If you’ve recently invested in a flat top grill—like a Blackstone, Camp Chef, or even a stainless steel griddle—you’re in for a treat. This versatile outdoor cooking tool isn’t just for flipping pancakes. It’s a culinary playground for everything from juicy smash burgers to stir-fries, fajitas, and even breakfast burritos.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 irresistible flat top grill recipes perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or weekend meal preps. Whether you’re a beginner or a grill pro, these recipes will help you unlock the full potential of your flat top grill.
1. Smash Burgers
Nothing beats the classic smash burger. The high heat of the flat top grill gives you that perfect crusty sear.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and pepper
- Burger buns
- Cheese slices
- Pickles, lettuce, tomato, and condiments
Instructions:
- Preheat your flat top to medium-high.
- Form loose beef balls, about ¼ lb each.
- Smash them flat on the hot griddle with a spatula.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, add cheese, and toast your buns.
- Assemble and serve!
2. Chicken Fajitas
These fajitas are quick, flavorful, and better than takeout.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Bell peppers and onions
- Fajita seasoning
- Tortillas
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
- Slice chicken and veggies.
- Season everything and toss with oil.
- Cook on the flat top until caramelized.
- Serve hot with tortillas and lime.
3. Hibachi Fried Rice
Recreate the Japanese steakhouse experience right in your backyard.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice (day-old works best)
- Eggs
- Soy sauce
- Garlic and ginger
- Green onions
- Frozen peas and carrots
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic, ginger, and vegetables.
- Add rice and stir-fry.
- Push aside, scramble eggs, then mix in.
- Season with soy sauce and finish with green onions.
4. Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Thin-sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed onions? Yes, please.
Ingredients:
- Ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced
- Onions and green peppers
- Provolone or cheese sauce
- Hoagie rolls
Instructions:
- Sear the beef and veggies separately.
- Combine and top with cheese to melt.
- Toast buns on the flat top.
- Load and serve hot.
5. Breakfast Hash
This hearty hash is perfect for brunch on the griddle.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes, diced
- Bacon or sausage
- Bell peppers and onions
- Eggs
Instructions:
- Cook potatoes until golden.
- Add bacon or sausage and cook through.
- Add veggies, then make wells and crack eggs in.
- Cover and cook until eggs are done.
6. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Your flat top grill turns stir-fry night into a sizzling show.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Teriyaki sauce
- Broccoli, carrots, snap peas
- Cooked noodles or rice
Instructions:
- Cook chicken on one side of the grill.
- Sear vegetables on the other.
- Combine and pour over teriyaki sauce.
- Serve with noodles or rice.
7. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Fresh and zesty, these tacos are a seafood lover’s dream.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil, lime juice, chili powder
- Cabbage slaw
- Tortillas
Instructions:
- Marinate shrimp, then cook for 2 minutes per side.
- Toast tortillas.
- Serve with slaw and lime crema.
8. Quesadillas
A family favorite, quesadillas are endlessly customizable.
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Grilled chicken, veggies, or beef
- Salsa and sour cream for dipping
Instructions:
- Load a tortilla with cheese and fillings.
- Top with another tortilla.
- Grill both sides until crispy and golden.
- Slice and serve.
9. Griddle-Seared Salmon
Healthy and satisfying, this salmon is crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Lemon slices
- Olive oil, garlic, and herbs
Instructions:
- Oil the griddle and place salmon skin-side down.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Serve with lemon and your favorite sides.
10. Grilled Veggie Medley
Perfect as a side or a main, this recipe makes veggies shine.
Ingredients:
- Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions
- Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian herbs
Instructions:
- Toss vegetables in oil and seasoning.
- Sear on the flat top until caramelized.
- Serve hot or chilled.
11. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
A smoky and crispy crowd-pleaser for any meal.
Ingredients:
- Asparagus spears
- Bacon strips
- Black pepper
Instructions:
- Wrap bacon around asparagus bundles.
- Grill until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
12. Flat Top French Toast
Great for breakfast or brunch parties.
Ingredients:
- Thick-cut bread
- Eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon
- Butter, syrup
Instructions:
- Dip bread in egg mixture.
- Cook on buttered flat top until golden brown on both sides.
13. Blackened Chicken Sandwiches
Crispy, spicy chicken with a juicy bite.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Blackened seasoning
- Buns, lettuce, tomato, mayo
Instructions:
- Season chicken and grill 4-5 minutes per side.
- Toast buns.
- Assemble the sandwich with toppings.
14. Smashed Breakfast Burritos
Perfect for meal prep or a big family breakfast.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Breakfast sausage or bacon
- Hash browns
- Cheese
- Tortillas
Instructions:
- Cook eggs, meat, and hash browns on the flat top.
- Assemble burritos and press them on the griddle to crisp the outside.
15. Griddle Cinnamon Rolls
Yes, dessert on the flat top is a thing!
Ingredients:
- Pre-made cinnamon rolls or dough
- Butter
- Icing
Instructions:
- Butter the flat top and cook rolls on low heat, covered.
- Flip once and cook until golden.
- Drizzle with icing and serve warm.
Tips for Cooking on a Flat Top Grill
- Preheat Properly: A good 5–10 minute preheat ensures even cooking.
- Use Oil with a High Smoke Point: Avocado, canola, or vegetable oils are ideal.
- Zone Cooking: Keep one side hotter for searing, and the other cooler for finishing.
- Clean As You Go: Scrape off food bits and re-oil between recipes for flavor integrity.
Final Thoughts: Why Flat Top Grill Recipes Are a Game-Changer
Flat top grill recipes aren’t just about grilling—they’re about creating an experience. The sizzle, the aroma, and the versatility make outdoor cooking exciting again. Whether you’re throwing together a quick breakfast or impressing guests with gourmet-style tacos, the flat top grill can handle it all.
With the recipes above, you’ll always have something tasty in your back pocket. So fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and let the good times (and great food) roll!