7 Mouthwatering Griddle Recipes You Must Try

Discover the Magic of Griddle Cooking

There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking on a griddle. Whether it’s the even heat distribution, the ability to cook multiple items simultaneously, or simply the nostalgic allure of diner-style meals, griddle cooking offers a unique culinary experience. From breakfast staples to hearty dinners, the griddle opens up a world of delicious possibilities. Here are 7 mouthwatering griddle recipes you must try:

Classic Buttermilk Pancakes

The Basics: Pancakes are perhaps the most iconic griddle food. Here’s how you can make the fluffiest pancakes at home:

• Ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 eggs, 1 ½ cups buttermilk, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
  2. Whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract in another bowl.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Heat your griddle to medium heat and grease lightly. Pour or scoop batter onto the griddle, using approximately ¹⁄₄ cup for each pancake.
  5. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until the other side is golden brown.

💡 Note: For extra fluffiness, you can add a pinch of baking soda to the batter.

Griddle Cooked Bacon

Who can resist the crispiness of bacon cooked on a griddle?

• Preparation: Preheat your griddle to medium heat.
• Steps:
  1. Lay bacon slices on the griddle, ensuring they don’t overlap.
  2. Cook until the edges start to curl and turn crispy. Flip and cook to desired crispness.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately or keep warm in the oven for a breakfast feast.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This comfort food classic gets an upgrade with a griddle:

• Ingredients: 2 slices of your favorite bread, cheese (preferably cheddar or American), butter.
• Method:
  1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
  2. Place one slice, butter side down, on the preheated griddle.
  3. Add cheese and cover with the other slice of bread, butter side up.
  4. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
• Tips: Try adding ingredients like tomato, bacon, or avocado for a gourmet touch.

Hash Browns

Hash browns are a versatile and delicious side dish, perfect for a griddle:

• Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes (shredded), 1 small onion (optional), ¹⁄₄ cup butter or oil, salt, pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. After shredding potatoes, rinse under cold water to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly.
  2. Mix potatoes with salt, pepper, and finely chopped onion if using.
  3. Heat butter or oil on your griddle to medium heat.
  4. Spread potato mixture evenly to form a pancake shape.
  5. Cook until the bottom is crispy, then flip to cook the other side.

💡 Note: You can use a flat spatula or a plate to flip large hash browns without breaking them.

Smashed Cheeseburger

Savor the simple joy of a perfectly cooked burger, smashed for extra flavor:

• Ingredients: Ground beef (⁸⁰⁄₂₀), salt, pepper, burger buns, cheese slices, toppings of choice.
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your griddle to high heat.
  2. Form beef into small balls, about 2 ounces each.
  3. Place balls on the griddle, then use a spatula to press down, forming a patty.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, cook for a minute or two, then flip.
  5. Add cheese, and cook until melted. Assemble your burger with your favorite toppings.

Cornbread Pancakes

Blend the comfort of cornbread with the convenience of pancakes:

• Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¹⁄₄ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt, 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, ¹⁄₃ cup vegetable oil, ¹⁄₂ cup canned corn (optional).
• Directions:
  1. Combine dry ingredients.
  2. Add eggs, milk, and oil, mixing until just blended. Stir in corn if using.
  3. Drop batter by large spoonfuls onto a preheated, greased griddle.
  4. Cook until edges are dry and bubbles form on top, then turn and cook the other side.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

Give your veggies a charred, smoky flavor right on your griddle:

• Ingredients: Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, herbs (like rosemary or thyme).
• Method:
  1. Cut vegetables into skewer-friendly sizes, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
  2. Thread onto skewers or place directly on the griddle.
  3. Cook, turning occasionally, until veggies are charred and tender.

Griddle cooking is more than just a method; it's an experience that can elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary. From pancakes to skewers, the griddle ensures even heat distribution, making every dish crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Whether you're whipping up breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these seven recipes demonstrate the versatility and convenience of griddle cooking. So next time you're looking for a way to bring out the best in your food, consider firing up the griddle!

Why should I cook on a griddle?

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A griddle allows for even heat distribution and the ability to cook multiple items at once. It also provides a larger cooking surface ideal for breakfast foods, pancakes, burgers, and more, which can be challenging to achieve with standard stovetop pans.

Can you use a griddle for everything?

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While griddles excel at certain dishes, they’re not suited for everything. For example, boiling or braising might be better performed on a stove or in an oven. However, for a wide range of foods, especially those requiring high heat, even cooking, or a crispy texture, a griddle is perfect.

What makes hash browns better on a griddle?

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Hash browns get a golden, crispy exterior on a griddle due to the even heat distribution, which helps create a uniform browning. This is harder to achieve in a traditional frying pan.