Flattop grills have become a backyard favorite for their versatility and ability to cook just about anything. Whether you’re whipping up a hearty breakfast, sizzling up street-style tacos, or searing juicy burgers, the flattop grill can do it all. If you’ve been searching for the best flattop grill recipes, you’re in the right place.
From quick weeknight dinners to weekend cookout crowd-pleasers, we’ve rounded up 27 flattop grill recipes that’ll keep you inspired all season long. Let’s fire it up!
Why Cook on a Flattop Grill?
Before we dig into the recipes, here’s why a flattop grill deserves a permanent spot in your outdoor kitchen:
- Even heat distribution – Perfect sears, every time.
- Big cooking surface – Cook multiple dishes at once.
- Great for all meals – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner-friendly.
- Easy cleanup – A quick scrape and you’re done.
Now let’s dive into the mouthwatering recipes you can make on your flattop.
1. Classic Smash Burgers
Smash burgers and flattop grills go hand-in-hand. The high heat creates an irresistible crust on the meat.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (80/20)
- Salt & pepper
- American cheese
- Burger buns
- Toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles)
Tips: Press the patty firmly to the griddle for maximum crust. Toast your buns right on the grill, too.
2. Flattop Breakfast Hash
Start your day off right with this hearty skillet-style breakfast—flattop edition.
Ingredients:
- Diced potatoes
- Bell peppers
- Onion
- Bacon or sausage
- Eggs
Pro tip: Cook potatoes first so they get crispy, then add the rest.
3. Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Thin-sliced steak, melty cheese, and grilled onions all come together beautifully on a flattop.
Ingredients:
- Ribeye or sirloin
- Onion
- Provolone or American cheese
- Hoagie rolls
Cook it like this: Sauté onions first, then grill the meat quickly. Top with cheese and steam with a dome.
4. Chicken Fajitas
Bold flavors and quick cooking make fajitas one of the top flattop grill recipes.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Bell peppers
- Onion
- Fajita seasoning
- Tortillas
Sizzle everything together and serve piping hot with toppings like sour cream and guac.
5. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Asian takeout, but fresher and hotter off your flattop.
Ingredients:
- Boneless chicken
- Mixed veggies (carrots, broccoli, peppers)
- Teriyaki sauce
- Rice (pre-cooked)
Use the high heat to sear everything quickly, then drizzle in teriyaki at the end.
6. Fried Rice
Turn leftover rice into gold with this flattop favorite.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice (cold)
- Eggs
- Onion
- Peas & carrots
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
Cook eggs first, then veggies, then add rice and sauces. Keep it moving to avoid sticking.
7. Pancakes and Bacon
You haven’t had breakfast until you’ve done it on a flattop grill.
Ingredients:
- Pancake batter
- Bacon strips
- Maple syrup
Pro tip: Pour pancake batter in bacon grease for extra flavor.
8. Quesadillas
Cheesy, melty, and golden brown every time.
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Cooked chicken or beef
- Onion & peppers
Cook each side until golden, and slice like a pizza.
9. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Upgrade your grilled cheese game with that perfect crust only a flattop can create.
Ingredients:
- Bread
- Butter
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
Cook low and slow for maximum melt and crunch.
10. Hibachi Steak and Shrimp
Recreate your favorite hibachi experience right in your backyard.
Ingredients:
- Steak (sirloin or NY strip)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Zucchini, onions, mushrooms
- Garlic butter
- Soy sauce
Sear the meat and shrimp fast, sauté veggies until tender.
11. Chicken Fried Rice
A go-to flattop grill recipe that’s filling and easy to customize.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Chicken (grilled and chopped)
- Veggies
- Soy sauce
- Egg
Toss everything together and serve hot off the grill.
12. Street-Style Tacos
Street food flavor, no food truck needed.
Ingredients:
- Carne asada or pork
- Onion
- Cilantro
- Corn tortillas
- Lime wedges
Warm tortillas, grill meat, and pile high with fresh toppings.
13. Grilled Veggie Medley
Perfect as a side or vegetarian main.
Ingredients:
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
Toss veggies in oil and cook until lightly charred.
14. Flattop Shrimp Tacos
Light, fresh, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp (peeled)
- Cabbage slaw
- Avocado
- Spicy mayo
- Corn tortillas
Grill shrimp quickly and pile into warm tortillas.
15. Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Yes, you can crisp up egg rolls on the flattop—no fryer needed!
Ingredients:
- Egg roll wrappers
- Thin steak
- Cheese
- Onion
Roll, sear, and serve with dipping sauce.
16. Fried Bologna Sandwich
Old school and still delicious.
Ingredients:
- Thick-cut bologna
- Bread
- Cheese
- Mustard or mayo
Sear bologna until crispy on the edges and stack it high.
17. Smashed Breakfast Tacos
Part taco, part breakfast, all delicious.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Sausage
- Tortillas
- Cheese
- Salsa
Scramble eggs and layer in tortillas with hot toppings.
18. French Toast
Golden brown slices cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
- Bread (Texas toast or brioche)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
Dip and sear both sides until golden, then serve with syrup and berries.
19. Steak and Eggs
The classic diner combo.
Ingredients:
- Strip or ribeye steak
- Eggs (your style)
- Hash browns
Sear steak first, then eggs and potatoes. Serve hot.
20. Cuban Sandwiches
Pressed and crispy on the outside, melty inside.
Ingredients:
- Cuban bread
- Ham
- Roasted pork
- Swiss cheese
- Pickles
- Mustard
Use a press or heavy pan to flatten it on the grill.
21. Patty Melts
Half burger, half grilled cheese, all flavor.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Swiss cheese
- Rye bread
- Caramelized onions
Grill until bread is golden and cheese is gooey.
22. Breakfast Burritos
Griddle every filling before wrapping it all up.
Ingredients:
- Scrambled eggs
- Bacon or sausage
- Potatoes
- Cheese
- Tortillas
Warm tortillas on the grill before rolling up.
23. Chicken Souvlaki Wraps
Greek-inspired wraps, sizzling hot.
Ingredients:
- Diced chicken
- Lemon juice, oregano
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Cucumber, tomato
Cook chicken and veggies, serve in warm pita.
24. Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders
Bring the heat with this Southern classic.
Ingredients:
- Fried chicken
- Hot sauce
- Pickles
- Slider buns
Sear chicken to heat through, toss in hot sauce, and stack.
25. Flatbread Pizzas
Fast-cooking, crispy pizzas on your grill.
Ingredients:
- Naan or flatbread
- Pizza sauce
- Cheese
- Toppings of choice
Heat flatbread, layer toppings, and grill until melted.
26. Grilled Salmon
Yes, you can grill fish on a flattop without sticking!
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Lemon
- Fresh herbs
Sear skin-side down, then flip and finish.
27. Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar
A sweet ending to your flattop feast.
Ingredients:
- Pineapple slices
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
Grill until caramelized. Serve with ice cream for dessert.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a backyard beginner or a flattop grill fanatic, these flattop grill recipes will keep your tastebuds happy all year long. The flattop is more than just a cooking surface—it’s your ticket to everything from savory dinners to sizzling breakfasts and fun weekend feasts.
Got a favorite flattop recipe? Drop it in the comments and let’s fire up the conversation!