A griddle is a flat cooking surface, usually made of metal, used for cooking foods like pancakes, eggs, bacon, or grilled cheese sandwiches. Unlike a frying pan with high sides, a griddle is nearly flat or has just a small raised edge, making it easy to flip food with a spatula.

Many families have an electric griddle that sits on the kitchen counter, perfect for making a big breakfast when everyone wants pancakes at once. Diners and restaurants often have enormous built-in griddles where cooks prepare dozens of orders at the same time, the surface sizzling as burgers, hash browns, and French toast cook side by side.

The flat surface gives you lots of cooking space and even heat, which is why griddles are ideal for foods that need to brown evenly on both sides. Some outdoor grills include a griddle attachment for camping trips or backyard cooking.

When you cook on a griddle, you're griddling food.