The Ultimate Guide To The Best Outdoor Griddle Recipes

When it comes to outdoor cooking, nothing beats the versatility and convenience of a griddle. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, camping with friends, or simply enjoying a weekend brunch in your backyard, an outdoor griddle can elevate your cooking game. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best outdoor griddle recipes that will make your next gathering a delicious success. From savory breakfasts to mouthwatering dinners, these recipes will help you make the most out of your griddle.

Why Choose an Outdoor Griddle?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s briefly discuss why an outdoor griddle is a fantastic choice for outdoor cooking:

1. Even Cooking Surface: Griddles offer a large, flat cooking surface that provides even heat distribution. This makes it easier to cook multiple items at once and ensures that everything cooks evenly.
2. Versatility: You can use a griddle for a wide variety of dishes, from pancakes and eggs to burgers and vegetables. It’s a great tool for both breakfast and dinner.
3. Ease of Cleaning: Many outdoor griddles come with non-stick surfaces that are easy to clean. Some even have removable drip trays to catch excess grease.
4. Great for Large Groups: With its expansive cooking surface, a griddle is perfect for feeding a crowd. It allows you to prepare large quantities of food efficiently.

Now that you’re familiar with the benefits of an outdoor griddle and some of the best outdoor griddles on the market, let’s get into some of the best recipes to try.

1. Classic Pancakes

Start your day off right with a batch of classic pancakes. They’re easy to make and always a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Cooking spray or additional butter for the griddle

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. There may be lumps—don’t overmix.
4. Heat your griddle to medium heat and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.
5. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.

Serve with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

2. Savory Breakfast Burritos

These breakfast burritos are perfect for a hearty morning meal. They’re packed with flavor and can be customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• ½ cup diced onions
• 6 large flour tortillas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or butter

Instructions:

1. Heat your griddle to medium heat and lightly grease it.
2. Add the diced bell peppers and onions to the griddle. Cook until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper. Pour the eggs onto the griddle and scramble them until fully cooked.
4. Add the cooked sausage or bacon and cheese to the eggs, mixing until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
5. Warm the tortillas on the griddle for about 30 seconds on each side.
6. Spoon the egg mixture onto each tortilla and roll them up tightly.

These burritos are great on their own or with a side of salsa and sour cream.

3. Crispy Chicken Fajitas

Bring the taste of a Mexican fiesta to your outdoor cooking with these delicious chicken fajitas. They’re flavorful and perfect for a casual dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 8 small flour tortillas
• Lime wedges and cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the griddle to medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Add the chicken to the griddle and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the griddle and set aside.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the griddle. Cook until they are tender and slightly charred.
5. Warm the tortillas on the griddle, then fill them with the chicken and vegetable mixture.

Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

4. Grilled Veggie Medley

A griddle isn’t just for meat—vegetables cook beautifully on it too. This grilled veggie medley is a healthy and tasty addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the griddle to medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetables evenly on the griddle and cook, turning occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred.

This veggie medley is great as a side dish or as a topping for salads and grain bowls.

5. Ultimate Griddle Burger

No outdoor griddle recipe list would be complete without the ultimate griddle burger. These burgers are juicy and flavorful, making them a crowd favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles for toppings
• Cheese slices (optional)
• Ketchup and mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat the griddle to medium-high heat and lightly grease it.
2. Form the ground beef into 4 patties and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the patties on the griddle and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If using cheese, add a slice to each burger during the last minute of cooking.
4. Toast the hamburger buns on the griddle until golden brown.
5. Assemble the burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments.

These burgers are perfect for a backyard barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner.

Conclusion

An outdoor griddle is a versatile tool that can help you create a wide range of delicious dishes. From classic pancakes to savory chicken fajitas, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and make outdoor cooking a breeze. So fire up your griddle, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some fantastic meals in the great outdoors. Happy cooking!