Warm Grilled New Hampshire Apple Slices with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

There is nothing quite like the scent of caramelized apples wafting through the crisp autumn air to signal that the harvest season has arrived. This recipe for Warm Grilled New Hampshire Apple Slices is more than just a dessert; it is a celebration of regional produce and outdoor cooking. New Hampshire is renowned for its apple orchards, producing fruit that is crisp, tart, and perfect for holding up to the high heat of a grill. By using the Arteflame cooktop, you can sear the natural sugars of the fruit without them falling through the grates, creating a sticky, smoky, and sweet exterior while keeping the inside tender. Whether you are finishing up a family barbecue or looking for a healthy, comforting treat by the fire, these apple slices capture the cozy essence of New England in every bite.

Ingredients

• 4 large New Hampshire apples (Honeycrisp, Cortland, or McIntosh work best)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons pure New Hampshire maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up and Prep

1. Start by building a medium fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You want the flat cooktop griddle to reach a medium-high temperature.
2. While the grill heats up, wash and core the apples. Slice them into rings or wedges about 1/2 inch thick. Do not slice them too thin, or they may become mushy during the grilling process.

Step 2: Create the Glaze

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the pinch of sea salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well combined and the sugar has mostly dissolved.
2. Place the apple slices in a large bowl and pour the glaze over them. Toss gently with your hands or a spatula to ensure every slice is evenly coated with the spiced mixture.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

1. Lightly oil the Arteflame cooktop with a little extra butter or a high-heat oil to prevent sticking. Place the apple slices directly onto the flat steel surface.
2. Grill for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. You are looking for distinct sear marks and a caramelized, golden-brown color. The apples should be tender to the touch but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Serve Warm

1. Remove the apples from the grill immediately once cooked. If there is any leftover glaze in your prep bowl, drizzle it over the hot apples.
2. Serve immediately while warm, ideally topped with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Tips

Achieving the perfect grilled apple requires a balance of heat management and fruit selection. The most critical tip is choosing the right apple variety; you want a firm baking apple like a Honeycrisp or Cortland because softer eating apples can disintegrate into applesauce on the hot steel. When grilling on the Arteflame, utilize the different heat zones of the cooktop. Sear the apples closer to the center for that beautiful caramelization, then move them to the cooler outer edges if they need to soften further without burning. Additionally, leave the skin on. The skin helps the slice maintain its structural integrity on the grill and adds a nice textural contrast and pop of color. Finally, ensure your grill surface is well-seasoned or oiled before placing the fruit down, as the natural sugars in the apples can stick if the surface is too dry.

Variations

While the classic cinnamon and maple profile is a crowd-pleaser, grilled apples are incredibly versatile canvas for flavor experimentation. You can easily shift the flavor profile from sweet to savory or add an adult twist for evening gatherings. Changing the fat source or the spices can completely transform the dish to match whatever main course you are serving. Here are a few creative ways to modify this recipe to suit different palates and occasions:

• The Savory Twist: Omit the sugar and swap cinnamon for fresh rosemary and black pepper; serve alongside pork chops.
• Bourbon Glazed: Add a splash of bourbon to the butter and maple syrup mixture for a smoky, boozy kick.
• Nutty Crunch: Top the grilled slices with toasted pecans or walnuts immediately after removing them from the heat.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mix for a sweet heat Mexican-inspired treat.
• Cheese Lover: Melt a slice of sharp cheddar cheese over the apple right at the end of grilling—a New England classic.

Best pairings

These warm grilled New Hampshire apple slices are robust enough to stand on their own as a dessert, yet versatile enough to accompany savory main courses. If serving as a dessert, the temperature contrast is key; pair the hot, smoky fruit with premium vanilla bean ice cream or a cold dollop of mascarpone cheese. For a breakfast or brunch application, these apples are phenomenal served atop steel-cut oatmeal, Greek yogurt, or a stack of buttermilk pancakes. In a savory context, apples have a natural affinity for pork. Serve these slices as a side dish alongside grilled pork tenderloin, sausages, or even a roast chicken. The acidity and sweetness of the apple cut through the richness of the meat, creating a balanced and sophisticated plate that highlights the best flavors of the harvest season.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of grilling fruit on your Arteflame opens up a new dimension of outdoor cooking that goes beyond the standard burgers and steaks. These Warm Grilled New Hampshire Apple Slices are a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with the right technique and equipment, can result in a gourmet experience. The combination of the smokiness from the fire, the caramelization from the hot steel, and the natural tartness of the apples creates a flavor profile that is comforting yet complex. Whether you are enjoying a crisp autumn evening or just want a quick, healthy dessert, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your grilling repertoire. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the sweet taste of New Hampshire.