Grilled North Carolina Mountain Apples

Introduction

Grilling North Carolina mountain apples brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a caramelized crisp edge unlike any oven can provide. The Arteflame grill, with its unique flat grill top surrounding a blazing hot center grate, sears each slice perfectly, locking in flavor and giving you an autumn-inspired dish that’s simple, irresistible, and fun to make outdoors.

Ingredients

• 4 large North Carolina mountain apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (preferably at room temperature)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them into the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build. In about 20 minutes, your cooktop will be ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the apple slices

1. Core and slice the apples into 1/2-inch thick rings. Leave the skin on for better structure and flavor.
2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pinch of sea salt.
3. Spread softened butter on each slice, coating both sides evenly.

Step 3: Grill the apples

1. Place the apple slices on the flat cooktop grill of the Arteflame, positioning them near the center for higher heat or further out to control caramelization.
2. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes or until grill marks appear and the sugar begins to caramelize.
3. Sprinkle about half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples midway through cooking, saving the rest for a finishing touch.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove apples from the grill once they are tender and perfectly caramelized.
2. Top them with the remaining cinnamon sugar and serve warm.

Tips

• Use butter, not oil—for the best caramelization and depth of flavor.
• Adjust position on the griddle to tweak cooking speed: closer to the center yields faster, deeper sear.
• Don't walk away—the sugars can caramelize quickly, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
• Use a long spatula to flip the apples gently and avoid breaking them apart.
• Pair with grilled meats or desserts for a gourmet finish.

Variations

1. Maple Apple Delight: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup and add a dash of vanilla extract for a deeper, richer flavor.
2. Spicy Cinnamon Apples: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mix for a spicy kick.
3. Apple Pie Style: Top grilled apples with crushed graham crackers and whipped cream or grilled marshmallows for a dessert twist.
4. Savory Herb Apples: Mix chopped rosemary or thyme into the butter before spreading for a sweet-savory blend—great with pork or chicken.
5. Bourbon Apples: Add a splash of bourbon to your butter and sugar mix before grilling for a deeper, smoky flavor experience.

Best pairings

• Grilled pork chops with rosemary
• Vanilla bean ice cream or grilled cinnamon pound cake
• Toasted pecans or walnuts
• Bourbon or spiced rum cocktails, hot apple cider
• Brie or sharp cheddar cheese for a savory balance

Conclusion

Grilling apples on the Arteflame brings out a side of fruit you never knew possible—crispy, caramelized, and rich with flavor. Whether you serve them alongside meats or as a sweet treat on their own, this simple recipe turns local North Carolina apples into something spectacular that your friends and family will remember.