Breakfast on the Grill

Grilling isn’t just for lunch or dinner. There are many flavorful, exciting meals you can cook on the grill for breakfast! In fact, grilling breakfast is no different than grilling any other meal. Read on for tips and recipes that’ll help you create a delectable breakfast barbecue.

 

Why Grill Your Breakfast?

The weekends are meant for spending time with family and friends. Often, that means enjoying a good meal together. But why wait to gather around the grill for lunch or dinner, when you could start the celebration at breakfast? Grilling your breakfast is a great way to make a bunch of food all at once, add some unique, savory flavors to your meal, and spend some time outdoors. Read on to learn how you can make the most of your grilled breakfast.

You’re also going to avoid dirtying several pots and pans in the kitchen, which will cut down on dishes. In addition, grilling your breakfast adds an extra depth of flavor that you just can’t get on the stove or in the oven. What’s not to love?

 
 

Breakfast Grilling Tips

Of course, preparing breakfast on the grill is a little different than grilling a burger, hot dog, or even fresh, seasonal vegetables. There are a few things you’ll need to switch up to make it work. Here are some tips to make grilling your breakfast a success.

 

Switch From Metal Tools

Consider some new grilling tools! Metal tools are great for flipping burgers and even scraping down your grill grates, but when it comes to breakfast, there are other options. Instead, consider heat resistant silicone tools. These are heat resistant and non-stick, which comes in handy if you’re grilling more decadent breakfast foods like cinnamon rolls. Any ooey gooey foods will slide right off. Silicone tools are also easier on cast-iron cooking surfaces.

 

Monitor Grease Levels

Grease and grills don’t mix. Period. Too much grease on your food, or too much in the drip tray, can cause a flare-up. It’s a safety hazard, and a risk you don’t want to take. Not only could a flare-up ruin your meal, but it could also be dangerous. To mitigate the risk, always be sure to clean out your grill’s grease drip tray before every meal.

You can also limit the amount of fatty foods you cook so an excessive amount doesn’t drip through the grates. Some foods are fattier by nature – things like sausages or pork shoulder. If you’re cooking items like these, you’ll need keep a close eye on them.

 

Try a Grill Mat

Investing in a grill mat can be a lifesaver if you’re grilling your breakfast. Grill mats can be a huge help if you’re grilling small foods, like diced tomatoes, or foods that lose their shape easily, like scrambled eggs. Essentially, a grill mat is a specially designed, heat-safe, pliable mat that you can place on top of your grill’s grates. You’ll still get the smokey, charred flavor that you love, but you won’t risk having food fall through the grates.
⚠ IMPORTANT: Make sure to follow the grill mat and grill/griddle manufacturer’s instructions. Never cover the entire cooking surface.

Grill mats aren’t just for breakfast, either. Many people use them to grill foods that may stick easily, like fish, or foods that are too small to set directly on the grates, like corn kernels or diced jalapeños. Once you have one, you’ll be finding new ways to use it all the time.

 

Use a Cast Iron Griddle Topper on Your Grill

A cast iron griddle topper can help you save time when grilling foods like eggs, pancakes, hash browns. The griddle topper acts just like an indoor griddle, but allows the grilled flavor to infuse with your food. Another big bonus of making your breakfast on the grill, you can cook everything all at one time without moving back and forth from one location to another.

And just like grill mats, you can use a griddle topper for many different foods and meals, but are a lot more durable and can use over direct flames and at higher heat.

 

Try a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillets are an incredibly versatile grill tool, allowing you to cook everything from eggs, sausage, beans, or cheeses all the way to desserts. The best part is you can place the cast iron skillets on your grill's side burner or directly on the main cooking surface, allowing you to make multiple courses at the same time.

 
 

Top Breakfast and Brunch Grilling or Griddle Recipes

So, you’ve got the knowledge and the right tools. But what can you grill or griddle for breakfast? Here are some of our favorite recipes:

 
 

French Toast Bites

Think of these French Toast Bites like tiny, pop-in-your-mouth versions of traditional French toast. They still have all the traditional flavors you love, including cinnamon and vanilla, but with an added layer of great grilled flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 loaf Brioche Bread, cubed
• 1-1/2 cups Buttermilk
• 4 lg Eggs
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• Salt, to taste
• Homemade Maple Syrup, optional
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Rimmed Baking Sheet (if using a grill)
• Cast Iron Griddle Topper or grill mat (if using a grill)
  ⚠ IMPORTANT: Make sure to follow the grill mat manufacturer’s instructions. Never cover the entire cooking surface.

Directions:

1. Cut Brioche bread into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Set cubes aside to dry for at least 1 hour.
2. If using a grill: place cast-iron griddle or grill mat on the cooking grid.
3. Preheat grill or griddle to medium.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
5. Pour buttermilk mixture over bread cubes. Soak cubes no more than 5 minutes.
6. Lightly coat preheated cooking surface in olive oil and arrange cubes in an even layer.
7. Grill uncovered 5 to 8 minutes, turning often.
8. When all sides are golden brown, remove from heat.
9. Serve warm with homemade maple syrup and a side of crispy bacon or fresh fruit!

 
 

Bacon Roll-Ups

You could also try these Bacon Roll-Ups. They’re packed with protein and perfectly portable – great if you’re one of those people who’s always eating breakfast in the car! You can also make a bunch of them ahead of time, pop a few in the microwave before you run out the door and eat them on your way to work. Here are the ingredients and items you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup Finely Chopped Onion
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 3 cups Cubed Day-old Bread
• 1/4 tsp Celery Salt
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/8 tsp Salt
• 1/8 tsp Pepper
• 1 Egg, lightly beaten
• 10 strips Bacon
• Small Skillet
• Large Skillet
• Large Bowl
• Toothpicks
• Paper Towels

Directions:

1. In a small skillet, such as cast iron, on the grill's side burner (or cooking grid), sauté onion in butter until tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, celery salt, garlic powder, salt, pepper and onion mixture; toss to mix evenly.
3. Then add the egg; toss to coat bread cubes.
4. Roll into ten 1-1/4 inch balls.
5. Wrap a bacon strip around each ball. Secure with a toothpick.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. In a large skillet, such as cast iron, cook bacon roll-ups on all sides over medium heat on the grill for 15 to 18 minutes (depending on how hot the grill is) or until bacon is crisp and a thermometer inserted into stuffing reads at least 160℉.
8. Drain on paper towels.
9. Serve and enjoy.

 
 

Baja Sunrise Steak & Eggs

Nothing says gourmet breakfast like these Baja Sunrise Steak & Eggs. Fresh cilantro, flavorful salsa, creamy avocado, buttery steak, and eggs over-easy combine to create a meal that is truly restaurant worthy. Here’s what you’ll need to create this dish:

Ingredients:

• 4 Beef Eye of Round Steaks, cut 3/4-inch thick (about 4 oz ea)
• 1 cup Thick and Chunky Salsa, divided
• 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice
• 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro
• 2 tbsp Chipotle Chili Powder
• 1 tbsp Orange Peel, divided
• 1 tsp Orange Peel, divided
• 4 large Eggs
• 4 medium Whole Wheat or Multigrain Tortillas, toasted
• 1 medium Avocado, sliced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Lime Wedges (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine 1/2 cup salsa, orange juice, cilantro, chili powder and 1 tablespoon orange peel in small bowl. Place beef steaks and salsa mixture in food-safe plastic bag; turn steaks to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 6 hours or as long as overnight, turning occasionally.
2. Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Place steaks on cooking grids and grill for 11 to 13 minutes for medium rare (145℉) to medium (160℉) doneness, turning occasionally.
5. On the side burner, grill mat or griddle topper, cook eggs as desired. Keep warm.
6. Combine remaining 1/2 cup salsa and 1 teaspoon orange peel.
7. Carve steaks into thin slices; season with salt and pepper, as desired.
8. Evenly place steak slices and egg on each tortilla. Top with salsa mixture and avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.

 
 
 

No matter what you choose to grill for breakfast, don’t be afraid to try new flavor combinations or grilling techniques. You may just find your family’s new favorite dish.

And before you start grilling, don’t forget to pick up a fresh Blue Rhino! You’ll need plenty of propane for all those amazing meals you’re going to create.

Published: 2018.08.10 | Last updated: 2024.09.10