Creative Uses for a Griddle: Beyond Bacon & Pancakes

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores various creative uses for a griddle beyond traditional options like bacon and pancakes. Participants share their personal experiences and ideas for utilizing the griddle in different cooking scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions using the griddle for grilled cheese sandwiches, french toast, hamburgers, and various meats.
  • Another participant shares their experience of making roasted veggies and brownies in the oven.
  • Several users note using the griddle for fajitas, hash browns, and hot sandwiches.
  • One participant highlights the ease of stir fry due to the griddle's large surface area.
  • Another participant describes a method for preparing and freezing french toast for quick breakfasts.
  • One participant suggests that a turkey roasting pan could serve similar purposes, sharing their extensive use of it for various meals.
  • Some participants express surprise at the versatility of the griddle, mentioning they had only considered it for breakfast foods.
  • One participant inquires about the height of the griddle's sides, indicating a concern about potential overflow when baking.
  • Another participant expresses excitement about ordering a griddle after learning about its capabilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best uses for the griddle, with some participants advocating for its versatility while others suggest alternatives like the turkey roasting pan. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best cooking methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal cooking experiences and preferences, highlighting the griddle's potential for a variety of meals beyond breakfast. The discussion reflects a range of cooking styles and ideas.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for creative cooking ideas or those considering the purchase of a griddle may find the shared experiences and suggestions beneficial.

mpkegley
Messages
844
What all do you use this for? My Mom is thinking about purchasing it and I would like to give her more ideas to use it for other than bacon and pancakes. Does anyone have any other ideas?
 
grilled cheese sandwiches (6-8) depending on size of bread
french toast
hamburgers
bacon
pork chops
steaks

Anything that you fry, really!
 
roasted veggies in the oven. Brownies or a sheet cake, oven again.
 
fajitas
hash browns or fried potatoes
hot ham and cheese sandwiches
tuna melts
 
stir fry--big surface makes it easy.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Wow! Had not thought about doing all of this with it. Thanks! I could only think of breakfast stuff.
 
On sunday my DH will take a loaf of bread and a dozen eggs and make french toast...then he individually bags and freezes them so during the week I can just throw two in the toaster for the kids and have instant french toast that is healthy.
 
I would suggest the turkey roasting pan instead. It does all that. I use it daily for breakfast, lunch and you can cook a large lasagna in it, not to mention the thanksgiving turkey, meats, any of our skillet dishes. I take it to shows for the new asian dish. The pork doesn't have to be cooked in two batches. I have used the turkey roasting pan on an electric and my new gas stove as well. Love it!!
 
finley1991 said:
roasted veggies in the oven. Brownies or a sheet cake, oven again.

I might have to try the brownies or sheet cake. I always thought it would run over?
 
chefjwr said:
stir fry--big surface makes it easy.

I am not the neatest stirrer so I am picturing food going every where. Good idea though.
 
dannyzmom said:
On sunday my DH will take a loaf of bread and a dozen eggs and make french toast...then he individually bags and freezes them so during the week I can just throw two in the toaster for the kids and have instant french toast that is healthy.

I do the same thing - sometimes freeze them so they are ready and they don't go bad if we don't eat them right away. I just recently thought about cutting the bread ahead of time and doing french toast sticks but this would only work if you were using a toster over - i am picturing them getting stuck in the toaster. AND it is cheaper than the frozen ones.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
lockhartkitchen said:
I would suggest the turkey roasting pan instead. It does all that. I use it daily for breakfast, lunch and you can cook a large lasagna in it, not to mention the thanksgiving turkey, meats, any of our skillet dishes. I take it to shows for the new asian dish. The pork doesn't have to be cooked in two batches. I have used the turkey roasting pan on an electric and my new gas stove as well. Love it!!

She already has 2 roasting pans (Not PC) and I don't think she is interested in that. She said that the griddle would be good for bacon and fried green tomatoes, so she wants that. I was just wanting some more ideas and didn't realize that you could do so much with it. Cakes? I figured they would run over. It must have a bigger lip around the outside than I thought. I will have to check it out when she gets it. You guys are making me want one now too!
 
chef_kimmo said:
I might have to try the brownies or sheet cake. I always thought it would run over?


Hasn't run over for me.
 
About how tall are the sides?
 
Okay, I think everyone's convinced me that I need one of these now! :D
 
Oooh, I just ordered mine from pan-o-rama. Now I can't wait to get it. Go figure, hadn't really connected that it could go in the oven. I basically was just envisioning cooking breakfast foods on it. Can't wait to read more ideas!
 
jrstephens said:
About how tall are the sides?

They are a little less than a inch I would say (without going to measure it).
 
Now I think that I need one of them...So now if I can just sell $72 more of cookware I can get the Grill Pan, Grill Press and the Double Burner Griddle. I wouldn't have even thought about getting that if it wouldn't have been for this thread, thank you all.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some creative uses for a griddle besides cooking bacon and pancakes?

A griddle can be used for a variety of dishes beyond bacon and pancakes. You can use it to make grilled sandwiches, quesadillas, and even stir-fry vegetables. It's also great for cooking eggs in various styles, making hash browns, and searing meats like chicken or fish. Additionally, you can use it to prepare desserts like crepes or even cook pizza.

Can I use a griddle for baking?

Yes, you can use a griddle for baking certain items. While traditional baking requires an oven, you can make items like cornbread or even certain types of cakes on a griddle by using a lid to trap heat. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time and temperature closely to achieve the desired results.

Is it possible to cook vegetables on a griddle?

Absolutely! A griddle is an excellent tool for cooking vegetables. You can sauté, grill, or even roast vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus. The high, even heat of a griddle helps to caramelize the natural sugars in vegetables, enhancing their flavor.

What types of food should I avoid cooking on a griddle?

While a griddle is versatile, there are some foods that may not cook well on it. Foods that require a lot of liquid, such as soups or stews, are not suitable for griddles. Additionally, delicate items like fish fillets may stick or break apart easily unless properly managed. Foods that need to be baked, like soufflés or certain pastries, should also be avoided.

How do I clean and maintain my griddle after use?

Cleaning and maintaining your griddle is essential for longevity and performance. After it cools down, use a spatula to scrape off any food residue. For non-stick griddles, a soft sponge with warm soapy water works well. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. For cast iron griddles, it’s important to season them regularly to prevent rust and maintain their non-stick properties.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • BethCooks4U
  • Products and Tips
Replies
15
Views
3K
pcsharon1
  • babywings76
  • Products and Tips
Replies
5
Views
2K
babywings76
  • Harrle
  • Products and Tips
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
Replies
5
Views
16K
Christine Moore
Replies
10
Views
2K
urbnk8
  • pmprdprettyinsnj
  • Products and Tips
Replies
5
Views
6K
Kara Eaton
  • FFBearPChef
  • Products and Tips
Replies
4
Views
4K
ShelbyMichalek
Replies
4
Views
2K
cmdtrgd
Replies
4
Views
2K
Happy Mom
Replies
7
Views
6K
cochef
Back
Top