Griddles are one of those elusive pieces of cookware that many people know is useful, but fewer people actually know how to use this pan for their cooking.What is a griddle used for? Is it hard to clean? When should I use a griddle versus when should I use a frying pan?
These are all questions that the griddle novice might have about their new pan, but worry no more. We can teach you the best ways to make use of your griddle, as well as some bonus tips for caring for this item.
What is a Griddle?
A griddle is a long, flat pan that can be used to prepare a large batch of food at one time. They are usually less than one inch thick and tend to have a handle on each side to make moving the griddle around very easy.Griddles come in two main varieties:
- Electric griddle: plugs into an outlet or another power source
- Stovetop griddle: an item placed on top of electric or gas burners to heat it up
Both of these types of griddle can be used to prepare the same things, but it is worth noting that the temperatures and cooking styles tend to differ between the two. Practicing with each type to determine what you like best is the best way to decide between them.
What is a Griddle Used For?
Well, to put it simply, you can use a griddle to cook a huge variety of things. If there is food that you would try to prepare in a frying pan or on the grill, you can probably also cook it on the griddle.If you’ve just got your first griddle, you may be at a loss for what you should try to cook on it, and that’s understandable. New cookware can always be intimidating!Let’s break down some of the most popular meals and dishes that people like to prepare on the griddle. By checking out these categories, you’ll be inspired with a lot of different ideas for what you can make on your griddle at home.
Big Ol’ Breakfast
The most popular meal that gets prepared on a griddle is breakfast. From hashbrowns to pancakes, there is a wide range of food that can be made on the griddle quickly and easily. Plus, the griddle has a huge amount of surface area, so you can prepare a lot of food at one time, making it the ideal pan for breakfast.Some of the most popular breakfast food to make on the griddle include:
- Pancakes
- Bacon
- Breakfast sausages
- Omelets
- Hash browns
- French toast
- Home fries
- Scrambled eggs
- Crepes
The limit to what you can make on the griddle for breakfast lies in your imagination. Even if you’re only cooking for two people, you can prepare a few different things at one time when you use a griddle.
Hearty Lunches
Lunch is another great time to break out the griddle. Rather than using multiple pans, you can use a single pan to get lunch ready for everybody. Who doesn’t like the simplicity of that?Some of the most popular meals to prepare on a griddle for lunch include:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Open face sandwiches
- Paninis
- Fried rice
- Tacos
- Grilled chicken for salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Shrimp Scampi
- Glazed pineapple or other fruits
There are so many ways that you can use your griddle to heat up food for lunch, so why not give it a try? You’ll be surprised at how easy it is!
Indoor BBQs
Are you craving the taste of grilled food, but the weather isn’t cooperating? It’s time to break out your griddle since it is perfect for hosting an indoor cookout.If you have a grill pan for your griddle, this can be useful. Even if you only have a flat top griddle, you can still make cookout classics right in your kitchen.Some of the most popular food to make on your griddle for a great indoor cookout include:
- Hamburgers
- Hot dogs
- Chili
- Grilled vegetables
- Skewered meats
- Grilled pineapple
- Roasted peppers and other vegetables
All you have to do is heat up your griddle, and you’ll be able to enjoy these food items in no time at all!
Use Your Griddle for More Than Just Breakfast
While breakfast made on a griddle is delicious and is certainly something that you should take advantage of, there are so many different types of food and meals that you can prepare using your griddle. Don’t limit yourself to eggs and breakfast meat; spread your food wings and try more!What is a griddle used for? Whatever your imagination can invent! Remember that all cookware has flexibility; use it how you see fit to make a great meal for yourself and a great impression on anyone who is visiting.
