Cookout!
Hello friends,
It might be a little late in the season, but I hosted a football-day cookout on the griddle recently, and I realized how many little tricks make the day easier. Figured I’d share in case you’ve got one more cookout left in you this year — or want to bookmark this for spring.
Here are my go-to tips for a smooth griddle cookout:
• Prep ahead
Chop lettuce, onions, tomatoes, prep sides — anything cold gets done the night before. You’ll thank yourself on game day.
• Delegate
One person runs the griddle. Someone else handles the table, plates, utensils, sides. Let people help — even if you're like me and struggle with that sometimes.
• Keep the menu realistic
Cooking for 8–10? Go ahead and do bacon, onions, a few extras.
Hosting 20+? Stick to burgers and dogs. Save the bacon-and-extras cookout for a smaller group.
• Two propane tanks
Don’t get caught empty mid-cook. Always have a backup tank.
• Keep food warm
Warm pans on the griddle, crock pot, oven on low (180–200°F), even the side of a gas grill. Rotate food off the griddle as you go.
• Take advantage of the griddle
If it’s a smaller group, start with bacon and onions. They flavor everything else you cook. Peppers too if you're feeling fancy.
• Hot dogs: give options
Boil on the griddle with a splash of water for the kids, or finish in bacon grease for the adults who get it.
• Use a pot on the griddle
Coney sauce, beans, cheese sauce — easy upgrade. Throw it in a pot on the corner of the griddle.
• Toast the buns
Game-changer. Mayo or butter on top-cut buns, then toast on the griddle. Takes your burgers and dogs up a notch.
• Be mindful of grease & heat
Grease tray liners fill fast on party cooks. Swap early.
And when the griddle is loaded up, you may need higher heat than usual — just don’t jump from smoking hot to frozen food or you risk warping the top.
Bonus tip: If you’re doing smash burgers, make them last.
Let people grab dogs and sides first, then get in line for fresh smash burgers right off the griddle. Small batches, quick turnaround, no stress.
Hopefully that helps make your next cookout smoother — and a whole lot tastier.
I’m also posting more recipes and short tip videos over on my Facebook page, so if you’re on there, come give it a follow for more ideas.
Watch My Video:
Cheers,
Johnny
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