North Carolina Charred Brussel Sprouts & Country Ham

Introduction

If you're craving a rustic, flavorful Southern side that pops with smoky depth and irresistible char, you’ll love this North Carolina Charred Brussel Sprouts with Country Ham recipe. Grilled on the Arteflame, this recipe turns humble ingredients into a showstopper. With the Arteflame grill, you get beautiful caramelization and a smoky kiss from real wood fire, giving you charred edges and tender centers—all without pots, pans, or burners. Let's fire up the grill and bring serious flavor right to your backyard.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 oz North Carolina country ham, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for finishing)

The Sear Makes the Steak, And Arteflame Makes the Sear

Why settle for low-temperature searing when you can achieve steakhouse-quality results with an Arteflame? Gas grills take longer, drying out your steak, while the Arteflame sears at 1000°F in just one minute, locking in juices for perfection.

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Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a few drops of vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill, right where the firewood will go.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the napkins.
4. Allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F and the surrounding flat cooktop is evenly hot.

Step 2: Prep the Brussel Sprouts

1. While the grill is heating, halve all the Brussel sprouts and toss them with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (optional).
2. Finely chop the North Carolina country ham and set aside.

Step 3: Char the Brussel Sprouts

1. Once the cooktop is hot, add butter near the inside edge of the griddle where it’s hottest.
2. As the butter melts and sizzles, place the Brussel sprouts cut side down along the inner edge of the flat cooktop.
3. Sear for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and charred, adjusting placement for even caramelization without burning.

Step 4: Add the Country Ham

1. Sprinkle the chopped country ham over and around the Brussel sprouts on the griddle.
2. Let the ham sizzle in butter for 3–5 minutes until slightly crispy and browned.
3. Stir everything together to combine and allow flavors to meld for another 2 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Drizzle apple cider vinegar over the hot mix for a pop of acid just before removing from the grill.
2. Serve hot, straight off the Arteflame, as a standalone side or topped on a grilled protein.

Tips

• Use butter over oil for better flavor and beautiful browning on the flat cooktop.
• The center of the cooktop is hotter—perfect for initial searing.
• Avoid overcrowding the griddle to ensure even char.
• Remove meat or sprouts just shy of doneness—carryover heat will finish the job.
• Always cook over real firewood on the Arteflame for true wood-grilled flavor.

Variations

• Sweet & Spicy: Add a drizzle of hot honey and red pepper flakes for a kick of sweetness and heat.
• Maple Glazed: Swap apple cider vinegar for 1 tsp of pure maple syrup and add toasted pecans.
• Balsamic Bacon Deluxe: Use thick-cut bacon instead of country ham and finish with a balsamic glaze.
• Asian Inspired: Mix in a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil just before serving; garnish with sesame seeds.
• Cheesy Smoked: Add shaved smoked gouda just as the sprouts come off the grill for melty indulgence.

Best pairings

• Grilled bone-in pork chops (reverse seared)
• Smoked mac & cheese on the Arteflame flat top
• Sweet tea or dry cider
• Charred cornbread with butter
• Grilled peaches with vanilla glaze for dessert

Conclusion

This North Carolina Charred Brussel Sprouts with Country Ham recipe is the ultimate blend of smoky, salty, and tangy flavors grilled to crispy perfection. The Arteflame lets you cook every detail with precision and style—giving you the kind of flavor you just can’t replicate indoors. Want to win dinners? Serve this up at your next cookout.