning layer.

How Do You Store a Blackstone Griddle?

Proper storage is key to maintaining your griddle’s performance and longevity.

Allow the griddle to cool completely after use.
Clean the surface thoroughly, removing food residue and grease.
Apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.
Cover the griddle with a weather-resistant cover to protect it from moisture and dust.
Store it in a dry location, preferably indoors or under a sheltered area.

Can You Cook Frozen Foods on a Blackstone Griddle?

Yes, you can cook frozen foods directly on a Blackstone griddle, but it’s best to defrost them first for even cooking. If cooking from frozen:

Start at a lower temperature to allow the food to thaw slightly.
Increase the heat once the food begins to cook.

What’s the Best Way to Clean a Blackstone Griddle After Cooking?

After cooking, let the griddle cool slightly but remain warm.
Scrape off any food residue using a griddle scraper.
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove grease.
Apply a light layer of oil to protect the surface from rust.

By following these tips and addressing these common questions, you can enjoy a hassle-free and rewarding cooking experience with your Blackstone griddle.

Conclusion

Cooking on a Blackstone griddle opens up endless culinary possibilities, making it a must-have for food enthusiasts who love experimenting with different dishes. From classic breakfast favorites like pancakes and bacon to hearty lunch and dinner options like smash burgers and hibachi-style stir fry, the versatility of a Blackstone griddle caters to every meal of the day.

For snack and dessert lovers, the griddle transforms into a creative tool to craft indulgent treats like loaded nachos, griddled s’mores, and fried bananas with caramel sauce. Its large surface area and even heat distribution make cooking for a crowd seamless and enjoyable.

With proper care, including regular seasoning and cleaning, your Blackstone griddle can deliver consistent results for years. By incorporating essential tools, mastering heat control, and following simple cooking tips, you can elevate your outdoor cooking experience and create dishes that rival restaurant quality.

So, fire up your Blackstone griddle, try out these recipes, and let your culinary creativity shine. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet family dinner, the griddle will quickly become your favorite cooking companion.