Grilled Apple Hand Pies on the Arteflame in North Carolina

Introduction

There’s something cozy and satisfying about grilled desserts, and these Grilled Apple Hand Pies made on the Arteflame Grill are a showstopper. With the perfect balance of warm, spiced apple filling and a buttery, crisp golden crust, this recipe brings the flavors of fall right to your backyard—in true North Carolina style. The Arteflame’s flat top griddle provides an evenly seared, never-burned crust while locking in all the delicious sweetness inside. Best of all? You won’t need an oven, just your grill and a little time outdoors.

Ingredients

• 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter (for the filling)
• 1 pack pre-made pie crust (or homemade)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for grilling)
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the pastry)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
• Flour, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of the Arteflame and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the paper and let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Add mixture to the cooktop with 1 tablespoon butter and cook on the inner flat top until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

1. Dust a flat surface with flour and roll out the pie crust.
2. Cut into six 4- to 5-inch circles.
3. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple filling onto half of each circle, fold over, and crimp the edges with a fork.
4. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Step 4: Grill the Hand Pies

1. Brush the Arteflame flat cooktop with melted butter for extra flavor.
2. Place the hand pies on the flat cooktop, near the center for a medium-high heat zone.
3. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
4. Use a spatula to flip once and rotate for even browning.

Tips

• Ensure the apple filling is cool before sealing the pies to prevent bursting.
• Use the center-edge temperature zones to avoid burning or undercooking the crust.
• Brush the cooktop with butter, not olive oil, for the richest flavor.
• Don’t overfill the pies—just enough to let the crust close tightly.
• Let pies sit for a couple minutes off the grill before serving—they’ll finish setting and be easier to eat.

Variations

1. Caramel Apple Hand Pies: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce inside each hand pie with the apple filling for a richer flavor.
2. Pumpkin Spice Apple: Mix in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for an autumn twist.
3. Apple and Blackberry: Add a few fresh blackberries with the apple filling for a tart contrast.
4. Nutty Apple: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a delicious crunch.
5. Bourbon Apple: Mix in 1 tablespoon of bourbon with the apple filling for a touch of Southern flair.

Best pairings

• Vanilla ice cream
• Hot apple cider or mulled wine
• Grilled pork chops (reverse seared on the center grate!)
• Spiced bourbon cocktails
• Cheddar cheese slices (try it—you’ll be surprised!)

Conclusion

Grilled Apple Hand Pies are a delightful way to enjoy the outdoors and savor a warm dessert without ever stepping in the kitchen. Using your Arteflame grill brings out rich flavors through the even searing of its flat top griddle, creating pies that are golden, crisp, and packed with juicy apple goodness.