Jacy Unlocking the full potential of your outdoor griddle transforms weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. The Blackstone’s expansive, consistent cooking surface is perfect for creating flavorful, restaurant-quality meals with minimal cleanup. Today, we’re sharing a complete meal solution—a savory main and a hearty side—that exemplifies why the Blackstone is a game-changer. These dishes are perfect for anyone seeking delicious and easy blackstone recipes that the whole family will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want fantastic leftovers, these blackstone dinner ideas deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Table of Contents
Griddle-Smash Cheeseburgers with Crispy Onions
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground chuck (80/20 blend)
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns, buttered
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- For serving: lettuce, tomato, pickles, special sauce (mayo, ketchup, relish mix)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Drizzle the vegetable oil on one section and add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until deeply caramelized and crispy. Push to a cooler zone.
3. Divide the ground chuck into 4 loose balls. Place each ball on the hot, clean side of the griddle. Immediately smash each ball flat with a heavy spatula or bacon press to create a thin patty. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip the patties.
5. Place a slice of cheese on each patty. Toast the buttered buns on the griddle until golden.
6. For a perfect, easy dinner, assembling these easy blackstone recipes is a breeze. Top the bottom bun with the cheeseburger, a heap of crispy onions, and your desired toppings. These are quintessential blackstone dinner ideas that come together in under 30 minutes.
Tips & Variations
- Swap American for pepper jack or cheddar cheese.
- Add a pat of compound butter (garlic-herb) to the bun before toasting.
- For a “pub-style” burger, add sautéed mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking the onions.
Serving & Storage
Serve immediately with a side of griddle potatoes (see Recipe 2). Store any leftover patties and onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the griddle or in a skillet to restore crispiness.
Nutritional Benefits
Ground chuck provides a good source of protein and iron. Using a leaner blend (90/10) can reduce saturated fat. Onions are rich in antioxidants and prebiotic fibers that support gut health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overworking the Meat: Handle the ground chuck as little as possible to keep the patties tender.
- Smashing After the Flip: Only smash when you first place the meat on the griddle. Smashing after flipping presses out precious juices.
- Crowding the Griddle: Give each patty space to allow steam to escape, ensuring a proper crust forms.
Perfect Griddle Breakfast Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, diced
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or clarified butter (ghee)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Par-cook the diced potatoes by boiling them in salted water for 8-10 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and let them air-dry slightly.
2. Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. Add the oil or clarified butter.
3. Spread the potatoes in an even layer on the hot griddle. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes to develop a golden crust.
4. Add the diced bell pepper and onion. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Using two spatulas, flip and stir the mixture. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all vegetables are tender and crisped to your liking.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use sweet potatoes for a vitamin-rich twist.
- Add crumbled cooked sausage or diced ham during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño with the bell peppers.
Serving & Storage
Serve alongside the Griddle-Smash Cheeseburgers or with scrambled eggs for breakfast. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the griddle or in a hot oven to maintain texture.
Nutritional Benefits
Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium, especially with the skin on. Cooking them on the griddle with minimal oil keeps them relatively low in fat compared to deep-frying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Par-cook: Boiling the potatoes first ensures a fluffy interior and crispy exterior without burning.
- Stirring Too Often: Allow the potatoes to sit and form a crust before stirring for the best texture.
- Using Wet Potatoes: Ensure drained potatoes are as dry as possible to promote browning, not steaming.
Final Conclusion
Mastering your griddle opens up a world of fast, flavorful, and fun cooking. The Griddle-Smash Cheeseburger with its crispy onions and the perfectly golden breakfast potatoes showcase the versatility and power of your outdoor kitchen. These are more than just easy blackstone recipes; they’re a blueprint for countless delicious meals. We hope these become go-to blackstone dinner ideas at your house. Fire up your Blackstone, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a meal that’s sure to impress!
FAQs
Can I make these recipes on a regular stovetop or grill?
Yes, but with adjustments. Use a large cast-iron skillet or griddle pan on your stove. For the smash burgers, you’ll need to work in batches. A regular grill can be tricky for the potatoes, but a grill basket works well.
What’s the best way to clean my Blackstone after making these recipes?
While the griddle is still warm (but not scorching hot), scrape off any food debris with a sturdy metal scraper. Pour a little water on the surface to create steam and loosen stubborn bits, then scrape again. Wipe with a paper towel, then apply a thin coat of oil to season the surface.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the griddle?
Ensure your griddle is properly preheated and well-oiled before adding the potatoes. Using a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or clarified butter (ghee) is key. Also, make sure your par-cooked potatoes are thoroughly dried.
Can I prep any components for these recipes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can slice the onions and vegetables for the potatoes a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Form the burger meat into balls and keep them covered and chilled until you’re ready to cook. The special sauce can also be made ahead.
What other meats work well for smash burgers on the Blackstone?
Ground sirloin or a chuck/sirloin blend are excellent choices. For a unique twist, try ground lamb seasoned with a little cumin and garlic for a “smash gyro burger.” The key is using meat with a fat content of at least 15-20% for juiciness and proper crust formation.
