Canadian Grilled Winter Squash with Maple Butter

Introduction

Discover the rich, caramelized flavors of Canadian Grilled Winter Squash with Maple Butter, made entirely on the Arteflame Grill. This simple yet elegant dish transforms squash into a smoky, sweet, and buttery side for any meal. Perfect for autumn gatherings, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the squash using pure maple syrup and butter. No pots, no pans—just pure grilling magic. Let’s fire up the Arteflame and get started!

Ingredients

• 1 medium winter squash (butternut, acorn, or kabocha)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp pure Canadian maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of the grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the napkins and let the firewood burn until the griddle surface is hot (about 20 minutes).
4. Once the Arteflame is ready, start cooking on the flat griddle cooktop.

Step 2: Prepare the Squash

1. Cut the winter squash into 1/2-inch thick slices, discarding the seeds.
2. Brush both sides of each piece with melted butter.
3. Season with sea salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Grill the Squash

1. Place the squash slices on the outer flat griddle cooktop.
2. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping occasionally for an even caramelization.
3. While grilling, brush each piece with pure maple syrup to enhance the sweet, smoky flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the squash is tender and caramelized, remove it from the grill.
2. Drizzle with any remaining maple butter mixture.
3. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips

• For extra caramelization, let the squash sit for an extra minute per side.
• Use kabocha squash for an even richer, nutty flavor.
• Adjust the smoked paprika for a more savory-sweet balance.
• Keep the squash closer to the center for more heat, but don’t burn.

Variations

1. Spicy Maple Squash: Add 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist.
2. Herb Butter Squash: Mix in fresh thyme and rosemary with the melted butter.
3. Garlic Maple Squash: Add minced garlic to the butter before brushing.
4. Pecan Crunch Squash: Sprinkle crushed pecans over the squash for a nutty texture.
5. Lemon Glazed Squash: Replace the maple syrup with honey and a splash of lemon juice.

Best Pairings

• Grilled maple-glazed pork chops
• Reverse-seared ribeye steak
• Wood-fired salmon
• Warm quinoa salad with cranberries
• Honey-roasted Brussels sprouts

Conclusion

Grilling winter squash on the Arteflame brings out its natural sweetness while adding a delicious smoky depth. The combination of pure Canadian maple syrup and butter creates a rich, caramelized glaze that makes this dish an instant favorite. Whether as a side dish or a main event, this recipe is sure to impress—give it a try and embrace the flavors of the season!