5 Perfect Griddle Recipes
Cooking on a griddle is one of those things that makes life so much better for some reason. Maybe it's the way food sizzles and pops as it hits that hot surface. Or how everything cooks evenly with those perfect golden-brown spots. Whatever it is, a griddle can turn simple ingredients into something special.
If you have a griddle gathering dust in your kitchen, it's time to put it to work. These five recipes will show you just how amazing griddle cooking can be. From sweet breakfast treats to savory dinner options, your griddle is about to become your new favorite cooking tool.
Fluffy Banana Pancakes
Let's start with the classic. These aren't just any pancakes though. The griddle gives them a crispy outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. The secret is getting your griddle to just the right temperature.
Heat your griddle to medium heat. You'll know it's ready when a drop of water dances across the surface before disappearing. Mix two cups of flour, two tablespoons of sugar, one teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a big bowl. In another bowl, whisk together one and a half cups of milk, two eggs, and three tablespoons of melted butter.
Now that you have a bunch of wet ingredients, pour them into the dry ones. Here's the important part: don't mix too much. Expect a few lumps, sure… But over-mixing makes tough pancakes, and nobody wants that. Fold in one sliced banana for extra sweetness and flavor.
Pour about a quarter cup of batter onto your griddle for each pancake. Watch for tiny bubbles to form on top. When the edges look set, flip them over. The second side only needs about two minutes. Stack them high and add your favorite toppings.
Crispy Hash Browns
Store-bought hash browns have nothing on homemade ones cooked on a griddle. The large, flat surface lets you spread them out thin, which means more crispy edges. That's where all the good flavor lives.
Start with three large potatoes. Wash them well, but leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Grate the potatoes using the large holes of a cheese grater. This is where things get messy, but it's worth it.
Put all those grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel. Twist the towel tight and squeeze out as much water as you can. This step makes the difference between soggy hash browns and crispy ones. Don't skip it.
Heat your griddle to medium-high and add a little oil. Spread the potatoes in a thin layer across the surface. Season with salt and pepper. Now comes the hard part: don't touch them. Let them cook for about five minutes until the bottom gets golden brown and crispy.
Flip sections with a spatula and cook the other side. The whole process takes about twelve minutes. You'll end up with hash browns that are crispy outside and tender inside.
Grilled Cheese Perfection
A griddle makes the best grilled cheese sandwiches. The even heat means no burnt spots or cold centers. Plus, you can make several at once, which is perfect when everyone wants something different.
Use good bread for this. Thick slices of sourdough or whole grain work great. Butter the outside of each slice generously. Don't be shy with the butter. It's what creates that golden, crispy crust.
For the cheese, try mixing different types. Cheddar and Swiss make a great combination. Sharp cheddar adds flavor while Swiss melts beautifully. Thick slices of cheese work better than thin ones.
Heat your griddle to medium-low. This is important because high heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts. Place your sandwiches on the griddle and press down gently with a spatula. Cook for about three minutes on each side.
They’ll be ready when the bread is golden brown, and the cheese begins to ooze out of the sides. Cut them in half while they're still hot to see that perfect cheese pull.
Asian-Style Chicken and Vegetables
Your griddle isn't just for breakfast foods. This chicken and vegetable dish proves it can handle dinner too. The high heat and large surface area make it perfect for stir-fry style cooking.
Cut two chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Chop up your favorite vegetables. (If you need some inspiration– bell peppers, carrots and broccoli work great.) Cut the pieces small or else they won’t cook quickly.
Heat your griddle to high. Add a little oil and spread the chicken pieces across the surface. Don't crowd them or they'll steam instead of browning. Cook for about four minutes without moving them around too much.
Push the chicken to one side of the griddle and add the vegetables to the empty space. They'll cook fast, so keep stirring them around. After about three minutes, mix everything together.
Make a simple sauce by mixing soy sauce, a little honey, and some rice vinegar. Pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Everything will sizzle and smell incredible. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
Sweet Corn Fritters
These little golden bites are like summer on a plate. The griddle gives them crispy edges while keeping the centers soft and sweet. They work as a side dish or even dessert.
You'll need two cups of corn kernels. Fresh corn tastes best, but frozen corn works too if you thaw it first. Mix the corn with one egg, three tablespoons of flour, two tablespoons of milk, and a pinch of salt and sugar.
The batter should hold together but not be too thick. If it’s dry, add a bit more milk. If it's too wet, sprinkle in more flour.
Heat your griddle to medium and add some oil. Drop spoonfuls of the corn mixture onto the hot surface. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook for about three minutes per side until they're golden brown.
These fritters taste great on their own, but they're even better with a little honey drizzled on top. The sweet honey and crispy corn make a perfect combination.
Making the Most of Your Griddle
The key to great griddle cooking is temperature control. Too hot and everything burns. Too cool and food takes forever to cook. Most recipes work best at medium heat, but don't be afraid to adjust as you go.
Keep your griddle clean and well-seasoned. A little oil after each use helps prevent rust and makes cleanup easier. With proper care, a good griddle will last for years and give you countless delicious meals.
These five recipes are just the beginning. Once you get comfortable with your griddle, you'll find yourself using it for everything from bacon and eggs to burgers and even pizza. The possibilities are endless, and every meal will taste better with that perfect griddle-cooked flavor.
