Swiss Pumpkin and Gruyère Gratin on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

This Swiss-inspired Pumpkin and Gruyère Gratin is a deliciously rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for grilling on the Arteflame. The combination of grilled pumpkin and melted Gruyère cheese gives this dish a creamy yet slightly nutty taste, with a smoky depth from the grill. By cooking entirely on the Arteflame flat-top griddle, you allow the ingredients to caramelize beautifully without burning, creating the perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you serve it as a side or a main dish, this gratin is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 1 small sugar pumpkin, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 cups Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added depth)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and wait around 20 minutes until the cooktop is heated and ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the pumpkin

1. Peel and slice the pumpkin into uniform 1/4-inch rounds.
2. In a bowl, toss the pumpkin slices with melted butter, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Grill the pumpkin slices

1. Place the pumpkin on the Arteflame flat griddle cooktop, positioning them near the center where the heat is higher.
2. Grill the pumpkin for about 4-5 minutes per side, until tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Assemble the gratin

1. Move the pumpkin slices to a cooler section of the cooktop.
2. Layer the grilled pumpkin slices with grated Gruyère cheese directly on the cooktop.
3. Drizzle heavy cream over the layers and sprinkle an optional dash of nutmeg for added flavor.
4. If using breadcrumbs, scatter them on top.

Step 5: Melt the cheese and finish

1. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
2. Use a spatula to carefully transfer portions to serving plates.

Tips

• Make sure to grill the pumpkin slices until they are caramelized for maximum flavor.
• Use high-quality Gruyère cheese for the best melt and taste.
• Position the layered pumpkin and cheese slightly off the hotter center of the grill to ensure a slow, even melt.
• Try adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme on top just before serving for extra aroma.

Variations

1. Nutty Swiss Gratin: Add toasted walnuts or pecans between the layers for extra crunch.
2. Herb-Infused Gratin: Mix in finely chopped rosemary and sage for a deeper, earthier flavor.
3. Smoky Bacon Gratin: Crisp up some bacon on the grill and crumble it into the layers for a smoky twist.
4. Cheesy Trio Gratin: Mix Gruyère with Fontina and Parmesan for an even richer taste.
5. Spicy Swiss Gratin: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat kick.

Conclusion

Cooking this Swiss Pumpkin and Gruyère Gratin on the Arteflame grill creates a one-of-a-kind smoky flavor that enhances the rich, buttery taste of the cheese and the caramelized sweetness of the pumpkin. This dish is easy to prepare yet sure to impress. Whether served as a side or a standalone dish, it’s a must-try for your next cookout!

Best Pairings

• Grilled Steak: The nutty Gruyère pairs perfectly with a seared steak cooked on the Arteflame.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized flavors complement the pumpkin beautifully.
• Chardonnay: A buttery white wine enhances the richness of the dish.
• Light Green Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.