French Toast using an Outdoor Griddle

I love cooking outside on my griddle. The fresh air. The process. And of course, the results. One of my favorite meals to make is breakfast. I’ll eat breakfast any time of the day. I think it’s extra-special to have it for dinner. It’s like you’re cheating, being bad. And I don’t mess around either. Like my French toast using an outdoor griddle. Easy. But oh, so deliciously good.

French Toast using an Outdoor Griddle

I don’t think that French toast is an opportunity to try and ‘go healthy’. I use whole milk. Brioche bread. Butter. Real sugar. You have to commit here. You can have broccoli tomorrow. Today, it’s time for an indulgent breakfast!

French Toast using an Outdoor Griddle

Crusty Softness

For my French toast using an outdoor griddle to be perfect it has to have two things: a slightly crunchy crust around the edges and a soft, sweet middle. I don’t rush flipping the bread until that crust is forming and the bread is wonderfully golden brown.

When you remove your French toast serve it immediately for the best results. But, if you need more time and it has to ‘sit around’ a bit, I recommend putting it on a wire rack instead of a platter. The platter and the hot bread make for steam and steam makes for soggy French bread. And that makes for sadness.

Also try a garlic naan pizza made on your outdoor griddle!

French Toast using an Outdoor Griddle
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5 from 1 vote

French Toast using an Outdoor Griddle

Deliciously sweet, flavorful French toast made on an outdoor griddle.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword French toast, griddle
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 110kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 slices Brioche bread you can substitute Texas toast
  • 4 eggs
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 pats butter the real stuff
  • Your favorite toppings whipped cream, fresh berries, toasted pecans, etc

Instructions

  • Preheat your griddle to medium heat, about 350 F.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon. I prefer to put the ingredients into a large Mason jar, put the lid on, and shake it.
  • Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish such as a pie plate or 9" x 9" baking dish.
  • In a large shallow dish (I like to use a pie plate) whisk all the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon until combined.
  • Place the butter onto the hot griddle and spread out a bit.
  • Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture. Get them well-coated on both sides but don't let them sit there and get soggy. Transfer to the griddle.
  • Cook until the bottoms are golden brown, 2-4 minutes. Flip and cook another 2-4 minutes until the other sides are golden brown.
  • Remove and add desired toppings and serve.

Notes

I like to make my egg mixture ahead of time. I’ve found it’s easier to do that in a Mason jar. Just add all ingredients, screw on the lid, and shake. I keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to cook. Just before I pour it into a dish to dredge the bread I give the jar another good shake or two to make sure everything is well-combined.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 169mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 315IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Chicken Gyros using an Outdoor Griddle

These grilled chicken gyros are exactly why I love my outdoor griddle. Fantastic, tender, flavor-packed chicken. Warm, toasted pitas. A quick-and-easy Greek-inspired salad. And of course, tzatziki sauce. This was one great dish and one we’ll make again and again.

Grilled Chicken Gyros using an Outdoor Griddle

Happy And Happier

The chicken for these grilled chicken gyros using an outdoor griddle needs a bit of time to marinate. Go for 2 hours minimum. Twelve is even better. At most, go 24 hours. I used boneless skinless chicken thighs because they have the most flavor thanks to all that fat. If you’re leaning towards the healthier side you can certainly use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead. If they are particularly thick you may want to slice or butterfly them before marinating so they absorb maximum flavor.

The recipe for the tzatziki makes a lot. A big batch. So when it comes time to make your gyros, load up. Or serve some on the side for dipping pita chips!

I use this countertop shredder/grater to grate the cucumber. It does a fantastic job and boy, is it ever easy to clean. I won’t miss my old box grater after using this fun tool!

Also try my ground beef nachos, also made on the outdoor griddle!

Grilled Chicken Gyros
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Chicken Gyros using an Outdoor Griddle

Tremendous flavor in every bite!
Course Main
Cuisine Greek
Keyword griddle, gyro
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 611kcal

Ingredients

For the chicken

For the tzatziki

For the salad

  • 3 tomatoes seeds removed, diced
  • 3 cucumbers peeled, seeds removed, diced
  • ½ red onion chopped fine
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves chopped
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 1 pinch fresh ground black pepper

For the gyros

  • 6 pita breads warmed

Instructions

For the chicken

  • Place the chicken into a large resealable bag or container.
  • Whisk together the remaining chicken ingredients and add to the chicken.
  • Toss to coat and seal. Refrigerate for 2-12 hours, turning occasionally.

For the tzatziki

  • Grate the cucumber using a box grater or hand grater.
  • Place the grated cucumber into a paper towel or cheese cloth and squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible.
  • Transfer the cucumber to a bowl and add the remaining tzatziki ingredients. Stir and let rest for 20 minutes.

For the salad

  • Combine all of the salad ingredients in a bowl.

For serving

  • Preheat your outdoor griddle on medium high.
  • Drizzle a little oil onto the griddle.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place onto the griddle.
  • Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until done. Thicker pieces may take longer.
  • Remove to a plate and cover with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the grill / fry pan onto a plate. Cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Chop or slice the chicken as desired.
  • If your chicken thighs are large, you may need to cut them. Mine were small.
  • Lay the pita breads on parchment paper squares that are slightly larger than the pitas.
  • Add some salad to each of the pita breads. Add the chicken and tzatziki (there'll be plenty, so load up)!.
  • Gently roll the pitas up, enclosing them in the parchment paper.

Nutrition

Calories: 611kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 151mg | Sodium: 936mg | Potassium: 997mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1046IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 187mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Chex Mix using an Outdoor Griddle

You bet I’ve made Chex Mix in the oven. Quite a few times. But, this was my first time making it on my outdoor griddle. And it was a fantastic treat. Chex Mix using an Outdoor griddle is a bit different. And that difference is the wonderful crunchy caramelization you get on each and every little tasty morsel. I found it to be noticeably better than the baked version! And hey, it’s fun cooking outside on a griddle too!

Spicy Chex Mix using an Outdoor Griddle

Big Fun on the Griddle

This recipe for Spicy Chex Mix using an Outdoor griddle makes a big batch. You’ll need a big griddle (30″ or more) to make the entire recipe at one time. If you have to, do it in batches. And as a note, if you go crazy stirring it (like I did) you might lose a few pieces over the side of the griddle don’t fret it. It happens.

You gotta move fast once you get this started on the hot griddle. You can’t be wandering off around the patio. Don’t be playing on your phone. Keep it moving. If you don’t, it’ll burn and quick, too.

You are the master of your Chex Mix. Add other things to it if you want. Take things out. Whatever you want to do. Just keep it moving.

It’s Not Picky

Don’t get hung up on the quantities in the recipe. Just get about 12 total cups of ‘whatever’. Want more Chex? Do it, just use less of something else. Ditto the Cheez-Its. Or whatever. Just get to that 12 cups magic number.

Also try my Everything Bagel Seasoning Chex Mix using an outdoor griddle.

Spicy Chex Mix using an Outdoor Griddle
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Chex Mix using an Outdoor Griddle

This recipe makes a big batch, plenty for a crowd!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Chex mix, griddle
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 206kcal

Ingredients

For the wet mix

Instructions

  • Pre-heat your griddle over low heat. Make sure that it's clean. Depending on the size of your griddle, you might have to make the mix in batches. The easiest way to do that is to halve the mix and butter mixture first.
  • In a large bowl, combine all of the Chex Mix ingredients.
  • Melt the butter in a small bowl or pot. This can be done directly on the griddle.
  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
  • Add seasoning salt to the butter mixture and stir to dissolve and combine.
  • Drizzle the butter mixture over the Chex mix and stir well to combine. Take your time, get it all well-coated.
  • Add the Chex Mix ingredients to the griddle. Immediately spread it out.
  • You want to toast the mixture for 2 minutes. Keep it moving constantly or it will brown. You want it to get a little color to it. A little char here and there is fine too.
  • Keep the mixture moving as you continue to toast it. You'll need 5-10 minutes to get it to the desired color and crispiness.
  • Immediately remove the mix to a large baking sheet (or two) and spread out to cool slightly.
  • Serve warm or cold.

Notes

Store leftovers in an air-tight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 549mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 496IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Easy Cheesy Cauliflower using an Outdoor Griddle

My outdoor griddle isn’t just for smash burgers, quesadillas and pizzas. I even use it for side dishes such as this easy cheesy cauliflower. Now, this might not be the healthiest side dish I’ve ever made outside. But it sure was one of the tastiest! And it’s definitely one of the easiest! This is the perfect thing to serve alongside my griddled smash burger!

Easy Cheesy Cauliflower using an Outdoor Griddle

Is Cheese Ever Optional?

You could leave out the cheese sauce. And just make easy cauliflower using an outdoor griddle. A little salt and pepper. Serve it up. And it’d be good. But for me, to get to ‘great’ you gotta add the cheese sauce. Kraft makes this crazy easy crazy good Velveeta sauce that comes in a little foil packet. You just pour the sauce into a bowl and microwave it for 30 seconds and boom! Instant cheese sauce perfect for something like cauliflower!

Easy Cheesy Cauliflower using an Outdoor Griddle

Also try my easy cheesy bacon broccoli made on the outdoor griddle!

Easy Cheesy Cauliflower using an Outdoor Griddle
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Cheesy Cauliflower using an Outdoor Griddle

You could leave out the cheese sauce and still have a great cauliflower side dish.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, griddle
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 84kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pre-heat your griddle over medium heat.
  • Open the bag of cauliflower and place on the griddle. Use your spatula to mound the cauliflower in a small circle.
  • Give the cauliflower a few good squirts of water and season well with salt and pepper.
  • Cover and let the cauliflower cook for 5 minutes.
  • Take a quick peek inside. I like to give the lid a good shake first or you can stir the broccoli with the lid off. If the cauliflower is drying out add more water. Feel free to add more salt and pepper too.
  • Keep cooking for up to 12 minutes total. Check it one more time after 10 minutes to make sure more water and/or seasoning isn't needed.
  • Remove the cauliflower to a medium bowl.
  • Empty the contents of the cheese sauce packet into a microwavable bowl and heat per package instructions, 30 seconds. Stir.
  • Spook the cheese sauce over the cauliflower .
  • Stir to combine.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe can be made using fresh cauliflower instead. Bring a pot of lightly-salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and boil for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just starting to soften. Remove to an ice bath to cool completely. Drain well before placing onto the hot griddle.

Nutrition

Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 475mg | Potassium: 352mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 278IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Everything Bagel Seasoning Chex Mix using an Outdoor Griddle

This was my second time making a Chex Mix treat on my outdoor griddle. It has become my go-to snack when I’m outside grilling. Everything Bagel Seasoning Chex Mix using an outdoor griddle has a wonderful flavor. The seasoning really cranks up the taste from what is already a great treat. And the wonderful crunchy caramelization you get on each and every little tasty morsel, thanks to the griddle, is fantastic. Well, that and hey, it’s fun cooking outside on a griddle!

Everything Bagel Seasoning Chex Mix using an Outdoor Griddle

Make It Your Way

I admit it, I didn’t use the exact ingredients listed for this Everything Bagel seasoning Chex Mix using an outdoor griddle. Not the dry ones at least. The key is just get to around 13 or so cups of ‘stuff’. Chex cereal. Goldfish crackers. Whatever. It’s entirely up to you. Just keep the butter mix the way it is. Don’t mess with that. But go nuts with the snack part all you want. I’m a whatever-I-have-on-hand kind of guy so that’s what I used. Stuff I found in the pantry!

You can also make awesome popcorn on your griddle!

Everything Bagel Seasoning Chex Mix using a Griddle
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5 from 1 vote

Everything Bagel Seasoning Chex Mix using an Outdoor Griddle

A super-tasty snack that feeds a small crowd!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Chex mix, griddle
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 495kcal

Ingredients

For the dry

For the wet

Instructions

  • Pre-heat your griddle over low heat. Make sure that it’s clean. Depending on the size of your griddle, you might have to do make the mix in batches. The easiest way to do that is to halve the mix and butter mixture first.
  • In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients.
  • Melt the butter in a small bowl or pot. Whisk in the remaining ingredients.
  • Add the butter mixture to the dry mixture and stir to coat and combine.
  • Add the Chex Mix ingredients to the griddle. Immediately spread it out.
  • You want to toast the mixture for 2 minutes. Keep it moving constantly or it will brown. You want it to get a little color to it. A little char here and there is fine too.
  • Keep the mixture moving as you continue to toast it. You’ll need 5-10 minutes to get it to the desired color and crispiness.
  • Immediately remove the mix to a large baking sheet (or two) and spread out to cool slightly.
  • Serve warm or cold. Store leftovers in an air-tight container.

Notes

The dry ingredients can be any of your favorites, just try to get to a total of 13 cups. 
Cover any leftover mix.

Nutrition

Calories: 495kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 1496mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 735IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 15mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks using an Outdoor Griddle

I need to start a new food category here on Life’s A Tomato. It’ll be called ‘so crazy good that I ate this 3 days in a row’. The first dish I’ll add to this new category will be this Nashville Hot Chicken cheesesteaks made using an outdoor griddle. This was good. Crazy good. A little spicy. Tender, juicy chicken that is packed with flavor. A little ooey-gooey cheese action. Crispy vegetables. And of course, a few pickles. This is one great sandwich!

Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks using an Outdoor Griddle

Easy Griddle Action

I haven’t had my large outdoor griddle for that long. I’ve used smaller griddles for burgers and the like for years. But the big one has made dishes like these Nashville Hot Chicken cheesesteaks a delight. There’s lots of room to cook up the onions and peppers then move them off to the side while my attention turns to the chicken. Room to toast the rolls, too.

Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks using an Outdoor Griddle

Spicy Like I Love It

These sandwiches have a nice kick to them. The seasoning and cheese bring it, but without being crazy spicy. I went a little heavy on both because I love a good spicy sandwich. If you’re into even more heat, add some jalapeno slices, either to the vegetables as they cook or the sandwich before serving. Or both!

These cheesesteaks are tasty and easy. Looking for something even easier, though? Try my garlic naan pizzas using an outdoor griddle.

Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks using an Outdoor Griddle
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5 from 1 vote

Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteaks using an Outdoor Griddle

So good that you'll never miss the real things!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cheesesteak, chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 527kcal

Ingredients

For the sauce

For the meat filling

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 6 slices pepper Jack cheese

For the sandwiches

Instructions

For the sauce

  • In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of the hot chicken seasoning.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

For the meat filling

  • Place the chicken pieces into a large bowl.
  • Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle with the remaining hot chicken seasoning. Mix until all of the chicken is coated evenly.
  • Cover and set aside until ready to serve. Toss chicken with oil and remaining 2 tablespoons
  • Preheat your outdoor griddle on high.
  • Add a splash or two of oil. Add the peppers and onions and cook, stirring often, until they are just starting to soften. Do not over cook them. You want a little bit of a crunch.
  • Move the pepper and onion mix to a cooler part of the grill to keep warm.
  • Add another splash or two of oil to the griddle and add the chicken.
  • Cook the chicken, stirring often, 5-7 minutes or until done.
  • Add the pepper and onion mixture and stir.
  • Spread the filling out evenly onto the griddle and top with the cheese slices.
  • As soon as the cheese starts to melt, assemble the sandwiches (below).

For the sandwiches

  • Slather the cut sides of the rolls with the sauce.
  • Use a long spatula to scoop up the chicken mixture and divide between the rolls.
  • Add a few pickle slices to each sandwich and serve.

Notes

For even spicier sandwiches, substitute pickled (or fresh) jalapeno slices for the pickles!

Nutrition

Calories: 527kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 134mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 372mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 277IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 12mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Easy Cheesy Bacon Broccoli using an Outdoor Griddle

My outdoor griddle isn’t just for smash burgers, quesadillas and pizzas. I even use it for side dishes such as this easy cheesy bacon broccoli using an outdoor griddle. Now, this might not be the healthiest side dish I’ve ever made outside. But it sure was one of the tastiest! And it’s definitely one of the easiest! This is the perfect thing to serve alongside my griddled smash burger!

Easy Cheesy Bacon Broccoli using an Outdoor Griddle

Are Cheese and Bacon Ever Optional?

You could leave out the cheese sauce. And even the bacon. And just make easy broccoli using an outdoor griddle. A little salt and pepper. Serve it up. And it’d be good. But for me, to get to ‘great’ you gotta add the cheese sauce and bacon bits. Kraft makes this crazy easy crazy good Velveeta sauce that comes in a little foil packet. You just pour the sauce into a bowl and microwave it for 30 seconds and boom! Instant cheese sauce perfect for something like broccoli!

Steaming the broccoli on the griddle is easy. Just squirt it with a bit of water and let it cook a bit under a dome. It comes out perfectly every time!

This broccoli is an excellent served alongside my Oklahoma onion smash burgers!

Easy Cheesy Bacon Broccoli using a Griddle
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5 from 1 vote

Easy Cheesy Bacon Broccoli using an Outdoor Griddle

You could leave out the cheese sauce. And even the bacon.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, griddle
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 92kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pre-heat your griddle over medium heat.
  • Open the bag of broccoli and place on the griddle. Use your spatula to mound the broccoli in a small circle.
  • Give the broccoli a few good squirts of water and season well with salt and pepper.
  • Cover and let the broccoli cook for 5 minutes.
  • Take a quick peek inside. I like to give the lid a good shake first or you can stir the broccoli with the lid off. If the broccoli is drying out add more water. Feel free to add more salt and pepper too.
  • Keep cooking for up to 12 minutes total. Check it one more time after 10 minutes to make sure more water and/or seasoning isn't needed.
  • Remove the broccoli to a medium bowl.
  • Empty the contents of the cheese sauce packet into a microwavable bowl and heat per package instructions, 30 seconds. Stir.
  • Spoon the cheese sauce over the broccoli.
  • Add a few good pinches of bacon.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe can be made using fresh broccoli instead. Bring a pot of lightly-salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and boil for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just starting to soften. Remove to an ice bath to cool completely. Drain well before placing onto the hot griddle.

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 478mg | Potassium: 367mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 808IU | Vitamin C: 76mg | Calcium: 203mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.