Vermont Maple Pumpkin Slices on the Arteflame

Introduction

There’s something magical about fresh pumpkin slices kissed by wood smoke and caramelized with sweet Vermont maple syrup right on the Arteflame grill. These Wood-Grilled Vermont Maple Pumpkin Slices are fall comfort food at its finest—soft inside, crispy edges, and warm with seasonal spices. Grilled on the Arteflame's flat top, these slices develop deep flavor and golden sear without burning, while the maple syrup bubbles into a candy-like glaze. This recipe is simple, fast, and screams rustic autumn flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 small sugar pumpkin, sliced into 1/2-inch thick wedges
• 3 tbsp Vermont maple syrup
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground clove
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill bowl.
3. Stack firewood on top of the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat griddle cooktop is evenly hot.

Step 2: Prep the Pumpkin

1. Wash and slice the pumpkin into even 1/2-inch wedges, removing seeds and stringy flesh.
2. In a small bowl, mix Vermont maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the syrup-spice mixture generously over both sides of the pumpkin slices.

Step 3: Grill the Pumpkin Slices

1. Place the pumpkin slices on the Arteflame flat top cooktop, close to the center but not directly over the grill grate to avoid scorching.
2. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, flipping once. Brush more maple butter mixture while grilling to build a caramelized crust.
3. Move slices to a cooler zone on the outer part of the cooktop if they are browning too quickly.
4. Grill until the pumpkin is fork-tender and lightly crisped along the edges.

Tips

• Stick with sugar pumpkins for the best texture and flavor.
• Use butter over oil for deeper flavor and a more caramelized sear.
• The inner ring of the flat cooktop is hotter—use this for initial searing, then move slices outward to finish cooking evenly.
• Keep a small basting brush nearby to glaze the pumpkin as it grills.
• Let the grill burn itself out after cooking—no heavy cleaning needed.

Variations

1. Spicy Vermont Pumpkin Slices: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the spice mix for a sweet and spicy kick.
2. Honey Ginger Pumpkin Slices: Swap maple syrup for local honey and mix in freshly grated ginger for added warmth.
3. Balsamic Glazed Pumpkin: Use a balsamic reduction drizzled over the slices for a savory-sweet balance.
4. Brown Sugar Bourbon Pumpkin: Replace maple syrup with brown sugar and add a splash of bourbon for a richer depth.
5. Herbed Garlic Pumpkin Slices: Skip the sweet and brush with herbed garlic butter for a savory grilling variation.

Best pairings

• Grilled pork chops or chicken thighs for superb sweet-savory balance.
• A crisp Vermont cider or light-bodied Pinot Noir.
• Warm bread with whipped maple butter on the side.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or charred green beans from the same cooktop.
• Finish with grilled apples for a perfect fall dessert.

Conclusion

These Vermont Maple Pumpkin Slices are a celebration of fall flavor, grilled to perfection using the unique Arteflame cooking zones for optimal caramelization without charring. With the warmth of spices and sweetness of maple, these slices are sure to delight at your next autumn gathering.