Griddles are great for cooking all kinds of tasty foods. They let you make classic breakfast dishes like pancakes and eggs, but they’re good for much more than that.
You can use a griddle to cook foods for any meal of the day.
Griddle recipes are easy to make and often only need a few ingredients. You can whip up quick meals for your family or cook for a big group of people.
Whether you’re at home or camping, griddle cooking gives you lots of yummy options to try.
1. Blueberry Pancakes
Blueberry pancakes are a tasty breakfast treat you can make on your griddle. Start by mixing your pancake batter with fresh or frozen blueberries.
Heat your griddle to medium and lightly grease it. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.
Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook the other side. You’ll know they’re done when both sides are golden brown.
For extra flavor, serve your blueberry pancakes with butter and maple syrup.
You can also top them with more fresh blueberries or a dollop of whipped cream.
2. Smash Burgers
Smash burgers are a tasty treat you can make on your griddle. They get their name from the cooking method. You press the meat down on the hot surface to create a thin, crispy patty.
To make smash burgers, start with small balls of ground beef. Place them on the hot griddle and smash them flat with a spatula.
Cook for about 2 minutes until the edges are crispy.
Flip the burgers and add cheese if you want. Cook for another minute or so.
Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
The griddle gives smash burgers a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy. You’ll love how quick and easy they are to make.
3. Buttermilk Waffles
Buttermilk waffles are a tasty breakfast treat you can make on your griddle. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter in a bowl. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
Heat your griddle to medium. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot surface. Cook until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
For extra flavor, try adding cinnamon to your batter. You can also brush the cooked waffles with melted butter.
Serve your waffles warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
4. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
You can make tasty teriyaki chicken skewers on your griddle. Start by marinating chicken pieces in a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Cook them on your hot griddle, turning often. Brush with extra teriyaki sauce as they cook.
The griddle gives the chicken a nice char while keeping it juicy inside. Serve your skewers over rice with green onions on top.
These skewers are great for a quick dinner or as party food. You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A grilled cheese sandwich is a tasty and easy meal to make on your griddle. Start by preheating the griddle to medium heat.
Butter one side of each bread slice. Place one slice butter-side down on the griddle. Add cheese slices on top of the bread.
Put the second bread slice on top, butter-side up. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip the sandwich and cook the other side.
You can try different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. Add tomato slices or bacon for extra flavor.
Let the sandwich rest for a minute before eating.
6. Banana Chocolate Chip Griddle Cakes
Banana chocolate chip griddle cakes blend sweet fruit and rich chocolate into fluffy pancakes. To make them, mix mashed ripe bananas into your pancake batter. Add a handful of chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Cook the batter on a hot griddle until bubbles form on top. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown. The bananas make these cakes extra moist and tender.
Serve your banana chocolate chip griddle cakes warm with butter and maple syrup. For added sweetness, top with sliced fresh bananas or a drizzle of warm honey. These tasty cakes make a great weekend breakfast treat.
7. Vegetable Stir Fry
Vegetable stir fry is a quick and tasty dish you can make on your griddle. It’s perfect for using up leftover veggies in your fridge.
To start, mix up a simple sauce with veggie broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Add some garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
Heat up your griddle and toss on your favorite veggies. Try bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Cook them until they’re crisp-tender.
Pour the sauce over the veggies and let it bubble and thicken. The flat surface of the griddle helps everything cook evenly.
Serve your stir fry over rice or noodles for a filling meal. It’s a great way to eat more vegetables and enjoy your griddle.
8. Maple Bacon Pancakes
Maple bacon pancakes are a tasty twist on a breakfast classic. You can make them easily on your griddle.
Start by cooking bacon until crispy. Crumble it into small pieces.
Mix pancake batter as usual. Add the bacon crumbles and a splash of maple syrup to the batter.
Heat your griddle to medium-low. Pour batter in 1/3 cup portions.
Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip. The second side cooks faster.
Serve hot with extra maple syrup. The sweet and salty combo is sure to please.
For extra flavor, try adding a dash of cinnamon to the batter.
9. Seared Scallops
Seared scallops are a quick and tasty dish you can make on your Blackstone griddle. They cook fast, taking only 2-3 minutes per side.
To start, pat the scallops dry and season them with salt and pepper. Heat your griddle to high and add a thin layer of oil.
Place the scallops on the hot surface, making sure not to crowd them. Let them cook until they form a golden-brown crust.
Flip the scallops and cook the other side. They’re done when both sides are browned and the inside is just opaque.
You can add garlic and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Serve your perfectly seared scallops right away for the best taste and texture.
10. Philly Cheesesteak
Philly cheesesteaks are a perfect match for your griddle. Start with thinly sliced ribeye steak for the best flavor and texture.
Heat your griddle to medium-high. Cook sliced onions and peppers until soft. Push them to the side and add the steak.
Cook the meat quickly, chopping it with your spatulas as it cooks. Mix in the veggies and form into portions.
Top each portion with provolone cheese and let it melt. Scoop the cheesy meat mixture onto toasted hoagie rolls.
For extra authenticity, try using cheese whiz instead of provolone. Serve your griddle cheesesteaks hot and enjoy this classic sandwich at home.
11. Cinnamon French Toast
Cinnamon French toast is a delicious griddle breakfast. To make it, mix eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
Preheat your griddle to 325-350°F. Spread some butter on the surface.
Dip thick slices of bread in the egg mixture, coating both sides. Place the soaked bread on the buttered griddle.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Add more butter when flipping for extra flavor.
Serve your cinnamon French toast hot off the griddle. Top with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for a tasty morning treat.
12. Cheese Quesadillas
Cheese quesadillas are a simple yet tasty griddle recipe you can make at home. You’ll need large flour tortillas and your favorite cheese.
Heat your griddle to medium-high. Place a tortilla on the hot surface and sprinkle shredded cheese on half of it.
Fold the tortilla over and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until crispy.
The griddle heats evenly, making the tortillas crispy while melting the cheese perfectly.
You can customize your quesadillas by adding other fillings like meat or veggies.
Serve your cheese quesadillas hot, cut into wedges. They make a great quick meal or snack.
13. Cornmeal Johnny Cakes
Cornmeal johnny cakes are a tasty griddle treat you can easily make at home. To prepare them, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Add milk and an egg, then stir well. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
Heat your griddle to 400°F. Lightly grease it with shortening. Pour small amounts of batter onto the hot surface.
Cook until the edges brown, then flip to cook the other side. The result is golden, slightly crispy cakes with a soft interior.
Serve your johnny cakes warm with butter, syrup, or your favorite toppings. They make a great breakfast or snack any time of day.
14. Sourdough English Muffins
Sourdough English muffins are a tasty twist on the classic breakfast staple. You can make them right on your griddle for perfect results.
Mix your sourdough starter with flour, milk, and salt. Let the dough rise overnight. In the morning, shape it into small rounds.
Heat your griddle to medium-low. Sprinkle some cornmeal on the surface to prevent sticking. Place the muffins on the griddle and cook for about 7-8 minutes per side.
You’ll know they’re done when both sides are golden brown. The inside will have those signature nooks and crannies perfect for holding melted butter or jam.
15. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters are a tasty way to use up extra summer squash. To make them, shred zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix with eggs, flour, cheese, and seasonings.
Heat your griddle to medium-high. Add oil and drop 1/4 cup portions of batter.
Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
For extra flavor, try adding herbs or spices to the batter.
Serve your fritters hot with sour cream or yogurt for dipping. They make a great side dish or light meal.
16. Crispy Hash Browns
Crispy hash browns are a breakfast favorite you can easily make on your griddle. Start by thawing frozen shredded potatoes or grating fresh ones. Pat the potatoes dry to remove excess moisture.
Heat your griddle to medium-high. Add a thin layer of oil or butter. Spread the potatoes evenly and press them down with a spatula.
Cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
Flip the hash browns carefully and cook the other side. Add salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor. Cook until crispy and golden on both sides.
Serve your crispy hash browns hot alongside eggs and bacon for a classic breakfast combo.
17. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
BBQ chicken quesadillas make a tasty and easy meal on your griddle. Start by grilling seasoned chicken breasts until cooked through.
Shred the chicken and mix with BBQ sauce. Place a tortilla on the preheated griddle. Spread cheese on half the tortilla, then add the BBQ chicken.
Top with corn, black beans, and diced peppers if desired. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden and crispy on both sides.
Slice into wedges and serve hot.
These quesadillas are perfect for using up leftover chicken. You can customize the fillings to your liking.
18. Chorizo Breakfast Burrito
Chorizo breakfast burritos are a tasty way to start your day. You can make them easily on a griddle.
Cook diced potatoes first. Then add chorizo sausage and bacon pieces.
Scramble eggs separately on the griddle. Mix the cooked ingredients together.
Spoon the mixture onto tortillas. Add cheese, beans, or avocado if you like. Roll up the tortillas tightly.
Place them seam-side down on the griddle to seal. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
These burritos pack a flavorful punch with spicy chorizo and fluffy eggs. They’re filling and portable for busy mornings.
Benefits of Cooking with a Griddle
Griddles offer many advantages for home cooks. They help you make tasty meals with ease and flexibility.
Efficient Heat Distribution
Griddles spread heat evenly across their flat surface. This prevents hot spots that can burn food.
You get consistent results when cooking pancakes, eggs, or burgers. The large cooking area lets you cook many items at once. This saves time when making meals for groups.
Griddles also heat up fast. You can start cooking sooner than with some other methods.
The quick, even heating works well for searing meats and veggies. It locks in flavors and keeps food juicy.
Versatility in Cooking Styles
A griddle lets you cook many types of food. You can fry eggs, flip pancakes, and grill sandwiches all on one surface.
It’s great for stir-frying veggies or making fajitas. You can even warm tortillas on the side while cooking other items.
Griddles work well for different cuisines. Try making Japanese teppanyaki or American diner classics.
The flat top is perfect for smash burgers or Philly cheesesteaks. You can adjust the heat to simmer sauces or sear steaks.
Easy Maintenance and Cleaning
Griddles are simple to clean. Most have a smooth surface that you can wipe down quickly. Some have grease traps to catch drips and spills. This makes cleanup faster and easier.
Many griddles have non-stick coatings. Food doesn’t get stuck, so you use less oil when cooking. This can make your meals a bit healthier. The flat surface also prevents small food bits from falling through grates.
Regular griddle care is straightforward. Season it properly to keep the surface in good shape. With the right care, a griddle can last for years of cooking enjoyment.
Tips for Perfect Griddle Cooking
Mastering griddle cooking takes practice and know-how. These tips will help you get the best results from your griddle every time.
Optimal Temperature Settings
Start with a clean, preheated griddle. For most foods, medium-high heat works well.
Aim for 350-400°F for meats and 325-375°F for veggies. Use an infrared thermometer to check surface temp.
Adjust heat as needed. Lower it for delicate items like eggs or fish. Raise it for a good sear on steaks.
Let the griddle reheat between batches. This keeps food from sticking and ensures even cooking.
Pay attention to hot spots. Move food around if some areas cook faster than others.
Choosing the Right Oil
Pick an oil with a high smoke point. Avocado, grapeseed, and canola oil work great on griddles.
Apply oil in a thin, even layer. Use a paper towel or silicone brush to spread it. Too much oil can make food greasy.
For non-stick cooking, season your griddle regularly. Heat it up, apply oil, and let it smoke. Repeat 3-4 times.
Some foods don’t need added oil. Bacon and fatty meats release their own grease as they cook.
Remember to oil veggies and lean meats before cooking. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.