Transform your Blackstone griddle into a dessert-making station with this innovative twist on two beloved treats. The s’mores quesadilla combines the gooey deliciousness of traditional s’mores with the convenient cooking method of a quesadilla, creating a unique and delicious camping dessert that’s perfect for serving a crowd.
Perfect Griddle Preparation
Success begins with proper griddle preparation. For desserts, clean your Blackstone thoroughly to remove any savory food residues. Heat the surface to medium-low (around 300°F) – this temperature melts chocolate and marshmallows perfectly without burning the tortillas. A light coating of butter on the griddle surface adds flavor and helps achieve golden-brown results.
Essential Ingredients
Quality ingredients make the difference:
- Large flour tortillas
- Milk chocolate bars (broken into pieces)
- Mini marshmallows (they melt more evenly)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Butter for the griddle
- Optional additions like sliced bananas or peanut butter
Assembly Techniques
Creating the perfect s’mores quesadilla requires strategic assembly. Lay your tortilla on a flat surface and butter one side lightly. Place it butter-side down on your work surface. Cover half the tortilla with an even layer of chocolate pieces, keeping them away from the edges. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the chocolate, then add a generous layer of mini marshmallows.
Cooking Process
Place your assembled quesadilla butter-side down on the preheated Blackstone. The large cooking surface allows you to prepare multiple quesadillas simultaneously. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then flip carefully using a large spatula. The second side usually cooks more quickly, needing only 1-2 minutes.
Timing and Temperature
Achieving the perfect melt requires attention to temperature and timing. Watch for the marshmallows to begin softening and the chocolate to show signs of melting before flipping. If needed, reduce heat to prevent burning while allowing time for the filling to melt completely. The tortilla should achieve a golden-brown color with subtle crispy spots.
Creative Variations
Experiment with different combinations:
- Add sliced strawberries for a chocolate-covered strawberry twist
- Include crushed candy bars instead of plain chocolate
- Try different chocolate varieties (dark, white, or peanut butter chips)
- Spread Nutella as a base layer
- Add banana slices for a banana split inspiration
Serving Suggestions
Allow the quesadilla to cool slightly before cutting – the filling gets extremely hot. Cut into triangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve with optional toppings like:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel drizzle
- Ice cream
- Fresh berries
Temperature Management
Managing your Blackstone’s temperature becomes crucial for dessert success. Keep the heat moderate to prevent burning the tortilla before the filling melts. Use an infrared thermometer for precise temperature monitoring. The griddle’s excellent heat distribution helps achieve even cooking across multiple quesadillas.
Equipment Needs
Gather these tools before starting:
- Large spatula for flipping
- Tongs for checking doneness
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Serving plates
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Cleaning supplies
Preparation Tips
Success relies on good preparation:
- Have all ingredients measured and ready
- Pre-break chocolate into appropriate sizes
- Crush graham crackers in advance
- Keep butter at room temperature
- Prepare toppings before cooking
- Set up serving station
Group Serving Strategies
When cooking for a crowd:
- Set up an assembly line for efficient preparation
- Cook multiple quesadillas simultaneously
- Keep finished ones warm on low heat zone
- Let people customize their toppings
- Consider having backup ingredients ready
Cleanup Considerations
Proper cleanup ensures your Blackstone stays ready for its next use:
- Clean surface while still warm but not hot
- Use water sparingly for stubborn spots
- Dry thoroughly to prevent rust
- Re-season if needed
- Store properly when cooled
Weather Adaptations
Adjust your technique based on conditions:
- Use griddle cover between batches in wind
- Position griddle to block strong breezes
- Consider a canopy for protection
- Adjust cooking time in cold weather
- Watch temperature more closely in hot weather
The Blackstone s’mores quesadilla elevates a classic camping dessert to new heights. This innovative treat combines familiar flavors with practical preparation methods, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any outdoor gathering. With these techniques and tips, you’ll master the art of griddle desserts while creating new camping traditions. Happy griddling and happy camping!