If you’ve just invested in a Blackstone griddle, you’re in for a treat. Its large, flat surface makes it perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods—from breakfast favorites to sizzling dinners. Whether you’re hosting a family barbecue or just trying to master the art of griddle cooking, these seven essential recipes will help you get the most out of your Blackstone. Each one is easy to follow and will have you grilling like a pro in no time.
1. Smash Burgers
Why it’s Essential: Smash burgers are one of the best ways to show off the high-heat capabilities of your Blackstone griddle. The griddle’s even heat allows for a beautifully crispy, caramelized crust on your burgers.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best results)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices of cheese (optional)
- Butter for toasting buns
- Toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat the griddle to medium heat (about 350°F).
2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls.
3. Place each ball on the griddle, then smash it down with a spatula until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the edges are crispy and the burger is cooked through.
5. Toast the buns on the griddle with a little butter.
6. Top each burger with cheese and serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
2. Classic Pancakes
Why it’s Essential: Pancakes are a breakfast staple and incredibly easy to make on the Blackstone. The large cooking surface allows you to make enough for a crowd all at once, with perfectly golden results.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or oil for a vegan option)
- Butter or oil for greasing the griddle
Instructions:
1. Preheat the griddle to medium heat (about 350°F).
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
4. Lightly grease the griddle with butter or oil. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
6 .Serve with syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings.
3. Grilled Chicken Fajitas
Why it’s Essential: The Blackstone griddle is perfect for cooking fajitas because it allows you to sear chicken and veggies quickly at high heat. This recipe showcases the griddle’s ability to handle everything at once, making it a great option for meal prep or family dinners.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 6 flour tortillas
- Toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Instructions:
1. Preheat the griddle to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
2. Toss the chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
3. Grill the chicken strips on one side of the griddle and the veggies on the other. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.
4. Warm the tortillas on the griddle for about 30 seconds per side.
5. Assemble the fajitas and serve with your favorite toppings
4. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Why it’s Essential: Skewers are a fun and easy way to use your Blackstone for healthy meals. The griddle’s surface ensures even cooking, and it’s perfect for caramelizing the natural sugars in vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow squash, sliced into rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat the griddle to medium heat (about 350-375°F).
2. Thread the veggies onto skewers and drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the veggies are tender and lightly charred.
4. Serve as a side dish or with rice for a complete meal.
5. Breakfast Hash
Why it’s Essential: A hearty breakfast hash is a Blackstone griddle classic. With plenty of space to cook potatoes, veggies, and sausage (or plant-based alternatives) at the same time, this dish is an all-in-one breakfast wonder.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 eggs
- 4 breakfast sausages (optional, or use plant-based sausages)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1.Preheat the griddle to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
2. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the griddle and cook the potatoes for 10-12 minutes until crispy and golden, turning occasionally.
3. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and sausage to the griddle. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender and the sausage is cooked through.
4. Crack the eggs onto the griddle and cook to your desired doneness.
5. Mix everything together and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
6.Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Why it’s Essential: Grilled cheese is a quick and comforting meal that becomes even better when made on a Blackstone griddle. The large surface allows you to cook multiple sandwiches at once, perfect for feeding a group.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 8 slices of cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Instructions:
- Preheat the griddle to medium heat (about 350°F).
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place 4 slices of bread, butter-side down, on the griddle. Add 2 slices of cheese to each, then top with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5.Serve with tomato soup or on its own.
7.Stir-Fried Veggies with Rice
Why it’s Essential: The Blackstone griddle can act like a giant stir-fry station, making it perfect for cooking a healthy mix of vegetables and rice in one go. This recipe is fast, easy, and great for meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat the griddle to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
2. Add the sesame oil to the griddle and cook the veggies for 5-7 minutes until tender.
3. Add the cooked rice to the griddle and toss with the soy sauce and garlic powder. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
4. Serve as a healthy side dish or a light meal.
With these seven essential recipes, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of cooking on a Blackstone griddle. From breakfast favorites like pancakes and hash to lunch and dinner staples like smash burgers and veggie skewers, these recipes are easy to follow and packed with flavor. Once you get the hang of these dishes, the possibilities with your Blackstone are endless!