Spring into Flavor: Top Blackstone Griddle Recipes for Outdoor Cooking & Family Fun

As spring awakens, a renewed sense of energy fills the air. It’s a season of fresh beginnings, a time to shed winter’s chill and embrace the vibrant outdoors, much like Bambi’s friends emerging from hibernation, ready for adventure and fun. For many of us, that adventure often involves the sizzle and scent of a Blackstone 28-inch griddle, making it the perfect time of year to fire up the burners and dive into some delightful outdoor cooking.

Gone are the days of hearty soups and heavy comfort foods, at least for a while. Spring calls for lighter, fresher meals that celebrate the garden’s new offerings and the bounty found at local street markets. Here in St. Pete, our weekly Saturday Market on the waterfront buzzes with fresh produce, inspiring countless culinary creations. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal in your backyard or taking your portable Blackstone on a camping trip, these 11 incredible recipes are sure to become your spring favorites.

1. Play Ball: St. Pete-Style Sausage, Onion, and Mango Dogs

The crack of the bat signals the start of baseball season, instantly bringing to mind the iconic hot dogs and sausages enjoyed at MLB ballparks across the country. From Dodger Dogs to Fenway Franks, Busch Stadium Brats, and Chicago-style dogs at Wrigley, these culinary traditions are deeply ingrained. It was this beloved American ritual that inspired the maiden voyage of my new Blackstone 28-inch Griddle, aiming to recreate that ballpark magic with a unique St. Pete twist.

The beauty of the Blackstone 28-inch Griddle lies in its dual burner units, offering two distinct cooking zones, each with its own temperature control. This setup was perfect for our inaugural feast: five sweet sausages and five savory brats sizzled on the left, while two vibrant yellow bell peppers, two striking red peppers, and a yellow onion caramelized beautifully on the right. Living in St. Petersburg, Florida, home of the always-contending Rays, we added a touch of local flair by dicing fresh mangoes into hash brown-sized cubes, infusing the dish with a delightful subtropical zing and unexpected sweetness that perfectly complemented the savory components.

For the bread, I chose two varieties of French bread from Publix, each boasting a distinctively crunchy crust – one sesame seed, the other a mix of poppy and sesame. After cutting each loaf in half and slicing them down the middle (being careful not to cut all the way through), I prepared them for the griddle. As the sausages and vegetables neared completion, I drizzled a little oil onto both sides of the bread and placed them on the griddle. This ensured they were lightly scorched and wonderfully warm, adding a crucial textural element. The diced mango acted almost like a sweet condiment, but in true baseball fashion, a squeeze of classic yellow mustard was still a must-have for that authentic ballpark experience.

2. Leftover Sausage, Onions, and Mangoes

Every now and then, a meal yields leftovers so remarkably delicious that they deserve their own spotlight, transforming into a new culinary experience the following day. This was precisely the case with our St. Pete-Style Sausage dinner from our first griddle adventure. The flavors, having melded overnight, seemed to deepen, offering a delightful second act. Reheating is simple: just toss the leftover sausage, onions, and mangoes into a large skillet until warmed through. Serve this flavorful medley with some crispy pickles or tangy sauerkraut for an easy and satisfying next-day lunch or dinner that’s just as good, if not better, than the original.

3. Time for Fat Bears And You To Start Eating More Wild Salmon

Imagine the fattest Alaskan brown bear you possibly can, a magnificent creature gorged on salmon, preparing for winter. Now, picture that same bear emerging in spring, having expended all those vital fat reserves, driven by an instinctual need to find more salmon. While we humans don’t quite experience the same intense hibernation, we do tend to be less active outdoors during the colder months. Spring, therefore, brings with it a similar principle: a renewed desire to get outside, be active, and refuel with wholesome, protein-rich foods.

For us, that often means loading up on salmon, and my absolute favorite way to prepare it is Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon on the Blackstone. Start with a beautiful full-length filet, lavishly coat it with your preferred seasonings (or try the fantastic blend in our linked recipe), and then, with enthusiasm, “Blackenstone it!” (See what we did there? Spring unleashes creativity!) The griddle’s consistent heat and non-stick surface, especially when well-seasoned, cooks salmon to perfection, delivering a crispy skin and a tender, flaky interior. While wild-caught salmon offers unparalleled health benefits, farm-raised varieties are also perfectly enjoyable and delicious on the griddle. And if you’re looking for a delightful variation, Salmon Burgers are an excellent choice – because, unlike those bears, we have hands to hold them!

4. School’s Out And Smash Burgers Are In

Ah, spring! The season when classes wind down, and the promise of longer, sunnier days fills the air, bringing with it more opportunities for family fun and adventure. Imagine finding that perfect Airbnb by a serene lake, a bustling beach, or nestled within a national park. Now, picture loading your trusty 28-inch Blackstone Griddle into the back of your vehicle. This simple act opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to prepare your own delicious meals, significantly cutting down on expenses, and most importantly, adding invaluable quality time with your loved ones.

When it comes to pleasing everyone, Blackstone Smash Burgers and Smashed Potatoes are absolute crowd-pleasers. The griddle’s high, even heat ensures that smash burgers develop that irresistible crispy crust while remaining juicy on the inside, and smashed potatoes achieve a perfect golden-brown crispness. The best part? Cooking on the Blackstone is incredibly fast and easy, meaning less time slaving over a hot stove and more time for what truly matters. More time to cast a line in the water, explore winding hiking trails, or simply breathe in the refreshing, crisp spring air, making memories that will last a lifetime.

5. Blackstone Cuban Sandwich

Down here in sunny Florida, the quest for the perfect Cuban Sandwich is, for many of us, a delightful and ongoing culinary journey. It often involves seeking out a charming outdoor setting where you can bask in the warm sun, enjoying the crispy, savory layers of a Cuban paired with a refreshing Modelo. But what if you could become a serious contender in the Cuban sandwich game right in your own backyard? With a Blackstone cooking griddle and quality ingredients, you absolutely can. The griddle’s flat-top surface is ideal for achieving that signature pressed, crunchy exterior that defines an authentic Cuban.

Here’s an incredibly easy recipe for a crisp and tasty Cuban sandwich that will undoubtedly elevate your lunch game forever. Start by lightly oiling your griddle and preheating it to a low-medium temperature. Generously spread mustard on both halves of your French bread – this adds a crucial tangy note. Next, layer on generous slices of quality ham and a heap of flavorful shredded pork on one half of the bread. Follow this with a slice of creamy Swiss cheese and thinly sliced pickles, which provide that essential briny contrast. Close the sandwich, brush its exterior with a little more oil, and then use a griddle press or a heavy cast-iron pan to clamp it down firmly for 3-4 minutes. This pressing action is key to achieving that perfectly flattened, golden-brown crust. Flip the sandwich and repeat the pressing on the other side until it’s beautifully toasted and the cheese is melted. The result is a lunch that’s nothing short of phenomenal.

6. Blackstone Breakfast Hash And Grits

Spring weather is an invitation to rise early, pull off the Blackstone cover, and fire up the burners for a breakfast hash that everyone will adore. This recipe is designed for both flavor and efficiency, making it the perfect start to any spring day. You’ll need a 28-ounce bag of frozen hash brown potatoes, a pound of ground breakfast sausage, six slices of bacon diced well, six eggs, and a half-chopped onion, along with your favorite spices. But don’t stop there! This is where your creativity can truly shine. Toss in sliced mushrooms, a kick of jalapeño peppers, vibrant red peppers, or any other vegetables you have on hand. The beauty of this dish is its versatility – it’s an effortless and delicious way to use up what’s already in your refrigerator, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor. Serve this hearty hash with fresh fruit, creamy sliced avocado, and a side of crisp toast or fluffy biscuits. And for an extra touch of Southern comfort, whipping up some creamy grits on the side will solidify your status as a true crowd-pleaser.

This is also where your Blackstone Adventure Ready Griddle truly proves its worth, especially when you’re on the road. Designed for portability and ease of use, this unit is a game-changer for camping trips or setting up next to your RV or favorite campground spot. A breakfast hash cooked on the Blackstone allows all ingredients to cook evenly and simultaneously across its expansive surface, ensuring everything is perfectly done at the same time. This also translates to incredibly easy cleanup, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying the beautiful spring outdoors and the company of your fellow adventurers.

7. Blackstone Diner-Style Protein Pancakes

Spring cleaning often brings with it a surge of ambition and boundless energy, driving us to tackle big goals. To truly harness that springtime drive, you need a substantial and satisfying start to your morning. This recipe for Blackstone Diner-Style Protein Pancakes is your secret weapon, providing the fuel you need to power through your day’s grand plans.

The cold-rolled steel griddle surface of the Blackstone is engineered to deliver the ideal combination of high, consistent heat and a naturally non-stick cooking environment. When your griddle is properly seasoned, it transforms pancake making into an absolute joy, creating results so perfect you’ll crave pancakes more than ever before. Picture perfectly golden-brown pancakes with wonderfully crispy edges, a texture that mimics your favorite diner’s best. For an extra burst of flavor and antioxidants, toss in some fresh blueberries. Feel the satisfying thrill of flipping pancakes with your specialized griddle spatula, watching as they achieve that coveted diner-style perfection. These aren’t just any pancakes; these are protein-packed powerhouses that ensure you’re energized and ready to accomplish anything spring throws your way.

8. Spring Means Pancake Creativity And Art

Here’s a bonus tip to truly elevate your pancake game: don’t be afraid to have fun with the size and shapes of your flapjacks! Spring’s long, hazy days and increased free time mean kids will be around more, and they’ll especially love seeing your inventiveness on the griddle. It’s a fantastic way to get them involved in some good, wholesome fun, sparking their imagination and making breakfast an interactive art project. Down here in Florida, we have an iconic diner called Tripp’s, famous for its “Hubcakes” – gigantic pancakes as big as an old car’s hubcap, hence the name. Imagine the amazed faces of your guests when you present them with such a creation! Or, you can channel your inner artist and shape pancakes into beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, or even into fun spring-themed shapes like flowers or baseballs. Whatever creative route you take, one thing is certain: you’d better have your syrup A-game ready! How about a homemade blueberry or elderberry syrup to complement your griddle masterpieces? The possibilities for pancake artistry are endless.

9. Fresh Zucchini From Garden Straight To Griddle

With the last frost firmly in the past, spring heralds the joyful season of planting new vegetables across the temperate zone. While garden-fresh zucchini, a quintessential summer vegetable, won’t be ready for picking for a little while, it’s always in abundant supply at our grocery stores, perfectly suiting our spring cravings! The Blackstone griddle is an ideal tool for bringing out the best in this versatile squash. You can choose to julienne it diagonally for elegant strips or slice it into appealing circles, whichever you prefer. Load up your griddle with these zucchini slices, glistening with a light coating of Canola oil. Season them profusely with your favorite herbs and spices – think garlic powder, Italian seasoning, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or simply salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Incredibly, in just about 10 minutes, you’ll have a delightful pile of tender-crisp, fresh zucchini bliss, ready to serve as a vibrant and healthy side dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring.

10. Blackstone Surf And Turf With Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

In our household, springtime inevitably brings with it the exciting anticipation of planning our annual summer trip to Cape Cod. And naturally, when we think of Cape Cod, our minds immediately turn to succulent lobster. As the days grow longer, providing more daylight hours, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in cooking a truly impressive, powerhouse dinner entrée: surf and turf, expertly prepared on your Blackstone standup grill. While The Griddle Guys posted a fantastic video recipe for this a few years back that’s certainly mouth-watering, the Flat Top King’s video takes it a step further. It perfectly captures the spirit of spring, especially since spring also marks the peak of strawberry season in Florida. The addition of decadent chocolate-covered strawberries makes this entire meal an even more exciting and celebratory experience.

To master the steak component, follow this recipe for cooking a perfect ribeye steak on the Blackstone, achieving that beautiful sear and tender interior. For your lobster tails, a clever trick involves using a Blackstone dome lid. This allows the lobster tails to steam gently and become incredibly tender, ensuring they are perfectly cooked and ready to be served at the precise moment you pull your perfectly seared steaks off the griddle. This synchronized cooking creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your own backyard.

11. Blackstone Spring Vegetable Pasta

When Blackstone’s official website declares a dish a “spring dish,” you know it’s going to be a perfect fit for the season! This delightful recipe for Spring Vegetable Pasta is a celebration of fresh, seasonal flavors. As they describe it, “Fresh seasonal vegetables are lightly sautéed and tossed in a light lemon cream sauce, then paired with tender chicken and served over a bed of pasta.” This dish truly embodies the “garden-to-table” philosophy, encouraging you to experiment with whatever vibrant, fresh vegetables you discover at your local market or harvest from your own garden. Think crisp asparagus, tender snap peas, sweet bell peppers, and bright cherry tomatoes – all cooked to perfection on the griddle. For a visually stunning and equally scrumptious alternative or inspiration, check out this Blackstone Griddle Pasta Primavera recipe, which offers an abundance of beautiful pictures and helpful how-to advice, essentially echoing the same delightful concept but with a different presentation.

Spring is more than just a season; it’s a time of joyous celebration. We look forward to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, and Memorial Day, all opportunities to gather and create cherished memories. The sporting world explodes with excitement, from the national pastime of baseball to the thrill of March Madness, the prestige of The Masters, the speed of the Indy 500, and the elegance of Wimbledon. It’s a period dedicated to coming together, appreciating the company of friends and family, and marking significant milestones.

This sense of community and celebration is what spring truly means to me. Whether you’re skillfully wielding spatulas on your Blackstone griddle, perfecting barbecue on a Weber gas grill, utilizing the precise direct and indirect heat of a Big Green Egg kamado ceramic cooker, enjoying the smoky flavors from a Traeger pellet grill, or patiently smoking brisket low and slow on a Pit Boss smoker, it’s a time of pure happiness. It’s a season when we awaken with a profound sense of rebirth and renewal, and sharing delicious food is one of the most heartwarming ways we express that joy to one another. So, grab your Blackstone, bring these proven perennial recipes to life, and let the aroma of incredible food fill the air. As everyone gathers, conversing and enjoying the sweet sound of birdsong, they’ll admire your culinary work and the effortless joy you bring to the table. If you have a Blackstone, you are truly ready to embrace all the deliciousness this vibrant season has to offer.