Griddles are versatile cooking surfaces that can transform your everyday meals into culinary adventures.
From breakfast classics like pancakes and hash browns to lunch favorites like grilled cheese sandwiches, a griddle opens up countless delicious possibilities for home cooks of all skill levels.
Using a griddle allows you to cook multiple items at once, making meal preparation faster and more efficient than traditional stovetop methods.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast for the family or preparing an impressive dinner for guests, these griddle recipes will help you make the most of this handy kitchen tool.
You’ll discover new favorites that can be prepared with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
1. Breakfast Pancakes
Pancakes are a breakfast staple that shine on a griddle. The flat cooking surface gives you even heat distribution for perfectly golden results.
Basic pancake batter is simple – just flour, eggs, milk, a bit of sugar, and baking powder.
Pour the batter onto a preheated griddle and wait for bubbles to form on top before flipping.
You can make your pancakes more exciting with add-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or banana slices. Some people enjoy adding cornmeal for extra texture as mentioned in griddle cake recipes.
Serve your pancakes hot with butter and maple syrup for a breakfast everyone will love.
2. Smash Burgers
Smash burgers are a delicious griddle favorite that delivers maximum flavor in every bite. The technique involves pressing the meat onto a sizzling hot surface to create a caramelized crust.
To make perfect smash burgers, heat your griddle until it’s smoking hot.
Form loose meat balls instead of patties, then place them on the griddle.
Press each ball down firmly with a spatula or burger press. The thin, crispy edges that form are what make these burgers special.
Cook for about 2 minutes per side. Top with cheese right after flipping for the perfect melt. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
3. Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are a perfect recipe for your Blackstone griddle. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor.
Start by slicing chicken, bell peppers, and onions. Some recipes add mushrooms for extra taste.
You can use a simple marinade to give your chicken more flavor.
Preheat your griddle before adding your ingredients. Cook the chicken first until it’s nearly done, then add your vegetables.
The flat cooking surface gives everything a nice sear while keeping the food juicy.
Serve your fajitas with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
This meal is great for feeding a crowd and can be prepped ahead of time for quick cooking.
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry
A vegetable stir-fry is perfect for your Blackstone griddle or flat top grill. The high heat allows vegetables to cook quickly while maintaining their crunch and nutrients.
Start by heating your griddle to medium-high.
Add a small amount of oil with a high smoke point like avocado or peanut oil.
You can use any vegetables you have on hand – bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and onions work great. Cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
For flavor, add a simple sauce of soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
Cook everything for just 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi on a griddle transforms this classic dish into an outdoor cooking masterpiece. The flat cooking surface gives the shrimp an even sear while keeping them juicy and tender.
Start by heating your griddle to medium-high.
Add butter, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice to create a flavorful base.
Toss your shrimp onto the sizzling surface and cook until they turn pink. This typically takes just 2-3 minutes per side.
You can serve your griddle shrimp scampi with pasta cooked separately, or try cooking the pasta directly on the griddle for an impressive one-surface meal.
6. Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
The Philly Cheesesteak is perfect for your griddle cooking. This iconic sandwich features thinly shaved ribeye steak cooked on a hot flat surface.
The key to an authentic Philly is paper-thin sliced beef. Cook it quickly with caramelized onions and bell peppers for the classic version.
For cheese, you have options. Provolone offers a mild flavor, while cheese whiz gives that traditional Philly experience many prefer.
The flat cooking surface of your griddle mimics the traditional preparation methods used in Philadelphia, allowing for even heat distribution and perfect browning of the meat and vegetables.
7. Fried Rice with Egg
Fried rice on a griddle is quick, delicious, and perfect for using leftover rice. Cold, day-old rice works best as it doesn’t stick together when cooking.
Start by heating your griddle to medium-high heat.
Add butter or oil, then scramble two eggs per cup of uncooked rice you originally prepared. Push the eggs to one side.
Add your cold rice with more butter, spreading it out in a thin layer. Drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce for authentic flavor.
Mix in your favorite veggies like peas, carrots, and onions. Fold the scrambled eggs back in and cook until everything is hot and slightly crispy.
8. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is perfect for cooking on a griddle. You’ll get an evenly crispy, buttery exterior with perfectly melted cheese inside.
Start with good bread and butter the outside of each slice.
Use medium to medium-low heat (around 350°F) to prevent burning while allowing the cheese to melt properly.
For the best results, use real butter and quality cheese that melts well.
You can get creative with additions like pesto, tomatoes, or different cheese combinations.
A flat top griddle makes it easy to cook multiple sandwiches at once, making this an ideal option when cooking for a crowd.
9. Flapjacks
Flapjacks on the Blackstone griddle take pancakes to the next level. The large cooking surface makes it easy to flip multiple pancakes at once.
Try adding special flavors to your flapjack batter. Almond extract gives them a unique taste that pairs well with fruit toppings.
For a seasonal treat, make cranberry almond flapjacks. Top them with cranberry-infused maple syrup for extra flavor.
The consistent heat of a griddle ensures your flapjacks cook evenly. You’ll get that perfect golden-brown color every time.
Make a flapjack sandwich by stacking them with your favorite fillings for a delicious breakfast creation.
10. French Toast Twists
French toast on a griddle offers amazing texture and flavor possibilities. The flat cooking surface creates perfectly golden, crispy edges while keeping the inside soft and custardy.
For the best results, use thick bread slices soaked briefly in your egg mixture. A few seconds per side prevents soggy centers.
Try making French toast bites by cutting the bread into smaller pieces before cooking. These are perfect for dipping and great for kids.
Add a Southern twist with extra cinnamon in your batter.
Just spread some butter on the griddle, cook for a minute or two per side, and you’ll have restaurant-quality French toast at home.
11. Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken quesadillas are perfect for your griddle. You’ll need chicken breast, taco seasoning, diced onions, bell peppers, and cheese.
Cut your chicken into small pieces and season with taco seasoning. Cook the chicken on your heated griddle until done, then set aside.
Sauté diced onions and bell peppers until soft.
Place tortillas on the griddle, add cheese, cooked chicken, and vegetables.
Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown on both sides and the cheese melts completely. The flat surface of your griddle makes flipping easy and ensures even cooking.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
12. Beef Tacos
Beef tacos are a perfect meal to cook on your griddle. Start by softening an onion on the hot surface, then add your ground beef.
For best results, use a flavorful taco seasoning. You can even double the amount for extra taste.
Cook the meat until it’s fully browned.
Heat your tortillas directly on the griddle to get them warm and slightly crispy.
Add shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of each tortilla, then spoon in your seasoned beef.
Fold the tortillas and let them cook until the cheese melts. This griddle method creates tacos with amazing flavor and the perfect crispy-soft texture.
13. Lobster Tails on Griddle
Cooking lobster tails on a griddle is surprisingly quick and easy. You can prepare this fancy seafood dish in under 15 minutes with delicious results.
Keep the shell on while cooking to help protect the delicate meat. Add plenty of butter for that rich, classic lobster flavor.
You can season your lobster tails with Old Bay seasoning for a traditional taste. Some griddle cooks pair their lobster with steak for a surf and turf experience.
A basting cover can help finish cooking the lobster evenly. For a complete meal, consider adding a side like pineapple pico for a fresh contrast to the buttery lobster.
14. Stir-Fried Noodles
Stir-fried noodles are a perfect dish to make on your Blackstone griddle. The large cooking surface lets you cook all ingredients at once while maintaining high heat.
You can use various noodles like rice noodles or egg noodles.
Popular additions include cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and onions cooked until tender.
Protein options are flexible – chicken thighs work well, but you can use any meat you prefer.
The key is cooking everything in stages before combining with a tasty sauce.
The result is often better than takeout, with noodles that have a perfect texture and vegetables that maintain their crispness. Your griddle’s high heat creates that authentic stir-fry flavor that’s hard to achieve on a regular stovetop.
15. Steak and Eggs
Steak and eggs is a classic griddle recipe that’s perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. On a Blackstone griddle, this dish shines because you can cook everything in one place.
Start by heating your griddle to medium-high heat.
Season your steak with salt and pepper, then place it on the hot surface. Cook to your preferred doneness, then let it rest.
In the same area where you cooked the steak, crack your eggs directly into the flavorful drippings. The steak fat adds amazing flavor to the eggs.
Serve your steak and eggs with avocado toast for a modern twist, or make it into quesadillas for a handheld option. This simple but impressive meal takes full advantage of your griddle’s even cooking surface.
16. Pulled Pork Sandwich
Pulled pork sandwiches are a perfect meal to make on your griddle. They combine tender, smoky meat with your choice of toppings for a satisfying dish.
Start with prepared pulled pork, either leftover or freshly made.
Heat the meat on the griddle until it’s warm and slightly crispy on the edges.
Toast your sandwich buns on the griddle for added flavor. Then build your sandwich with the warm pulled pork and toppings like BBQ sauce, coleslaw, crispy onion rings, or pepper jack cheese.
For extra flavor, add jalapeños or grilled onions. Some people even press their pulled pork sandwiches on the griddle like a Cuban sandwich for a crispier texture.
17. Corned Beef Hash
Corned beef hash is a delicious and easy meal to make on a griddle. This classic comfort food transforms leftover corned beef into a new, flavorful dish.
Start by dicing potatoes, onions, and your corned beef into small, even pieces. A proper hash needs that consistency for even cooking.
Heat your griddle to medium-high and add a bit of oil or butter.
Add the potatoes first since they take longer to cook, then mix in onions and finally the corned beef.
The key to great hash is achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining moisture inside. Let the mixture cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop that perfect crust.
For extra flavor, add bell peppers or crack a few eggs directly onto your hash during the final minutes of cooking.
18. Seared Scallops
Cooking scallops on a griddle gives you the perfect sear while keeping the inside tender and juicy. For best results, pat your scallops completely dry before cooking.
Heat your griddle to medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
Place your scallops on the hot surface, making sure not to crowd them.
Let the scallops cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip once and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Try serving your griddle-seared scallops with a simple lemon sauce or basil tapenade for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
19. Griddled Asparagus
Asparagus on the griddle transforms into a delicious side dish in just minutes. Start by preheating your griddle to medium-high heat.
Add your asparagus spears in a single layer and drizzle with a few tablespoons of oil.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
You’ll know they’re done when the spears turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Thicker asparagus may need 4-5 minutes total cooking time.
This simple griddled asparagus pairs perfectly with many main dishes like grilled chicken, steak, or fish. Season with salt and pepper before serving for a quick and healthy side dish.
20. Blackstone Pizza
You can make delicious pizza on your Blackstone griddle without needing a special pizza oven. The flat cooking surface heats evenly, creating a crispy crust that many people love.
Start with store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
Spread it on the hot griddle surface, then add sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings like pepperoni, sausage, onions, or peppers.
The griddle’s large cooking area lets you make multiple personal-sized pizzas at once. This makes it perfect for family pizza nights where everyone wants different toppings.
Watch the bottom of your pizza carefully to prevent burning. The cheese will melt nicely from the trapped heat.
21. Sausage and Peppers
Sausage and peppers is a perfect dish for your Blackstone griddle. The flat cooking surface gives both the sausages and vegetables a beautiful sear while keeping all the flavors together.
Start by cooking Italian sausage links until they’re crispy and golden on all sides.
Then add sliced bell peppers and onions to the griddle, letting them soften and caramelize in the sausage drippings.
Some recipes include diced potatoes for a heartier meal. The potatoes need to cook longer, so start them first until golden before adding the other ingredients.
Serve this versatile dish in rolls for sandwiches or as a complete one-pan meal. The entire recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Choosing the Right Tools
Having the proper equipment makes all the difference when cooking on a griddle. The right tools can enhance your cooking experience and help you create delicious meals with less effort.
Types of Griddles
When selecting a griddle, you have several options to consider. The Blackstone griddle is a popular choice among outdoor cooking enthusiasts, featuring a large flat cooking surface perfect for feeding groups.
Electric griddles work well for indoor cooking and typically offer temperature control features. They’re convenient for apartments or when weather doesn’t permit outdoor cooking.
Cast iron griddles provide excellent heat retention and develop a natural non-stick surface over time. They require proper seasoning but can last for generations with proper care.
Portable griddles are ideal for camping trips or tailgating. Many models run on propane tanks and fold up for easy transport.
Consider your cooking space, frequency of use, and typical meal sizes when choosing a griddle type.
Essential Accessories
The right accessories will make your griddle cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Start with quality spatulas – metal ones with beveled edges work best for scraping and flipping food on the griddle surface.
Squeeze bottles help control oil application and are perfect for creating sauce designs. Fill them with water to quickly cool down hot spots.
A griddle cover protects your cooking surface when not in use and helps maintain seasoning. Some covers double as domes for melting cheese or steaming vegetables.
Other must-have tools include:
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Grease cup liners for easy cleanup
- Griddle scrapers for removing food residue
- Temperature gun for precise heat monitoring
Don’t forget cleaning supplies specifically designed for griddles to maintain the cooking surface properly after each use.
Cooking Techniques for Griddle Recipes
Mastering your griddle requires understanding key cooking principles. These techniques will help you achieve perfectly cooked food with excellent flavor every time.
Temperature Management
Proper temperature control is crucial for griddle cooking success. Different foods require different heat levels to cook properly.
For pancakes and eggs, use medium heat (350°F) to prevent burning while ensuring thorough cooking. Meats like burgers and steaks need higher temperatures (375-400°F) to achieve a good sear while keeping juices inside.
Always preheat your griddle for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents food from sticking. Use the water drop test to check readiness—if water droplets dance across the surface, your griddle is hot enough.
For multi-zone cooking, create temperature zones on your griddle. Keep one side hotter for searing and another cooler for finishing foods or keeping them warm. This technique is especially useful when cooking different items simultaneously.
Oil and Butter Usage
Proper oil and butter usage determines both flavor and cooking success on your griddle.
Choose oils with high smoke points like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil for most cooking applications.
Apply oil before the griddle gets too hot. Use a thin layer—just enough to coat the surface.
Too much oil will make food greasy and might cause flare-ups. For delicate foods like fish or eggs, a slightly more generous amount prevents sticking.
Butter adds wonderful flavor but burns at high temperatures.
Use it for lower-temperature cooking or mix it with oil to raise its smoke point. For foods like pancakes or grilled cheese, butter creates that perfect golden-brown exterior.
Clean your griddle between batches if needed.
Wipe away excess oil and food debris with a spatula to prevent burning and flavor transfer between different foods.
