Griddle Recipes: 19 Crowd Favorites From Smash Burgers to Hibachi Night

Griddle recipes have turned the backyard flat top into America’s favorite new cooking toy, and the same meals work on a stovetop griddle pan too. One big hot surface lets you cook burgers, rice, eggs and vegetables at the same time, which is why a single griddle video can pull in millions of views. An Allrecipes video of griddle hacks passed 755,000 views in about two months. Each slide below is one crowd favorite with the heat it needs, a short shopping list, simple steps and one beginner tip. No fancy gear needed: a wide metal spatula, a scraper and two squeeze bottles, one for oil and one for water. Fire it up this weekend and feed the whole block..

Griddle Recipes Start With Crispy Smash Burgers

Smash burgers are the reason so many people buy a griddle. A loose ball of ground beef hits a very hot flat top, gets pressed thin with a sturdy spatula, and the edges turn brown, lacy and crunchy in about two minutes. Add a slice of American cheese, a soft bun and pickles, and it tastes like the best burger stand in town. Which do you want: A: a single or B: a double with extra cheese?..

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds 80/20 ground beef, 6 slices American cheese, 6 soft burger buns, 1 thinly sliced onion, salt and pepper, pickles, burger sauce, a sturdy metal spatula, a square of parchment.

How to make it: 1. Heat the griddle to high and toast the buttered buns first. 2. Roll the beef into 12 loose 2 oz balls. 3. Set a ball on the griddle, cover with parchment and smash it thin with the spatula. 4. Season and cook 2 minutes until the edges are deep brown. 5. Scrape under, flip, add onion and cheese and stack two patties. 6. Serve on the buns with pickles and sauce.

Griddle Recipes for a Crowd: Philly Cheesesteaks

A griddle is made for cheesesteaks. Thin sliced ribeye sizzles next to a pile of onions and peppers, then everything is chopped together with two spatulas and topped with melting provolone. Lay the open roll face down right on top so it soaks up the juices. Tip: freeze the steak for 30 minutes so you can slice it paper thin. Cheesesteaks are often the first of the griddle recipes new owners try.

You will need: 2 pounds ribeye sliced very thin, 2 onions sliced, 2 green peppers sliced, 2 tablespoons oil, salt and pepper, 8 slices provolone, 4 hoagie rolls.

How to make it: 1. Heat the griddle to medium high and oil one side. 2. Cook the onions and peppers until soft, about 8 minutes. 3. Add the steak on the hot side and season. 4. Chop and turn the steak with two spatulas until browned. 5. Mix in the vegetables and split into 4 piles topped with cheese. 6. Set the open rolls on top, then scoop everything into the rolls.

Griddle Recipes for Hibachi Night at Home

Hibachi night is the most fun you can have on a flat top. Cook the shrimp, zucchini and onions on one side while fried rice crisps on the other. Day-old cold rice works best, because fresh rice turns mushy. Tip: keep a squeeze bottle of soy sauce and one of melted garlic butter ready, so everything moves fast. Which do you love most: A: the shrimp or B: the fried rice?

You will need: 4 cups cold cooked rice, 1 pound shrimp peeled, 2 zucchini cut in half moons, 1 onion chopped, 1 cup peas and carrots, 3 eggs, 4 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup soy sauce, oil, sesame seeds, green onions.

How to make it: 1. Heat the griddle to high and oil it. 2. Cook the zucchini and onion with butter and a splash of soy sauce. 3. Add the shrimp and cook 2 minutes per side. 4. On the other side, scramble the eggs, then add the rice and peas and carrots. 5. Add garlic butter and soy sauce and toss until the rice crisps. 6. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Big Batch Pancakes, Bacon and Eggs

Breakfast for ten is where the griddle shines. Bacon goes on first at one end, pancakes fill the middle and eggs go wherever there is room. Tip: use medium heat for pancakes, and wipe the spot clean with a paper towel between batches so they brown evenly. Of all the griddle recipes, this one feeds the most people for the least money. Do you like A: pancakes or B: waffles on a Saturday morning?

You will need: 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 3/4 cups milk, 2 eggs, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1 pound bacon, 10 eggs for frying, butter, maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the dry ingredients, then stir in the milk, eggs and butter. 2. Heat the griddle to medium. 3. Cook the bacon at one end until crisp. 4. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake in the middle and flip when bubbles form. 5. Fry the eggs in a little butter on the open space. 6. Serve everything hot with syrup.

Crispy Griddle Quesadillas

Quesadillas on a griddle come out evenly golden from edge to edge, and you can make eight at once. Fill flour tortillas with cheese, chicken and peppers, fold them and press them flat with the spatula. Tip: a light swipe of butter on the tortillas makes them extra crisp. They are one of the fastest griddle recipes for a hungry crowd.

You will need: 8 large flour tortillas, 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1 red pepper and 1 onion sliced, 1 teaspoon taco seasoning, butter, salsa and sour cream.

How to make it: 1. Cook the pepper and onion on the griddle until soft. 2. Toss the chicken with taco seasoning and warm it. 3. Butter one side of each tortilla. 4. Lay them butter side down and fill half with cheese, chicken and vegetables. 5. Fold and press with a spatula for 2 minutes per side. 6. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.

Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

A flat top gives you the high, even heat of a restaurant wok. Sear bite-size chicken until browned, add broccoli, carrots and snap peas, then pour on a quick homemade teriyaki sauce and let it bubble into a sticky glaze. Tip: cut everything the same size so it all finishes at once. Serve it over rice or noodles. It is one of the healthier griddle recipes on this list.

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs in bite-size pieces, 3 cups broccoli florets, 1 carrot sliced, 1 cup snap peas, 2 tablespoons oil. Sauce: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/4 cup water.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the sauce ingredients in a squeeze bottle or bowl. 2. Heat the griddle to high and oil it. 3. Sear the chicken 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through. 4. Add the vegetables and a splash of water and cook 3 minutes. 5. Pour on the sauce and toss until thick and glossy. 6. Serve over rice with sesame seeds.

Breakfast Hash With Potatoes, Sausage and Peppers

This is a whole breakfast in one big pile. Diced potatoes crisp up on the griddle with sausage, peppers and onions, then you crack eggs right on top. Tip: microwave the diced potatoes for 4 minutes first so they cook through before the outsides burn. It is one of those griddle recipes that feeds the whole family on a slow weekend morning.

You will need: 2 pounds potatoes diced small, 1 pound breakfast sausage, 1 red and 1 green pepper diced, 1 onion diced, 3 tablespoons oil, salt, pepper, paprika, 6 eggs, shredded cheddar, green onions.

How to make it: 1. Microwave the potatoes in a covered bowl for 4 minutes. 2. Heat the griddle to medium high and oil it. 3. Spread the potatoes out and cook until golden, turning often. 4. Brown the sausage, peppers and onion beside them, then mix together. 5. Make 6 wells, crack in the eggs and cover with a dome or bowl. 6. Top with cheese and green onions.

Griddle Lo Mein Noodles

Takeout-style lo mein is easy on a flat top because the noodles have room to toss and get a little char. Cook the noodles first, then stir fry cabbage, carrots and mushrooms and toss it all in a simple sauce. Tip: rinse the cooked noodles in cold water and toss with a little oil so they do not stick. Would you add A: chicken or B: shrimp?

You will need: 12 oz lo mein or spaghetti noodles, 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 carrot julienned, 8 oz mushrooms sliced, 4 green onions, 2 tablespoons oil. Sauce: 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 cloves garlic.

How to make it: 1. Cook the noodles, rinse with cold water and toss with a little oil. 2. Mix the sauce. 3. Heat the griddle to high and oil it. 4. Cook the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes. 5. Add the noodles and pour over the sauce. 6. Toss with two spatulas until hot and glossy, then add green onions.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Night

The griddle can make a dozen grilled cheese sandwiches at once, all perfectly golden. Butter the outside of the bread, layer two cheeses and cook low and slow so the cheese melts before the bread burns. Tip: a light sprinkle of parmesan on the buttered side makes a crunchy crust. Serve with a pot of hot tomato soup for dipping. Kids rank it first among all the griddle recipes here.

You will need: 12 slices sandwich bread, 6 tablespoons soft butter, 6 slices cheddar, 6 slices American or Swiss cheese, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, tomato soup for serving.

How to make it: 1. Heat the griddle to medium low. 2. Butter one side of each bread slice. 3. Sprinkle parmesan on the butter. 4. Build the sandwiches with the butter side out. 5. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and melted. 6. Cut in halves and serve with tomato soup.

Griddle Recipes With Sizzle: Steak Fajitas

Fajitas sound and smell amazing on a griddle. Marinate skirt or flank steak in lime, garlic and cumin, sear it hard, then slice it thin against the grain. Peppers and onions char on the side, and the tortillas warm at the end. Tip: rest the steak for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices stay inside. Set out the toppings and let everyone build their own. Griddle recipes like this one turn dinner into a party.

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds skirt or flank steak, juice of 2 limes, 3 tablespoons oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, salt, 3 bell peppers and 1 onion sliced, 10 flour tortillas, guacamole, salsa, sour cream.

How to make it: 1. Marinate the steak in lime, oil, garlic and spices for 30 minutes. 2. Heat the griddle to high. 3. Cook the peppers and onions on one side until charred. 4. Sear the steak 4 to 5 minutes per side. 5. Rest it 5 minutes and slice thin against the grain. 6. Warm the tortillas and serve with toppings.

French Toast for Ten

French toast for a crowd usually means standing at the stove forever. On a griddle you can cook a whole loaf at once. Thick slices of brioche or day-old bread soak in a cinnamon custard and turn golden in minutes. Tip: let the bread sit out overnight so it soaks up the custard without falling apart. It is one of the best griddle recipes for holiday mornings.

You will need: 1 loaf thick-sliced brioche or Texas toast, 8 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons vanilla, pinch of salt, butter, powdered sugar, berries, maple syrup.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and salt in a wide dish. 2. Heat the griddle to medium and butter it. 3. Dip each slice for about 10 seconds per side. 4. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden. 5. Keep finished slices warm in a low oven. 6. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with berries and syrup.

Hot Dogs With Griddled Onions

Ballpark style hot dogs taste better from a flat top. Score the hot dogs so they curl and crisp, and cook a big pile of sweet onions slowly until golden and jammy. Toast the buns in a little butter at the end. Tip: squirt a little water on the onions and cover them for a minute to soften them fast. Mustard or ketchup?

You will need: 8 all-beef hot dogs, 8 hot dog buns, 2 large onions sliced, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, mustard, relish and ketchup.

How to make it: 1. Heat the griddle to medium. 2. Cook the onions in oil with a pinch of salt for 15 minutes, adding splashes of water. 3. Score the hot dogs with shallow cuts. 4. Cook them, turning, until browned and crisp, about 6 minutes. 5. Butter and toast the buns on the griddle. 6. Load up with onions and toppings.

Crispy Griddle Beef Tacos

These tacos are pressed right on the griddle, so the tortilla fries up crunchy around a thin layer of seasoned beef. Spread raw seasoned beef thinly on one side of a corn tortilla, lay it meat side down, then flip and fold. Tip: use a little oil under each one for the crispiest shells. They disappear as fast as you can make them, which makes them one of the most requested griddle recipes at parties.

You will need: 1 pound lean ground beef, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 16 small corn tortillas, oil, shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomato, salsa, sour cream, lime wedges.

How to make it: 1. Mix the beef with the taco seasoning. 2. Spread a thin layer of beef over half of each tortilla. 3. Heat the griddle to medium high and oil it. 4. Lay the tortillas meat side down and cook 3 minutes. 5. Flip, add cheese and fold in half. 6. Cook until crisp, then fill with lettuce, tomato and salsa.

Smashed Potatoes on the Flat Top

Boiled baby potatoes get smashed flat right on the griddle, and every craggy edge turns golden and crunchy. Brush them with garlic butter and finish with parmesan and herbs. Tip: boil the potatoes the day before and keep them in the fridge, so they hold together better when smashed. They make a perfect side for burgers or steak, and they pair well with almost any of these griddle recipes.

You will need: 2 pounds baby potatoes, 3 tablespoons oil, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves garlic minced, salt, pepper, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, chopped parsley.

How to make it: 1. Boil the potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes, and drain. 2. Heat the griddle to medium high and oil it. 3. Set the potatoes on the griddle and smash each one flat with a spatula. 4. Cook 5 to 6 minutes until crisp, then flip. 5. Brush with garlic butter and cook 4 minutes more. 6. Top with parmesan, salt and parsley.

Griddle Recipes From the Diner: Patty Melts

A patty melt is a burger on rye bread with Swiss cheese and slow cooked onions, griddled until the bread is crisp. It is a diner classic that many people forget about, and a griddle makes it easy. Tip: cook the onions first while the griddle heats, then use the same spot for the patties so they pick up the flavor. Have you ever tried one?

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 2 onions thinly sliced, 8 slices rye bread, 8 slices Swiss cheese, 4 tablespoons butter, salt and pepper, Thousand Island dressing.

How to make it: 1. Cook the onions in butter over medium low for 15 minutes until golden. 2. Shape the beef into 4 thin oval patties. 3. Cook the patties on medium high 3 minutes per side. 4. Butter the bread on the outside. 5. Layer bread, cheese, patty, onions, cheese and bread. 6. Griddle 3 minutes per side until golden and melted.

Griddled Street Corn

Corn on the cob gets a smoky char on a hot flat top without lighting a grill. Then it gets the street corn treatment: mayo, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder and a squeeze of lime. Tip: boil or microwave the ears first so they only need a few minutes to char. Cooking outside this weekend? See our campfire recipes too.

You will need: 6 ears corn husked, 2 tablespoons oil, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup crumbled cotija or feta, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 2 limes, chopped cilantro.

How to make it: 1. Microwave the corn 4 minutes or boil 5 minutes. 2. Heat the griddle to high and oil it. 3. Cook the corn, turning, until charred in spots, about 8 minutes. 4. Brush each ear with mayo. 5. Roll in cotija and sprinkle with chili powder. 6. Finish with lime and cilantro.

Griddle Recipes From Korea: Beef Bulgogi

Thin slices of beef marinated in soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil and grated pear cook in just minutes on a hot griddle and caramelize at the edges. Tip: spread the meat in a single layer and do not crowd it, so it sears instead of steaming. Serve it with rice and lettuce leaves for wrapping. Is your family team A: spicy or B: mild?

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds ribeye or sirloin sliced very thin, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 Asian pear or apple grated, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 3 green onions, sesame seeds, rice, lettuce leaves.

How to make it: 1. Mix the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, pear and ginger. 2. Marinate the beef at least 30 minutes. 3. Heat the griddle to high and oil it lightly. 4. Spread the beef in a thin layer. 5. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, turning, until caramelized. 6. Top with green onions and sesame seeds and serve with rice and lettuce.

Cinnamon Sugar Griddled Pineapple

Dessert can come off the griddle too. Thick pineapple rings tossed in cinnamon sugar caramelize into something that tastes like the top of a pineapple upside down cake. Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream. Tip: scrape and wipe the griddle before dessert so it does not taste like onions. It is the sweetest of all these griddle recipes.

You will need: 1 fresh pineapple peeled and cut into thick rings, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons melted butter, vanilla ice cream, toasted coconut.

How to make it: 1. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. 2. Brush the pineapple with melted butter. 3. Coat both sides in the cinnamon sugar. 4. Heat a clean griddle to medium. 5. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until caramelized. 6. Serve warm with ice cream and coconut.

Griddle Recipes Need a Seasoned Surface

Every great flat top meal starts with a well seasoned surface. After cooking, scrape the griddle while it is still warm, squirt a little water to lift stuck bits, wipe it dry and rub on a very thin layer of oil. Tip: set up heat zones, one side hot for searing and one side low for keeping food warm. Do it every time and the surface gets more nonstick with each cook.

You will need: A metal scraper, paper towels, metal tongs, a squeeze bottle of water, a squeeze bottle of high heat oil such as canola or avocado oil, heat resistant gloves.

How to make it: 1. While the griddle is still warm, scrape off food bits into the grease trap. 2. Squirt a little water and scrape again. 3. Wipe dry with paper towels held in tongs. 4. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of oil. 5. Spread it into a very thin layer over the whole surface. 6. Heat a few minutes until the oil darkens into a dry, shiny coat, then turn it off and let it cool.