Griddle Insert

How to Get the Most Out of Your Griddle Insert

Cooking Philly cheesesteaks on a griddle installed flat side up in an AutoIgnite grill.

Beyond Breakfast

When most people think about using a griddle insert, two things usually come to mind: breakfast and fajitas. And sure, nothing beats sizzling bacon and golden pancakes hot off the flat top, or a pile of peppers and onions tossed with sliced steak. But if that's where your griddle game stops, you're seriously missing out.

The Masterbuilt griddle insert is a versatile tool that deserves more attention. With the ability to maintain high, even heat across a wide surface, it's a searing station, sauté setup, and culinary playground all in one.

Smash burgers, breakfast, cheesesteak sandwich, fried rice are only some of the easy cooks on this accessory. Go ahead and order, don't think twice. - Actual Review

Seriously Good Proteins

One of the griddle insert's best-kept secrets? Its ability to create restaurant quality sears. Think of steakhouse crusts without needing a cast iron. Tuna steaks, scallops, or a thick bone-in ribeye all benefit from a ripping hot, oiled griddle. You get that perfect golden crust without overcooking the center.

  • Use a high smoke point oil like avocado, grapeseed, or canola.
  • Let your protein come to room temp before it hits the surface.
  • Don't overcrowd—griddle space is premium real estate.

Smash Burgers, Elevated

The griddle insert is tailor-made for smash burgers. Press down hard, let those edges crisp, and get a perfect crust that screams flavor. Bonus: griddle burgers also soak in all those caramelized bits left behind by onions or bacon. Use the flat surface to toast your buns while you're at it, because details matter.

Cheeseburgers sizzle on a griddle Smashburgers with onions and topped with cheese sear on a griddlePerson using a shaker to season burgers on a griddle

Stir Fry, Street-Style

From teriyaki beef and broccoli to Korean bulgogi or Thai-style noodles, the griddle is ideal for high-heat stir frying. Use a wide spatula or bench scraper to move ingredients fast and keep those flavors dancing. You'll be surprised how much better it turns out compared to the stovetop.

Take Your Tastebuds on a Trip

Bring global flavor to your backyard with bold dishes like birria tacos, steak & shrimp hibachi, or chipotle chicken tostadas. Explore new cuisines with the griddle's high searing capabilities. From street-style favorites to fusion-inspired meals, the flavor possibilities are endless.

Veggie Power Moves

From blistered shishito peppers to crispy brussels sprouts, the griddle makes vegetables exciting. Toss in oil and seasonings, give them space to char, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic or squeeze of citrus. You'll never settle for soggy steamed broccoli again.

Breakfast for Dinner (and Beyond)

Yes, breakfast is classic and still awesome. But think beyond bacon and eggs. Stuffed French toast with cream cheese and fruit, crispy breakfast hash with smoked sausage, griddled cinnamon rolls with caramelized bottoms. The griddle gives you total heat control, so you can brown, flip, and crisp with confidence, whether it's 8am or 8pm.

Whether you're firing up steaks, stir-frying noodles, or reinventing taco night, your griddle insert is the ultimate tool for bold, flavorful cooking. Don't limit it to breakfast. Explore everything it can do and let your grill become the most versatile station in your outdoor kitchen.

Birria Tacos

This slow-smoked birria taco recipe combines tender beef short ribs, skirt steak, and beef cheek marinated in a rich, smoky blend of guajillo peppers, spices, and tomato purée.

Hand dipping a taco into a bowl of red sauce with other tacos and limes in the background.

Bacon Blue Cheese Cheese Smash Burger

This recipe uses a Blue Cheese spread that is made from a blend of creamy blue cheese and complementary ingredients. The spread melts perfectly over the hot, freshly smashed patty, creating a subtle tangy sauce at every bite.

Three burgers with cheese cooking on a griddle while onions and mushrooms sauté in the background.