Flattop griddles like the Blackstone are revolutionizing outdoor cooking with their large non-stick surfaces that are perfect for feeding a crowd and achieving excellent caramelization on meats and vegetables. Unlike traditional grills, flattop griddles prevent small food bits from falling through the grate, making cleanup a breeze.
While hibachi chicken and Philly cheesesteaks are popular choices for cooking on flattop griddles, the options for dinner are endless. Here are some of our favorite recipes to make on a flattop griddle:
Chopped Cheese:
This New York City bodega favorite features seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and melty American cheese piled on a hero roll. Wrapping the sandwiches in parchment paper allows the bread to steam and soak up the flavorful juices before serving.
Calabacitas:
Translating to “little squash,” calabacitas is a late summer vegetable sauté of yellow squash, zucchini, corn, and green chiles. It makes an excellent side dish for meaty mains like grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or carne asada.
Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers:
Caramelized onions, jalapeños, and a homemade burger sauce take these smash burgers to the next level. Placing a small square of parchment paper on the meat before smashing prevents it from sticking to the spatula.
Street Corn-Chicken Burrito Bowl:
This vibrant one-dish meal features cilantro-lime rice topped with chopped chicken thighs, blistered poblano chile, red onion, corn, and a drizzle of Mexican crema. Chipotle chile powder adds a smoky edge and moderate heat to the simply seasoned chicken.
Blackened Salmon:
A homemade seasoning rub of paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne is the secret to this 20-minute salmon. Searing the fillets skin-side up initially allows them to develop a deep blackened crust before finishing cooking.
Hibachi-Style Chicken:
Marinated in a sweetened soy sauce mixture, grilled or griddled chicken thighs are paired with colorful vegetables in this one-dish dinner. A quick Kewpie mayonnaise and Sriracha finishing sauce bring it all together with a bit of creamy heat.
Banh Mi Smash Burgers:
Caramelized pork patties are topped with quick-pickled carrots and radishes in these smash burgers inspired by the popular Vietnamese sandwich. The patties are seasoned with freshly grated ginger, chile-garlic sauce, and fish sauce for savory, flavor-packed burgers.
Arayes:
These meaty pitas are stuffed with a spiced beef or lamb mixture and cooked until crisp for a hearty snack or handheld dinner.
With a flattop griddle, the possibilities for delicious meals are endless. Whether you’re cooking up classic favorites or trying something new, the versatility and convenience of a flattop griddle make outdoor cooking a breeze. When it comes to satisfying your cravings, few things hit the spot quite like a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. This iconic American dish is a delicious combination of sautéed top round steak, peppers, and onions, all piled into a soft hoagie roll and topped with a decadent melty cheese sauce.
One of the best things about Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches is their versatility. You can customize them to suit your tastes, adding extra cheese, mushrooms, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. However, for a truly authentic experience, stick to the classic combination of steak, peppers, onions, and cheese.
To make the perfect Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, start by freezing the steak for about 45 minutes. This will make it easier to slice into thin, tender pieces that cook quickly and evenly. Sauté the steak, peppers, and onions until they are tender and caramelized, then pile them high into a soft, toasted hoagie roll.
The crowning glory of any Philly Cheesesteak sandwich is the cheese sauce. While some recipes call for slices of provolone or American cheese, true connoisseurs know that the best cheese sauce is made from scratch. A creamy blend of melted cheese, milk, and seasonings, this sauce adds a rich and indulgent flavor that takes the sandwich to the next level.
For a truly decadent twist, serve your Philly Cheesesteak sandwich with a dollop of Greek yogurt or toum, a creamy Middle Eastern garlic sauce. The tangy yogurt cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce, while the garlicky toum adds a punch of flavor that elevates the dish to gourmet status.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish to impress your guests, Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches are always a winner. So fire up the grill, grab your favorite toppings, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Philly right in your own kitchen.
