Winter is the perfect time to fire up your griddle or Blackstone and enjoy some hearty, warming meals. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these recipes are sure to bring comfort and joy to your winter days. Here are our top 5 recipes to try this season:
1. Winter Vegetable Stir-Fry on Your Griddle
Packed with seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes, this stir-fry is both nutritious and delicious. Toss the veggies with a savory soy-ginger sauce and cook them on your griddle for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Soy sauce
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Slice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat the griddle and add olive oil.
- Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and serve hot.
Review: “This stir-fry is like a winter wonderland on your plate. The veggies are so vibrant and tasty, you’ll forget it’s freezing outside. Plus, it’s healthy enough to make you feel virtuous while you indulge in holiday treats later!”
2. Griddled Breakfast Hash on Your Blackstone
Start your winter mornings right with a hearty breakfast hash. Combine potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and your choice of sausage or bacon for a filling and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Bell peppers
- Sausage or bacon
- Eggs (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Dice the potatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
- Cook the sausage or bacon on the griddle until crispy.
- Add the vegetables and cook until the potatoes are golden brown.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with a fried egg if desired.
Review: “This breakfast hash is the ultimate winter wake-up call. It’s like a warm hug from your griddle. The crispy potatoes and savory sausage will have you jumping out of bed faster than you can say ‘snow day!'”
3. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup on Your Griddle
A classic comfort food combo that’s perfect for chilly days. Use your griddle to make the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich with a crispy, golden crust and melty cheese inside. Pair it with a warm bowl of tomato soup for the perfect winter meal.
Ingredients:
- Bread
- Butter
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- Canned or homemade tomato soup
Instructions:
- Butter the bread slices on one side.
- Place cheese between the bread slices, buttered side out.
- Cook on the griddle until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve with a bowl of hot tomato soup.
Review: “Grilled cheese and tomato soup is like the dynamic duo of winter comfort food. The crispy, gooey sandwich paired with the warm, tangy soup is basically a hug in a bowl. Perfect for those days when you just want to stay in and binge-watch your favorite shows.”
4. Winter BBQ Chicken on Your Blackstone
Bring a taste of summer to your winter with BBQ chicken cooked on the griddle. Marinate the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce and cook it to perfection for a smoky, flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- BBQ sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the griddle and add olive oil.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Brush with additional BBQ sauce and serve.
Review: “Who says BBQ is just for summer? This winter BBQ chicken will make you feel like you’re having a backyard cookout, even if there’s snow on the ground. The smoky, tangy flavors are a total game-changer.”
5. Hot Chocolate Pancakes on Your Griddle
End your winter day on a sweet note with these decadent hot chocolate pancakes. Rich, chocolatey, and topped with marshmallows, they’re a treat the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- Pancake mix
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate chips
- Marshmallows
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the pancake mix according to package instructions, adding cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
- Cook the pancakes on the griddle until bubbles form on the surface.
- Flip and cook until done.
- Top with marshmallows and whipped cream.
Review: “These hot chocolate pancakes are the ultimate winter indulgence. They’re like a cozy blanket for your taste buds. The marshmallows and whipped cream take them over the top—perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special treat.”
FAQs About Cooking on Griddles and Blackstones
Can I use a regular frying pan instead of a griddle or Blackstone?
Yes, you can use a regular frying pan, but a griddle or Blackstone provides a larger cooking surface and more even heat distribution, which can enhance the cooking experience.
How do I clean my griddle or Blackstone after cooking?
Allow the griddle to cool slightly, then scrape off any food residue with a spatula. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap if needed. For stubborn spots, use a griddle cleaning stone.
Can these recipes be adapted for outdoor cooking?
Absolutely! These recipes are perfect for outdoor cooking on a Blackstone or any flat-top grill. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the outdoor temperature and wind conditions.
Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?
Yes, many of these recipes can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Simply reheat on the griddle or in the microwave when ready to eat.
What other winter vegetables can I use in the stir-fry?
You can use a variety of winter vegetables such as butternut squash, parsnips, and kale. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences and what’s available.
I hope you enjoy these recipes! Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance. Happy cooking! 🍳🥞🍲