What to Cook on Outdoor Griddle | Top Griddle Recipes
An outdoor griddle is one of the most versatile cooking tools for creating restaurant-quality meals in your own backyard. With its flat, spacious surface and even heat distribution, an outdoor griddle allows you to cook everything from breakfast staples to gourmet dinners.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or experimenting with new recipes, the possibilities are endless.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best dishes to cook on an outdoor griddle, share helpful tips, and show you why an outdoor griddle is a must-have for any cooking enthusiast.
What Can You Cook on an Outdoor Griddle?
An outdoor griddle is a versatile tool perfect for making everything from pancakes and burgers to seafood and desserts. Its even heat distribution and large surface make it ideal for hosting gatherings.
Key Takeaways
- Outdoor griddles are perfect for cooking a wide variety of dishes, from breakfast staples to gourmet meals.
- They provide even heat distribution and a spacious surface, allowing you to cook for large groups effortlessly.
- The Torch Guys offers premium outdoor griddles and accessories to enhance your cooking adventures.
Benefits of Cooking on an Outdoor Griddle
Large Cooking Surface
Outdoor griddles provide ample space to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, making them perfect for serving large groups.
Even Heat Distribution
The flat surface ensures consistent cooking temperatures, so your food is perfectly cooked every time.
Versatility
From breakfast to dessert, an outdoor griddle can handle it all. Its adaptability makes it a valuable addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal.
If you want a high-quality outdoor griddle, I would highly recommend you go with our Napoleon prestige 500.
Apart from that, we also have various outdoor cooking items to have a great time with your friends or families in your backyard.
Breakfast Delights
Classic Pancakes and French Toast
There’s nothing like waking up to the smell of pancakes or French toast cooking on a griddle. Thanks to its spacious and even-heating surface, a griddle makes flipping pancakes and browning French toast effortless.
Prepare the pancake batter with your favorite ingredients or go for a classic recipe with flour, milk, eggs, and a pinch of sugar. Pour small portions onto the griddle, and watch as they form perfect, golden rounds.
For French toast, dip slices of bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, then place them on the griddle.
The flat surface ensures even browning on both sides, creating a crispy exterior and a soft, custard-like interior. Top your pancakes or French toast with fresh fruits, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or maple syrup to elevate the experience.
Crispy Bacon and Sausages
The griddle’s design makes it perfect for cooking bacon and sausages to crispy perfection. The built-in grease trap collects excess fat, making cleanup easier while preventing flare-ups that often occur on traditional grills.
Lay strips of bacon or sausage links on the griddle, and let the consistent heat work its magic.
In minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked bacon with a satisfying crunch or golden-brown sausages bursting with flavor. Plus, the flat surface ensures that all the fat renders evenly, resulting in a crisp finish without burnt edges.
Eggs Your Way
Whether you prefer fried, scrambled, or sunny-side-up eggs, a griddle is your go-to tool for cooking them to perfection. Its even surface lets you prepare multiple eggs at once, ideal for serving large groups or family breakfasts.
Use a little butter or oil for a non-stick experience, then crack the eggs directly onto the hot griddle. For scrambled eggs, whisk them beforehand and cook while stirring gently.
The result?
Fluffy, delicious eggs with a light, golden finish. With a griddle, breakfast becomes a delightful feast of variety, all cooked effortlessly on one versatile surface.
Appetizers and Snacks
Quesadillas
Griddles are fantastic for making quesadillas, a quick and flavorful appetizer or snack. Start with flour tortillas and fill them with a combination of shredded cheese, beans, diced vegetables, or meats like chicken or steak.
Place the loaded tortilla on the griddle, and top it with another tortilla to form a sandwich.
The flat surface ensures even heat distribution, creating a golden, crispy exterior while perfectly melting the cheese inside. Flip the quesadilla carefully with a spatula, cooking both sides until golden brown.
Once done, slice into triangles and serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for a mouthwatering appetizer.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich. A griddle takes this classic to the next level, thanks to its ability to cook multiple sandwiches at once with even browning.
Butter each side of the bread generously, layer your favorite cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda—between the slices, and place them on the griddle.
Cook on medium heat until the bread turns golden and crispy while the cheese melts into a luscious, gooey center.
Experiment with gourmet variations by adding tomatoes, spinach, or caramelized onions to the mix. Serve with a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Sliders and Mini Burgers
The griddle is perfect for cooking sliders or mini burgers, making it a hit at parties or casual gatherings. Form small ground beef patties and season them with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
Place them on the griddle, and let the even heat create a beautifully seared crust on each side.
Toast mini buns directly on the griddle for a buttery, crisp finish. Assemble the sliders with toppings like lettuce, cheese, and pickles, then add condiments of your choice.
The griddle’s spacious surface allows you to prepare a large batch of sliders simultaneously, ensuring everyone gets a hot, delicious bite.
Meats and Main Courses
Smash Burgers
Smash burgers are a griddle specialty, delivering a crispy, caramelized crust and juicy center in every bite. Start with ground beef balls, and press them directly onto the hot griddle using a spatula.
This technique maximizes contact with the cooking surface, creating the signature crispy edges and locking in the juices.
Season the patties with salt and pepper, then flip them once the crust forms. Top with cheese while the second side cooks, letting it melt into the patty.
Serve your smash burgers on toasted buns with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles for a diner-style masterpiece.
Steaks and Chops
The consistent heat of a griddle makes it perfect for cooking steaks, pork chops, and lamb chops to your desired doneness. Season your cuts with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or marinades, then sear them on the hot griddle.
The high temperature forms a beautiful crust on the exterior while locking in the juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to perfection—rare, medium-rare, or well-done.
Pair your steaks or chops with roasted vegetables or a baked potato for a complete meal.
Chicken Skewers
Marinated chicken skewers are another griddle favorite. Skewer chunks of chicken breast or thighs, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
The griddle’s high heat ensures that the chicken gets a nice char, sealing in the marinade’s flavors.
Rotate the skewers regularly to cook them evenly, and serve with a side of tzatziki, hummus, or rice for a flavorful main course.
The griddle’s versatility shines in dishes like these, making it a go-to option for creative and delicious meals.
Vegetables and Plant-Based Options
Sautéed Vegetables
Cook bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms on the griddle for perfectly caramelized vegetables. Use them as a side dish or topping for sandwiches and burgers.
Grilled Tofu
Season tofu slices and grill them on the griddle for a protein-packed, plant-based option. The griddle’s even heat ensures a crispy exterior.
Vegan Burgers
Prepare plant-based burgers and add your favorite toppings. The griddle allows you to cook them evenly without sticking.
Snacks and Sides
Grilled Flatbreads and Naan
Cook flatbreads or naan directly on the griddle for a charred, smoky flavor. Pair them with dips like hummus or tzatziki.
Corn on the Cob
Grill corn on the griddle with butter and seasonings for a smoky, caramelized side dish.
Potato Hash or Sweet Potatoes
Dice potatoes, toss them with spices, and cook them on the griddle until crispy and golden.
Cooking Tips for Your Outdoor Griddle
Preheat Your Griddle
Always preheat the griddle for even cooking. Use medium heat for most dishes and adjust as needed.
Season the Surface
Keep your griddle well-seasoned to prevent sticking and enhance flavors. Regular maintenance prolongs its lifespan.
Use the Right Tools
Equip yourself with spatulas, scrapers, and heatproof gloves for easy handling and cleaning.
Why an Outdoor Griddle Is a Great Investment
Enhances Outdoor Cooking
An outdoor griddle expands your cooking repertoire, making it perfect for hosting gatherings or family meals.
Energy Efficiency
Using a griddle outdoors saves energy compared to indoor cooking appliances.
Brings People Together
Cooking on a griddle is an interactive experience that encourages bonding and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best food to cook on an outdoor griddle?
Outdoor griddles are perfect for cooking pancakes, burgers, steaks, seafood, sautéed vegetables, and desserts like crepes or banana foster.
2. Can I cook plant-based meals on a griddle?
Absolutely! Griddles are ideal for vegan burgers, grilled tofu, sautéed vegetables, and flatbreads.
3. Do I need special tools for cooking on a griddle?
Yes, essential tools like spatulas, scrapers, and heatproof gloves make cooking and cleaning easier.
Conclusion
An outdoor griddle is a versatile tool that can handle everything from breakfast to dessert. Whether you’re making pancakes, smash burgers, sautéed vegetables, or caramelized desserts, the possibilities are endless.
With high-quality griddles and accessories from The Torch Guys, you can elevate your outdoor cooking experience and create meals that impress every guest.