Are you new to the Blackstone griddle game and feeling overwhelmed by all the cooking possibilities? Well, fear not my friend. This versatile cooking appliance is a game-changer when it comes to outdoor cooking. From breakfast to dinner, this portable cooking station can handle it all.
But what should you cook first on your Blackstone griddle? Let’s start with breakfast. Bacon, eggs, pancakes, and French toast are all delicious options that will have your taste buds singing. And the best part? You can cook them all at once, making for a scrumptious breakfast feast.
If breakfast isn’t your thing, then how about some juicy burgers? Whether you’re a meat-eater or plant-based enthusiast, the Blackstone griddle will give your burger that perfect crispy texture on the outside while keeping it juicy on the inside. It’s a burger lover’s dream come true.
But wait, there’s more. The Blackstone griddle is also great for cooking up stir-fries, fajitas, grilled cheese sandwiches – you name it. The possibilities are truly endless.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite ingredients and get griddling. With these tasty ideas to get you started, you’ll be a Blackstone griddle pro in no time.
Contents
What is a Blackstone Griddle?
In short, a Blackstone Griddle is a high-quality outdoor cooking appliance designed to cook a variety of foods on a large, flat surface. Made from materials like stainless steel, it features a thick, heavy-duty cooking surface that can withstand high temperatures and prolonged use.
But what really sets the Blackstone Griddle apart is its versatility. You can cook just about anything on it – from breakfast items like pancakes, eggs, and bacon to lunch and dinner items like burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and vegetables. And with its large cooking surface, you can cook multiple items at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
Not only is the Blackstone Griddle versatile, it’s also incredibly easy to use. Its simple controls allow you to adjust the temperature quickly and easily, and it heats up quickly so you can start cooking right away. And with built-in features like grease management systems and side shelves for added convenience, it’s no wonder why the Blackstone Griddle has become so popular among outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
If you’re looking to take your outdoor cooking game to the next level, consider upgrading to a Blackstone Griddle. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just cooking up a big breakfast for your family, it’s sure to deliver delicious results every time. And if you want to season your griddle before cooking, try starting with bacon or sausage – it’s a great way to create a non-stick surface for future meals.
Benefits of Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle
The Blackstone Griddle is the versatile and heavy-duty outdoor cooking appliance you need in your life. As an expert on this topic, I can tell you that there are countless benefits to using this kitchen essential.
One of the most significant advantages of cooking on a Blackstone Griddle is its large and even cooking surface. This means you can cook multiple items simultaneously without having to worry about any hot spots or uneven cooking. Whether you’re whipping up pancakes, eggs, and bacon for breakfast or grilling burgers and hot dogs for a backyard barbecue, the possibilities are endless.
Not only does the griddle’s flat surface make it easy to cook multiple items at once, but it also allows you to cook with less oil or fat, making your meals healthier. Plus, the griddle’s heat retention properties ensure that your food cooks evenly and thoroughly without any burning or scorching.
Another great thing about cooking on a Blackstone Griddle is its versatility. You can cook anything from stir-fries to fajitas, grilled cheese to quesadillas, and even vegetables and fruits for a healthy and tasty side dish. It’s like having a portable kitchen right in your backyard.
Speaking of convenience, the Blackstone Griddle is perfect for feeding a crowd. With its easy-to-use design, built-in grease management systems, and side shelves for added convenience, you can think of it as your trusty sous chef.
Popular Items to Cook First on a Blackstone Griddle
But fret not, my friends, for I am here to help you cook some popular breakfast items on your griddle with ease.
Firstly, let’s remember that practice makes perfect. The more you cook on your Blackstone griddle, the more confident you’ll become in using it. So let’s begin with some easy breakfast items that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
One of the most popular items to cook first on a Blackstone griddle is breakfast foods. This includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. These foods are relatively easy to cook and require minimal prep work.
- Let’s start with everyone’s favorite – pancakes. Who doesn’t love a fluffy stack of pancakes? To cook them on your Blackstone griddle, preheat the griddle to medium heat and use a ladle to pour the pancake batter onto the surface. Wait for bubbles to form on the surface before flipping the pancake over and cooking for an additional minute or two. Pro tip: add some chocolate chips or blueberries to take your pancakes to the next level.
- Next up – eggs. Eggs are a staple in any breakfast meal and can be cooked in various ways on your Blackstone griddle. One of the easiest methods is to crack them directly onto the surface and cook until the whites are set and the yolk is cooked to your desired level. Add some salt and pepper for extra flavor.
- Moving on to classic breakfast meats – bacon and sausage. These meats are delicious when cooked on a Blackstone griddle. Simply lay the strips or links down and flip them occasionally until they’re cooked through. You can use a little bit of oil or butter if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.
Lastly, let’s talk about crispy and golden hash browns. These are a breakfast must-have and are easily made on your Blackstone griddle. Shred some potatoes and mix them with salt and pepper before laying them down on the griddle surface. Cook until crispy and golden brown.
These breakfast items are perfect for beginners because they’re forgiving and can easily be adjusted to personal preference. Plus, who doesn’t love a good breakfast meal any time of day?
Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle with Bacon or Sausage
Look no further than seasoning your griddle with bacon or sausage. Not only does this method add mouth-watering flavor to your griddle, but it also creates a non-stick surface that makes cooking an absolute breeze.
To begin seasoning your Blackstone griddle with bacon or sausage, heat it up to medium-high heat. Once heated, place several strips of bacon or sausages on the surface and let them cook for a few minutes on each side. As they sizzle away, natural oils and fats will be released and coat and season the griddle to perfection.
Once the bacon or sausage is cooked, remove it from the griddle and discard it. Then, use a spatula and paper towel to wipe down the surface of the griddle, removing any excess grease or debris. Repeat this process multiple times until the surface is evenly coated and has a glossy appearance.
It’s worth noting that while using bacon or sausage is a popular way to season your Blackstone griddle, it’s not the only option. You can also use vegetable oil, shortening, or specialized seasoning products designed specifically for Blackstone griddles.
By taking the time to properly season your Blackstone griddle before cooking any food, not only will you achieve optimal cooking results, but you’ll also prevent food from sticking to the surface. So fire up your griddle and try out this tasty seasoning method – your taste buds (and your Blackstone griddle) will thank you.
Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle with Onions and Peppers
To get started, make sure your griddle is properly seasoned. If not, check out my previous section on seasoning your griddle with bacon or sausage. Once that’s done, grab some onions and peppers and get chopping.
Spread the sliced veggies evenly over the entire cooking surface of your griddle, turn up the heat to high, and let them cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. As they cook, the natural oils from the onions and peppers will work their magic and create a non-stick surface on your griddle. This process is essential in creating a barrier between your food and the cooking surface, preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking.
Once the onions and peppers have served their purpose, remove them from the griddle and wipe down the surface with a paper towel or cloth to remove any excess oil or debris. And just like that, your Blackstone Griddle is seasoned and ready to go.
Now comes the fun part – cooking up a storm on your newly seasoned griddle. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, burgers – you name it, this griddle can handle it. Just remember to preheat your griddle before cooking and use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil to prevent sticking.
Cooking Burgers or Hot Dogs as the First Item
Before you dive in, let’s explore the factors to consider when deciding which item to cook first.
First and foremost, let’s talk temperature. A perfectly cooked burger or hot dog requires a hot griddle. Preheat your griddle on medium-high heat for at least 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking without burning.
Next up is size and shape. Burgers are typically larger and thicker than hot dogs, making them take longer to cook. If you’re cooking both burgers and hot dogs simultaneously, start with the burgers. This ensures they have enough time to cook through while the hot dogs finish up. By doing so, you also prevent any cross-contamination between the two items.
Last but not least, consider your guests’ preferences. If you’re catering for a group of people who prefer their burgers well-done, allocate enough time for them to cook thoroughly. Conversely, if your guests enjoy lightly charred hot dogs, begin with those first so they get just the right amount of grill marks.
Other Options for First-Time Use of a Blackstone Griddle
Fear not. The options beyond burgers and pancakes are endless. As an expert in the field, I have compiled a list of top-notch suggestions for you.
First on the list, breakfast sandwiches. These hearty sandwiches are perfect to start your day with and are easy to make. Cook some eggs, bacon or sausage, and toast English muffins on the griddle. Then assemble the sandwich with cheese and any other desired toppings.
If you’re feeling adventurous, stir-fry is a great option. The large surface area of a Blackstone griddle makes it perfect for cooking up a big batch of veggies and protein for a quick and easy meal. Just make sure to use high heat and stir frequently for the best results.
Seafood lovers can rejoice too. Shrimp or scallops take only a few minutes to cook on the griddle and can be seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces for added flavor.
And now, dessert. A Blackstone griddle can be used to make delicious treats like crepes, fruit compotes, and even s’mores. Get creative and experiment with different recipes to find your favorite sweet treat.
But wait, there’s more. Here are some additional options that you can try:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Quesadillas
- Philly cheesesteaks
- Crab cakes
- Hot dogs
- Fried rice
- Hash browns
Tips for Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle
Cooking on a Blackstone griddle can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it requires some tips and tricks to achieve the best results. Here are some helpful hints to take your cooking game to the next level:
Season Your Griddle
Before you start cooking, make sure to season your griddle to create a non-stick surface that will prevent food from sticking. To do this, coat the griddle surface with oil and heat it up until it starts smoking. Then, wipe off the excess oil with a paper towel and let the griddle cool down. This process not only prevents food from sticking but also adds flavor to your dishes.
Start with Simple Ingredients
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with simple ingredients that cook quickly, such as eggs or bacon. This will help you get a feel for the cooking surface and ensure that your food doesn’t burn. Once you get the hang of it, you can move on to more complex dishes.
Use the Right Tools
When cooking on a Blackstone griddle, having the right tools is essential. A spatula and tongs are necessary for flipping and moving food around the cooking surface, while an oil sprayer or brush can be used to add oil as needed. These tools not only make cooking easier but also prevent accidents in the kitchen.
Pay Attention to Temperature
To get that perfect sear on your food, temperature control is crucial. The cooking surface should be hot enough to sear food quickly but not so hot that it burns. Adjusting the heat settings as needed can help you achieve the perfect temperature for each dish you cook.
Get Creative
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Blackstone griddle. Experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to find what works best for you. From burgers and hot dogs to seafood and veggies, there’s no limit to what you can cook on a Blackstone griddle. With practice, you’ll be able to create mouth-watering meals that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Blackstone griddle is a robust and versatile outdoor cooking appliance that can take on any meal of the day. For those who are new to this game-changing device, deciding what to cook first may seem overwhelming. However, with its large and even cooking surface, you can easily prepare multiple items without worrying about hot spots or uneven cooking.
To start off on the right foot, we recommend beginning with popular breakfast staples such as pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. If you’re feeling more adventurous, burgers and hot dogs require a hot griddle and should be started first before other items. With the Blackstone griddle’s ability to cook with less oil or fat than traditional methods, your meals can also be healthier.
To achieve optimal results when cooking on a Blackstone griddle, seasoning it properly with bacon or sausage is essential before cooking any food. Starting off with simple ingredients that cook quickly like eggs or bacon will help you get a feel for the cooking surface and ensure that your food doesn’t burn. As you gain confidence in using your Blackstone griddle, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to find what works best for you.
In summary, using a Blackstone griddle opens up endless possibilities for culinary creativity in your outdoor kitchen.
