5 Easy Blackstone Griddle Recipes for Beginners

Griddles are a staple in both outdoor cooking and indoor kitchen appliances, with the Blackstone Griddle being a favorite for its versatility and ease of use. If you're just stepping into the world of griddle cooking, these five easy recipes will help you get started without overwhelming your culinary skills. Each recipe is designed to maximize flavor while simplifying the cooking process, making griddle cooking accessible and fun for beginners.

1. Classic Pancakes

Pancakes are a perfect introduction to griddle cooking due to their straightforward preparation and delicious outcome. Here’s how you can make them on your Blackstone:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ³⁄₄ cups milk
  • ¹⁄₄ cup melted butter
  • 2 eggs
• Steps:
  1. Heat your Blackstone griddle to medium heat.
  2. Mix dry ingredients together, then add milk, butter, and eggs, stirring until combined.
  3. Pour batter onto the griddle, forming pancakes of your desired size.
  4. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look dry, then flip and cook until golden brown.

🔥 Note: Preheating your griddle ensures even cooking and prevents the pancakes from sticking.

2. Cheesy Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Nothing says comfort food quite like a grilled cheese sandwich. The Blackstone griddle gives you an edge with its ability to cook evenly on both sides:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 slices of bread
  • 2 slices of cheese (cheddar or American work great)
  • Butter or margarine
  • Mayo (optional for a creamier texture)
• Steps:
  1. Preheat the griddle to medium heat.
  2. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Optionally, spread mayo on the other side.
  3. Layer the cheese between the slices, buttered side out.
  4. Place the sandwich on the griddle and cook until the bread is toasted and cheese is melted, flipping once.

3. Breakfast Hash

For a hearty and healthy start, try this breakfast hash:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb of ground sausage or bacon
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 4 potatoes, cubed
  • Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your Blackstone to medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the sausage or bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add potatoes to the griddle, cooking until they start to brown.
  4. Add onions and bell peppers, then mix with the potatoes.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Return the meat to the griddle to reheat.

🍳 Note: Cooking the potatoes first allows for better caramelization which adds flavor to your hash.

4. Smash Burgers

Experience the magic of a juicy burger cooked to perfection:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef (⁸⁰⁄₂₀ mix)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Buns
  • Toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and condiments
• Steps:
  1. Preheat the griddle to high heat.
  2. Form the ground beef into loose balls, season with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the beef balls on the griddle, smash down with a spatula to form thin patties.
  4. Cook until charred, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes for medium-rare.
  5. Toast buns on the griddle and assemble your burgers with your favorite toppings.

5. Grilled Vegetables

For a lighter meal or side dish, grilled vegetables are always a winner:

• Ingredients:
  • Various vegetables (zucchini, squash, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, and herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
• Steps:
  1. Preheat the griddle to medium-high heat.
  2. Slice vegetables into even pieces, brush with olive oil, and season.
  3. Place vegetables on the griddle, cooking until they show grill marks and are tender.
  4. Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking.

These recipes provide a solid foundation for beginners using the Blackstone Griddle. They're straightforward, yet they teach essential cooking techniques like heat control, timing, and ingredient preparation. With practice, you'll grow more confident in experimenting with different foods, flavors, and techniques.

How do I keep food from sticking to the Blackstone?

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Preheating the griddle and adding a light layer of oil can prevent sticking. Also, ensure your griddle is clean and well-seasoned before cooking.

Can I cook all these recipes at the same time?

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Yes, but manage your griddle space wisely. Start with foods that take longer to cook or can benefit from lower temperatures first, then add quicker-cooking items like pancakes or burgers.

Is it safe to use the Blackstone indoors?

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Not recommended. Blackstone griddles are designed for outdoor use due to their open-flame burners. For indoor use, consider models explicitly made for indoor cooking.