Grilled New Mexico Blue Corn Pancakes on Arteflame

Introduction

These grilled New Mexico-style Blue Corn Pancakes are a bold and flavorful twist on classic pancakes. Using the Arteflame grill, we create texture-rich, golden pancakes with a slight crisp on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and infused with the distinctive, nutty flavor of blue corn. These pancakes cook evenly on the Arteflame’s flat cooktop griddle, developing deep flavors while staying perfectly moist. With no need for pans or an oven, your breakfast or brunch becomes an outdoor grilling adventure packed with New Mexican flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup blue cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
• ¼ cup melted butter (plus more for greasing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the fire build. The grill will be ready in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the pancake batter

1. In a large bowl, mix the blue cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and honey if using.
3. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Preheat the cooktop

1. Once the Arteflame’s flat cooktop is hot (use the middle-zone for more heat or the outer edge for gentler cooking), add a pat of butter to the surface where the pancakes will go. Let it melt and spread evenly.

Step 4: Grill the pancakes

1. Use a ladle or measuring cup to pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake directly onto the flat top.
2. Grill the pancakes for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set.
3. Flip and cook another 2 minutes, adjusting heat zones as necessary for even grilling. The center zones cook faster.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

1. Remove pancakes from the grill and top with butter, maple syrup, or fruit.
2. Clean the flat top by scraping off any residue while still warm – cleanup is quick and easy!

Tips

• Use butter instead of oil for greasing the cooktop—it adds incredible flavor.
• Cook pancakes toward the outer edge of the Arteflame for lower heat zones to prevent overbrowning.
• Don’t press down on pancakes after flipping—let them stay fluffy and light.
• You can mix the batter ahead of time, but cook immediately for best fluffiness.
• Add blueberries or sliced bananas directly into the batter on the grill for fruit-filled versions.

Variations

1. Blue Corn Pancakes with Chile Honey Butter: Add roasted green chile to the batter and serve with a honey-chile butter spread for that signature New Mexican kick.
2. Spiced Cinnamon Blue Corn Pancakes: Add 1 tsp cinnamon and 1⁄4 tsp nutmeg into the dry mix for warm, earthy spice notes.
3. Savory Green Onion & Cheese Blue Corn Cakes: Fold shredded cheddar and sliced green onions into the batter and serve with crème fraîche or sour cream.
4. Corn & Bacon Blue Corn Pancakes: Mix in grilled corn kernels and crispy chopped bacon for a savory brunch option.
5. Sweet Potato Blue Corn Pancakes: Add 1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes to the wet ingredients for rich sweetness and a vibrant color.

Best pairings

• Fresh fruit salad with lime and mint
• Grilled breakfast sausage or bacon on the center grate
• Hot chocolate or spiced café de olla
• Fresh-squeezed orange or grapefruit juice
• Top with shaved toasted pecans and a drizzle of real maple syrup

Conclusion

Grilling New Mexico Blue Corn Pancakes on the Arteflame brings out flavors and textures you simply can’t get in a pan. The earthy blue corn, buttery crust, and subtle smokiness from the grill combine to make a truly memorable dish—perfect for brunch, breakfast, or even as a sweet-savory dinner.