Seared Bacon Wrapped Plums (Austrian Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

Imagine the scent of hickory smoke mixing with the sweet aroma of bubbling fruit juice—that is the magic of these Austrian-inspired treats. When you take a bite, you get the incredible crunch of salty bacon followed immediately by a warm burst of jammy plum nectar. It is a sensory experience that feels like a cozy evening in a European tavern, yet it is right at home in your backyard. Whether you are hosting a summer soirée or a crisp autumn gathering, these bites set the perfect mood.

Why This is My Go-To Appetizer

I adore this recipe because it balances high-end flavor with absolute simplicity. It is the ultimate "party trick" dish that disappears seconds after hitting the table. Cooking these on the Arteflame grill changes the game; the flat steel cooktop renders the fat evenly without the dangerous flare-ups common on traditional grates, ensuring every bite is golden and crisp, never burnt.

Kitchen Wisdom for the Perfect Sear

• Choose the right cut: Avoid thick-cut bacon. You want standard slices that will crisp up quickly before the fruit turns to mush.
• Soak your wood: Always soak your toothpicks in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from charring on the hot cooktop.
• Manage your heat: Start searing near the center for a crust, then move them to the outer, cooler ring to finish heating through gently.

Make It Your Own

If fresh plums aren't in season, dried dates or prunes are fantastic alternatives that offer a chewier, more concentrated sweetness. For a creamy twist, try stuffing the pitted fruit with a small piece of goat cheese or blue cheese before wrapping—it adds a tangy richness that cuts through the smoky bacon beautifully.

Ingredients

• 12 Ripe Plums (fresh, washed, and pitted)
• 12 Slices of Bacon (classic cut, not too thick)
• 12 Wooden Toothpicks (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
• Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or chili flakes for seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

1. Start by firing up your Arteflame grill. You want to build a medium-hot fire in the center.
2. Allow the cooktop griddle to heat up. Aim for a temperature range between 400°F and 450°F on the flat top surface, which is ideal for rendering bacon fat without burning it instantly.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface with a high-smoke point oil like grapeseed or canola to ensure a non-stick searing surface.

Step 2: Wrap the Plums

1. While the grill heats, prepare your fruit. Ensure the plums are pitted but still hold their shape.
2. Take a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around the center of a plum.
3. Secure the bacon in place by piercing the toothpick through the overlapping ends of the bacon and into the fruit. Repeat this for all plums.

Step 3: Sear on the Flat Top

1. Place the bacon-wrapped plums directly onto the flat steel cooktop of the Arteflame.
2. Let them sear for about 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until the bacon is golden and crispy.
3. Using tongs, rotate the plums carefully. Continue to grill, turning them every few minutes, until the bacon is crispy on all sides and the plums are soft and warm.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Once the bacon is fully cooked and the fruit is tender, remove them from the grill.
2. Place them on a serving platter and let them rest for 2 minutes to allow the juices to settle and the sugar to slightly harden.
3. Serve warm immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

Tips

To ensure your Austrian flame-seared bacon wrapped plums turn out perfectly every time, attention to detail is key. First, always soak your wooden toothpicks in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling; this prevents them from catching fire or charring excessively on the hot Arteflame surface. When selecting your bacon, avoid thick-cut varieties. Thinner slices wrap more easily and crisp up faster, ensuring the bacon is done at the same time the plum becomes tender. If you use thick-cut bacon, the fruit may turn to mush before the pork fat renders properly. Finally, manage your heat zones on the Arteflame. Start searing closer to the center for a quick crust, then move the plums to the outer edge of the cooktop to finish cooking gently if the bacon is browning too quickly.

Variations

While the classic Austrian recipe is divine on its own, this dish is highly versatile and welcomes creativity. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to suit different seasons or palates by swapping the fruit or adding fillings. Here are a few exciting twists to try on your grill:

• Cheesy Delight: Stuff the pitted center of the plum with a small chunk of goat cheese or blue cheese before wrapping for a creamy, tangy center.
• The Devils on Horseback: Substitute the fresh plums with dried dates or prunes for a chewier, sweeter, and more concentrated flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Dust the bacon with cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot honey immediately after grilling for a sweet-heat combination.
• Herb Infusion: Tuck a fresh sage leaf between the plum and the bacon before grilling for an aromatic, savory note.
• Maple Glaze: Brush the wrapped plums with a little maple syrup during the last minute of grilling for an extra caramelized, candy-like finish.

Best pairings

These savory-sweet bites are flavor powerhouses that deserve a drink pairing that can stand up to their intensity. The saltiness of the bacon and the acidity of the plums create a complex palate that works beautifully with both wine and beer. For wine lovers, a crisp, dry Riesling is an authentic Austrian choice that cuts through the richness of the fat. Alternatively, a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the fruitiness of the plums without overpowering the dish. If you prefer beer, a cold, refreshing Lager or a nutty Brown Ale pairs exceptionally well, cleansing the palate between bites. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling apple cider or a ginger beer provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky, savory flavors.

Conclusion

Mastering these Austrian Flame-Seared Bacon Wrapped Plums on your Arteflame grill adds a layer of sophistication to your outdoor cooking repertoire with minimal effort. The combination of crispy, salty bacon and soft, caramelized fruit creates a sensory experience that is hard to beat. It is a dish that honors tradition while embracing the unique searing capabilities of modern flat-top grilling. Whether served as a starter for a lavish meal or passed around as finger food at a casual gathering, these plums are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the simple pleasure of sweet and savory perfection.