On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas Podcast, we pulled up our chairs aroound the digital campfire with someone we’ve admired in the outdoor cooking world for a long time: Cheri Reneé, author of the brand-new Blackstone Griddle Camping Cookbook and the bestselling I Love My Blackstone Griddle Cookbook.
We first met Cheri last summer at the Blackstone Social Media Summit in Logan, Utah, and instantly connected with her warm personality and her genuine love of creating great food outdoors. As we joked on the show, talking with Cheri makes you want to run outside, fire up the griddle, and cook something—anything—immediately.
This episode goes into her story—from second-grade teacher to food blogger to cookbook author—and explores why the Blackstone griddle has taken over campgrounds around the country. And of course, we dive into the most important part: sample recipes from her newest book, the Blackstone Griddle Camping Cookbook, all designed with camping in mind.
If you cook at the campground—or if you want to start—this conversation is packed with helpful techniques, inspiration, and approachable recipes that work beautifully outdoors.
To listen to Jeremy’s interview with Cheri Reneé please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows!
Meet the author of The Blackstone Griddle Camping Cookbook
Who Is Cheri Reneé?
Cheri lives in Indiana with her husband, their blended family of six kids, and two grandchildren. Before becoming a cookbook author, she spent twenty years teaching second grade. As her kids got older, she began sharing her family’s favorite dishes on her first food blog, Cooks Well With Others, which focuses primarily on indoor cooking methods like slow cookers, ovens, and air fryers.
Later, craving a fresh creative outlet, she launched her second blog, If You Give a Girl a Grill, dedicated entirely to grilling, smoking, and cooking outdoors—including her wildly popular Blackstone recipes.
Those recipes caught the eye of a major publisher, which led to her first cookbook offer—and 175 recipes later, she was officially a Blackstone cookbook author. Her new camping cookbook is the natural extension of that journey.
Why Campers Love Cooking on the Blackstone
We kicked off our conversation by talking about why Blackstone griddles have blown up at campgrounds over the last few years. Cheri’s answer was simple:
- They’re easy to use.
- They’re easy to clean.
- They’re fun and social—people naturally gather around them.
- They work for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- And most importantly, they help campers eat really well.
Cheri specifically wrote her Blackstone Griddle Camping Cookbook for real RVers and tent campers, focusing on 5–8 ingredient recipes that fit small spaces, small griddles, and small coolers. These are campground-friendly meals designed to be simple, fast, and delicious.
Getting Started: Seasoning the Griddle + Basic Tools
If you’re new to Blackstone cooking, Cheri’s book begins by walking readers through the basics—including how to season a griddle without feeling intimidated.
Her approach:
Clean with soap and water, heat the griddle on high, apply thin layers of oil, use long tongs and paper towels, and repeat. She breaks it down simply enough that even first-time griddle owners feel confident.
She also recommends starting with a basic accessory set:
- Tongs
- Metal scraper
- Two spatulas
- Oil and water bottles
- Optional caddy for carrying it all to the campsite
Everything else can come later—including cast iron pieces for dips and desserts.
Breakfast Recipes from The Blackstone Griddle Camping Cookbook to Kick Off Your Camping Day
Breakfast is one of our favorite meals to cook on the griddle, and Cheri’s book includes options for both sweet and savory campers. Two standouts:
Breakfast Sloppy Joes
This was the very first recipe in the book—and the first one we cooked. Eggs, your choice of breakfast meat, cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of maple syrup, which is the surprise ingredient that makes everything pop. Add hot sauce if you like a sweet-and-spicy kick. These are perfect for feeding a crowd or hungry kids running around the campground in the morning.
Egg and Sausage Gravy Burritos
A handheld hybrid of biscuits and gravy and a breakfast burrito, created because Cheri’s husband loves biscuits and gravy but needed something portable. These are ideal for campers who want breakfast they can hold in one hand while heading off for the day’s adventure.
Snacks and Sides for Campfire Hangouts from the Blackstone Griddle Camping Cookbook
According to Cheri, some of the best campground meals come from mixing a few appetizers together for what she calls a “snacky dinner.” Two of her favorites are:
Caprese Brie Crostini
Fancy-sounding, unbelievably simple. Brie on the griddle, tomatoes tossed in balsamic, and toasted baguette slices. With only a handful of ingredients, this is the kind of appetizer that makes fellow campers say, “You made that here?”
Caribbean Jerk Chicken Dip
Diced chicken cooked on the griddle, then tossed with cheese and seasonings in a cast iron skillet until melty and delicious. Cheri includes prep tips—like cutting meat at home and storing it in bags—so the recipe comes together quickly at the campground.
Sandwiches and Wraps for Lunch or Dinner from the Blackstone Griddle Camping Cookbook
This section of the cookbook exists because Cheri realized how many handheld meals campers actually want. Sandwiches and wraps travel well, don’t require plates, and work for lunch or dinner.
Chili Cheese Dog Grilled Cheese
Inspired by her Cincinnati upbringing and love of Skyline Chili, this mash-up is everything we want in a camping comfort food—warm, nostalgic, and easy to make on a small griddle.
Vegetable Gyros
A lighter option with customizable veggies. Cheri includes directions for adding chicken or gyro meat, making this a highly flexible recipe for families with mixed preferences.
Main Dishes from the Blackstone Griddle Camping Cookbook: Complete Meals on the Griddle
The main dish chapter is the largest in the book with 35–40 recipes—and here’s the best part: each one is designed as a complete meal, no side recipes required.
Peanut Chicken Rice Bowl
Only six ingredients and full of bold flavor. This is a great example of how Cheri builds meals that feel creative but are easy to prep and fast to cook at the campground.
She also sprinkles variations throughout the book—like swapping broccoli for zucchini or potatoes—so cooks can adapt meals to what they like and what they have on hand.
Desserts That Feel Like Camping
Cheri’s dessert recipes may be the most dangerous section of the entire book—in the best way.
Ooey Gooey S’mores Sandwiches
Created in collaboration with Campin’ Erin, these griddled buttery sandwiches ooze chocolate and marshmallow and are easier (and less messy) than traditional s’mores.
Cinnamon Whiskey Apple Cakes
Fireball whiskey, apples, toasted pound cake… need we say more? Cheri includes instructions for omitting the whiskey for a family-friendly version.
Final Tips for New Griddlers
Whether you’re completely new to Blackstone cooking or looking to expand beyond burgers and pancakes, Cheri’s advice is simple, wise, and reassuring:
- Start simple, then try something new each trip.
- Keep the heat lower than you think until you understand how your griddle cooks.
- Prep at home whenever possible—it saves time, space, and frustration.
- And for social griddlers? Consider removing the hood. An open griddle keeps the cooking part of the conversation.
Where to Find The Blackstone Griddle Camping Cookbook
Cheri’s books—the original I Love My Blackstone Griddle Cookbook and her newest Blackstone Griddle Camping Cookbook—are available almost everywhere books are sold, including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and independent bookstores. They also make a great holiday gift when paired with seasonings or a Blackstone tool kit.
You can find her recipes, tips, and videos at:
- CooksWellWithOthers.com
- IfYouGiveAGirlAGrill.com
- @cookswellwithothers and @ifyougiveagirlagrill on social media
The Blackstone Griddle Phenomenon
Spending time with Cheri reminded us why Blackstone cooking has become such a phenomenon among RVers: it’s simple, it’s social, and it makes great food accessible to everyone at the campground.
Her Blackstone Griddle Camping Cookbook is an inspiring resource for campers who want to eat well without fuss—and a reminder that the best campground meals come from creativity, good ingredients, a little prep, and a willingness to play.
We can’t wait to try more recipes—and we hope this episode inspires you to grab your spatulas, gather your friends, and fire up the griddle on your next camping trip.
