Introduction
This recipe brings together the savory snap of a grilled hot dog and the sweet, golden flavor of pure New Hampshire maple syrup. Made entirely on the Arteflame grill, this dish utilizes the high-temperature center grate for searing and the cooler flat griddle for finishing your food to perfection. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing meal with a unique twist that tastefully showcases New Hampshire flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 high-quality beef or pork hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns
- 2 tbsp butter, for toasting buns
- 1/4 cup pure New Hampshire maple syrup
- Optional toppings: diced onions, sauerkraut, pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, spicy mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Place three paper napkins soaked in vegetable oil into the center fire bowl.
- Stack dry firewood over the napkins, light the napkins, and let the fire build up.
- Wait about 20 minutes until the center grill grate hits 1,000°F and the flat griddle is evenly heated across its zones.
Step 2: Sear the Hot Dogs
- Place the hot dogs directly on the center grill grate to give them a beautiful char and snap.
- Sear for 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
- Move the seared hot dogs to the inner section of the flat cooktop griddle to maintain juiciness and cook them through evenly.
- Rotate them occasionally for about 5–7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (removing at 150°F ensures they finish cooking to 165°F off the grill).
Step 4: Toast the Buns
- Spread butter on the inside of each bun.
- Place the buns face down on the outer edge of the flat cooktop until golden and crunchy, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble
- Place each hot dog in a toasted bun.
- Drizzle immediately with warm New Hampshire maple syrup.
- Add optional toppings as desired and serve hot.
Tips
- Always remove meats 15°F before desired doneness—they continue cooking after removal from the heat.
- Use firewood for even heat distribution and authentic flavor.
- Butter adds richness that olive oil can’t match—especially for buns and griddle-grilled items.
- Place toppings like onions and sauerkraut on the outer flat griddle zone to warm them gently before serving.
- Keep maple syrup warm on the griddle edge in a small metal ladle for drizzle-ready sweetness.
Variations
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Maple Bacon Hot Dogs: Wrap each dog in bacon, sear, and finish with a maple glaze.
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Spicy Maple Dogs: Add a dash of cayenne or Sriracha to the maple syrup for sweet heat.
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Maple Cheddar Dogs: Top with sharp cheddar and allow it to melt on the flat top before adding to the bun.
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Apple Maple Dogs: Add thin apple slices grilled on the flat top for a fruity twist.
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New Hampshire Breakfast Dog: Top with a griddle-fried egg and maple drizzle for a breakfast-inspired bite.
Best pairings
- Maple baked beans grilled in a cast-iron pan on the flat griddle
- Grilled corn with a touch of butter and sea salt
- Crispy griddle potatoes cooked on the outer ring for added texture
- A chilled hard apple cider or a New England-style pale ale
- Fresh coleslaw mixed on site and kept cool beside the grill
Conclusion
Grilling these New Hampshire Maple Hot Dogs on your Arteflame grill gives you more than just a meal—it gives you a rich combination of seared meats, sizzling textures, sweet finish, and minimal cleanup. It's perfect for any gathering or quick weeknight dinner with a twist.