Updated: 12/6/2022
One of the best and most popular foods to cook on a griddle is eggs! They’re a staple of breakfast dishes worldwide and are chock full of healthy nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Not only are they relatively inexpensive but very satiating and, most importantly, delicious!
There are definitely some important nuances and things to be aware of when cooking eggs on a griddle. From fried eggs to omelets, keep reading to learn how to cook amazing eggs 7 different ways on your griddle!
Benefits of Cooking Eggs on a Griddle
There are many advantages to cooking eggs on a griddle. Here are 4 reasons that a flat top grill is the ideal place to cook up some tasty eggs.
Large Batches
One of the best things about cooking eggs on a griddle is the number of eggs you can cook simultaneously. Even a large frying pan can only cook so many eggs at one time. A 17″ griddle can cook 12 eggs, and a 36″ griddle can fit up to a whopping 48 eggs at once!
Full Breakfast
Another great advantage to using a griddle is the ability to cook your whole breakfast at the same time. In addition to eggs, you can cook other breakfast favorites such as bacon, pancakes, French toast and hash browns. Cook up a hearty full breakfast all in the same spot and all at the same time.
Non-Stick Surface
Eggs can have a tendency to stick to surfaces that don’t have a quality non-stick surface. Fortunately, a well seasoned griddle creates a very good non-stick surface helping prevent your food from sticking to the cooktop. The seasoned griddle and a little cooking oil will ensure your eggs don’t stick and come out perfectly.
Heat Control
Eggs cook at a lower temperature than many other foods, and griddles offer precise heat control, helping you cook them just right without overcooking. Using multiple burners can help you achieve the ideal griddle temperature for cooking eggs.
This is also very helpful when cooking multiple breakfast items at the same time. One zone of the griddle can be at one temperature while another zone of the griddle is at another.
Tools for Cooking Eggs on a Griddle
Spatulas
As with most griddle cooking, the spatula is your go-to tool. It’ll allow you to flip, scramble and fold the eggs, so no matter what style of egg you’re cooking up, you’ll want to have at least 1; however, I recommend having 2 spatulas.
If you’re cooking an over-easy egg, 1 will be fine, but if you’re cooking scrambled eggs, an egg scramble, or omelets, you’ll find using 2 spatulas make things easier. If you need suggestions on griddle spatulas, check out our best griddle spatula article.
Egg Rings
Trying to get that perfectly round egg? Egg rings act as a mold that will give you the consistent size and shape you’re looking for.
These are perfect for making delicious frittatas or egg sandwiches on an English muffin, just like you’re used to from your favorite fast-food restaurant.
These are also helpful if you like to top your burger with an egg. You’ll have a perfectly round egg to match the burger patty. Take a look at our best griddle egg rings article to see our favorites.
Basting Dome
Griddle Temperature for Eggs
The temperature of your griddle is critical when cooking eggs. Eggs are delicate and can get ruined very quickly the temperature of the cooktop is off. Too low a temperature and the eggs will run, but too high a temperature, and they’ll overcook on the bottom before the rest of the egg cooks properly.
Just like with BBQ, low and slow is the name of the game. The ideal temperature to cook eggs on a griddle is 275 degrees Fahrenheit. This provides enough heat so that the eggs begin to set and cook when placed on the griddle cooktop, but not so hot that they cook too quickly and burn.
Tip: Even on the lowest heat setting, your gas griddle may exceed this temperature. If so, turn the burners off once the griddle is climbing past 275 degrees. Eggs cook quick, and the cooktop will maintain the heat necessary to cook the eggs without getting any hotter.
I strongly recommend an infrared thermometer to verify the cooktop’s temperature. It’ll let you know you have the temperature you’re looking for, no matter what you are cooking. It’s a staple item in my griddle kit. If you don’t have an infrared thermometer, keep the burner(s) on the lowest possible setting.
Choosing the Best Eggs
There are a lot of different types of eggs on the market and knowing what the differences are can get confusing quick. Here’s what you need to know about the various types of eggs so you can find the best ones for you.
Egg Labels
There are several types of egg labels you’ll see at the store. What these labels tell you is what kind of habitat the hen producing the eggs lives.
Caged Eggs
Caged eggs are produced from hens that are housed in cages inside large, climate-controlled barns.
Cage-Free Eggs
Chickens are uncaged inside barns but may be kept indoors at all times. Chickens must be able to nest, perch and dust-bathe.
Free-Range Eggs
Chickens must have access to an outdoor area for at least six hours each day and each hen must have at least 2 square feet of outdoor space. The outdoor space is not required to have any living vegetation
Pasture Raised Eggs
Chickens must be out on a pasture for at least six hours each day and each hen must have at least 108 square feet of pasture. The pasture is required to be covered mainly with living vegetation.
Egg Grades
There are three grades for eggs in the United States, and they are determined by the interior quality of the egg and the appearance/condition of the shell. (The size and weight of the egg do not impact the grade.)
USDA Grade AA Eggs
The freshest and highest quality eggs. AA eggs have whites that are thick and firm, high/round yolks, and are free from defects.
USDA Grade A Eggs
Very high-quality eggs sharing characteristics of Grade AA eggs except that the whites are reasonably firm.
USDA Grade B Eggs
The lowest egg grade. Grade B eggs have whites that may be thinner and yolks that may be wider and flatter than eggs of higher grades. They are typically used to make liquid, frozen, and dried egg products.
Cooking Eggs on a Griddle
1. Sunny-Side Up
- Heat your griddle to low heat, around 275 degrees, and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the griddle cooktop.
- Crack each egg directly onto the preheated and oiled cooktop
Tip: Worried about getting stray eggshell pieces in your eggs? Crack your eggs into a separate bowl first and then add them to the griddle.
- Keep the heat low and let the egg cook for approximately 5 minutes.
- Once the egg white has fully set, carefully remove the egg with your spatula so as not to break the yolk.
2. Over Easy- Over Medium – Over Hard
These eggs are cooked just like sunny side up but the eggs will need to be flipped to cook the yolk and other side of the egg as well.
- Heat your griddle to low heat, around 275 degrees, and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the griddle cooktop.
- Crack each egg directly onto the preheated and oiled cooktop. If you’re worried about any stray egg shell pieces you can crack them into a separate bowl first and then add them to the griddle.
- Keep the heat low and let the egg cook for about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the egg white has fully set, flip the egg over with your spatula but do so very carefully so the yolk does not rupture.
- For over easy, cook about 1 more minute. For over medium, cook about 2 more minutes. For over hard, cook about 3 more minutes.
- Remove the egg with your spatula once cooked to your liking
Tip: If you don’t want to flip the eggs, simply cover them with a basting dome after adding them to the griddle instead.
3. Fried Egg
A fried egg is perfect on it’s own or as part of a breakfast sandwich. Here’s how to make a perfectly cooked fried egg on the griddle.
- Heat your griddle to low heat, around 275 degrees, and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the griddle cooktop.
- Crack each egg directly onto the preheated and oiled cooktop. If you’re worried about any stray egg shell pieces you can crack them into a separate bowl first and then add them to the griddle.
Tip: Use egg rings for a perfectly round fried egg that fits perfectly on an English Muffin. - Pierce the yolk of each egg so the yolk begins to spread out.
- Keep the heat low and let the egg cook for about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the egg has has fully set, flip the egg over with your spatula
- Cook for up to 1 more minute until the egg is cooked through
4. Scrambled
Scrambled eggs are a quick and easy way of preparing eggs on a griddle and one of the most popular methods of cooking eggs.
- Crack the desired number of eggs into a bowl and scramble them with a whisk or fork. You can add a splash of milk or a bit of shredded cheese if desired.
Tip: Avoid adding salt at this time because it will begin to break down the eggs. You may add salt when they are almost done cooking or wait until you take them off to season them. - Heat your griddle to low heat, around 275 degrees, and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the griddle cooktop.
- Pour the scrambled eggs mixture onto the preheated and oiled griddle and begin stirring around the egg mixture with your spatulas. Keep moving the eggs around, so they cook evenly.
- Once the scrambled eggs reach your desired level of doneness (depending on how runny or dry you like them), remove them from the griddle with your spatula.
5. Egg Scramble
An egg scramble is your standard scrambled eggs but with mix-ins. (Or what I rename my failed omelet attempts.) The griddle is great for cooking this dish because you can cook both the mix-ins and the same cooktop eggs.
- In a bowl, crack the eggs and scramble them with a fork or whisk. Heat the griddle to low, add your cooking oil of choice and sauté the scramble ingredients (ham, peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc…)
- When they are done cooking, simply pour the uncooked scrambled eggs (and cheese if desired) over them and scramble together with your spatulas until the eggs are cooked through, and the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Remove and serve.
Tip: Want an egg burrito? Warm a tortilla on the griddle then place the cooked egg scramble into the tortilla and fold it into a burrito. (Don’t forget the salsa!)
6. Omelet
Another popular egg dish you can make on a griddle is an omelet. There’s plenty of space to work with, and you can also cook any of the meats or vegetables you’re adding to the omelet on the griddle too.
- Scramble your eggs in a bowl and set aside. Heat the griddle to low heat. If you want to cook any of the mix-ins, do this now before cooking the eggs. Add your oil of choice, cook the meat and/or vegetables until done, and then set aside.
- Apply a fresh coat of oil or butter to the griddle and then pour your eggs on in a circle or rectangle shape. Let the eggs sit undisturbed and cook for 1 minute until the bottom layer is solid and the top layer is still wet.
- Spread any meat, vegetables, or cheese you’d like onto the egg mix now but be careful not to overstuff the omelet.
- Next, either fold the omelet in half or fold both the left and right sides into the middle. Carefully flip the omelet so it doesn’t break and so the ingredients don’t fall out. Cook for another 30 seconds to a minute and then remove and serve.
Tip: If you struggle with making omelets, you can always purchase a large egg ring to keep everything nice and neat.
7. Mini Frittatas
Typically frittatas are cooked in a skillet, but that’s why we’re making mini frittatas griddle style. These are similar to egg bites, or sous vide eggs, except they’re not cooked sous-vide, of course.
If you want to make these, you will need to have purchased egg rings to act as the mold for frittata and the basting dome to help the cooking process.
- In a bowl, combine 8 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, salt, and pepper to taste and whisk together.
- Add your desired (pre-chopped) ingredients. Options include herbs, cheeses, veggies, and pre-cooked meats.
- Heat the griddle to low heat and add apply your cooking oil of choice. Next, place the egg rings on top and then fill each egg ring with the egg mixture.
- Place the basting dome on top and cook for 6-10 minutes. Remove the basting dome and carefully remove the egg rings. Your mini frittatas are all done at this point and can be removed from the griddle with your spatula and served.
Tip: Cook extra frittatas as they can make fast and healthy meals or snacks you can quickly reheat later.
Final Thoughts on Griddle Eggs
There are so many ways to cook griddled eggs and it’s one of a flat top grill is one of the best methods for doing so. You’ll love the ability to cook virtually the entire breakfast on the griddle too. You can cook up the rest of your favorites alongside the eggs.
Bacon, sausage, pancakes, hash browns, corned beef hash, French toast and more. These are just the basics but you can take it a step further and whip up egg sandwiches or egg burritos that everyone will love.
