Grilled New York Cheesecake Bites

Introduction

There's nothing quite like the combination of crunchy, caramelized exterior and creamy interior that you'll get with these Grilled New York Cheesecake Bites. By grilling them on the Arteflame’s flat top griddle, we bring out intense flavor and texture you can’t achieve any other way. The even heat of the solid steel griddle surrounds each slice with golden perfection while the butter sear creates an irresistible crust. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dessert is a showstopper every time.

Ingredients

• 1 New York-style cheesecake (store-bought or homemade, chilled overnight)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for dusting)
• Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack your firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the cooktop is hot and ready.

Step 2: Prepare the cheesecake

1. Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and cut it into bite-sized squares or triangular slices—about 1” thick.
2. Brush each piece lightly with softened butter on all sides.
3. (Optional) Lightly dust with granulated sugar for extra caramelization.

Step 3: Grill the cheesecake

1. Place each cheesecake bite on the Arteflame flat griddle cooktop near the center where it’s hottest, but not directly on the center grill grate.
2. Grill each side for 30–45 seconds until it develops a golden-brown caramelized crust.
3. Use a metal spatula to gently turn the bites and grill all sides.
4. Remove and cool slightly before garnishing.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

1. Add fresh berries and mint leaves on the serving platter for color and flavor.
2. Serve warm with a drizzle of berry coulis or chocolate sauce.

Tips

• Always grill the cheesecake chilled to prevent it from melting too quickly.
• Use butter for searing—it enhances flavor and leads to better caramelization than oil.
• Grill in small batches to maintain even caramelization and ease of turning.
• Don’t walk away; these grill up fast at high heat.
• Dusting with sugar before grilling gives you that crème brûlée-like crust.

Variations

1. Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake Bites: Use chocolate swirl cheesecake for a richer, cocoa-infused twist.
2. Lemon Zest Cheesecake Bites: Add lemon zest on top before grilling for a bright, citrusy finish.
3. Cinnamon Caramel Cheesecake Bites: Dust with cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar for added spice and depth.
4. Nut Crust Cheesecake Bites: Grill slices with a crushed nut base (like pecans or almonds) for extra crunch and flavor.
5. Berry Infused Cheesecake Bites: Top grilled bites with smashed fresh berries and a touch of honey or balsamic glaze.

Best pairings

• Espresso or cold brew coffee
• Chilled Prosecco or Moscato
• Fresh mixed berries with a balsamic glaze
• Grilled peaches or pineapple
• Vanilla bean ice cream served alongside

Conclusion

The Arteflame grill elevates New York Cheesecake Bites into caramelized perfection with a crispy exterior and creamy center—all without burning or needing an oven. A buttery sear locks in richness while the grill's precise heat zones let you control caramelization perfectly. This grilled dessert is a fun, unforgettable twist that's simple to make but sure to impress.