Sweet Maple Glazed Onions – New Hampshire BBQ Style

Introduction

These Sweet Maple Glazed Onions are a quintessential New Hampshire favorite with a smokey, sweet kiss from the flat top of the Arteflame grill. By nixing pots and skipping the oven, you let the steel cooktop do all the work — resulting in juicy, golden, flame-licked goodness that's the perfect companion for grilled meats, burgers, or even pizzas. Fire up your Arteflame — you’re about to create the best onions you've ever tasted.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), thickly sliced into ¾-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons pure New Hampshire maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• Optional: pinch of smoked paprika for added depth

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up Your Arteflame Grill

1. Place 3 paper napkins in the center of the grill and drizzle with vegetable oil.
2. Stack seasoned hardwood firewood on top.
3. Light the oiled napkins and let the grill heat for approximately 20 minutes until the flat cooktop reaches a searing temperature — hotter in the center, cooler on the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Onions

1. Slice onions into thick ¾-inch rings and keep the rings intact for easy flipping.
2. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with maple syrup, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.

Step 3: Grill the Onions

1. Brush the cooktop with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Place onion rings on the flat top griddle near the hotter center for initial caramelization.
3. Brush generously with the maple butter glaze.
4. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, flipping once, brushing the other side with glaze again.
5. Move onion rings toward outer edges if needed to avoid over-caramelizing.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Once onions are deeply caramelized and tender, remove from grill.
2. Brush with a final application of maple butter just before serving.

Tips

• Use metal spatulas to flip onions gently to avoid breaking them.
• To keep rings from falling apart, try skewering them or grilling on a cast iron tray.
• Pure New Hampshire maple syrup adds the best flavor; avoid artificial versions.
• Start onions near the center for caramelization, then slide outwards to prevent burning.
• Pair grilled onions with seared steaks or burgers for a complete flavor profile.

Variations

1. Balsamic Maple Onions: Add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar to the maple glaze for tanginess.
2. Spicy Maple Onions: Stir in ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
3. Garlic-Herb Maple Onions: Add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon chopped thyme to the butter glaze.
4. Smoky Bourbon Maple Onions: Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the maple glaze for rich, smoky depth.
5. Honey-Dijon Glazed Onions: Substitute maple syrup with equal parts honey and add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.

Best pairings

• Reverse-seared ribeye steaks or burgers
• Smoked pork loin or rotisserie chicken
• Grilled corn on the cob with smoked butter
• Roasted potatoes cooked on the Arteflame griddle
• Crispy artisan flatbreads cooked alongside with garlic butter

Conclusion

Nothing captures the warmth of a New Hampshire backyard like these Sweet Maple Glazed Onions grilled right on the Arteflame. With their gorgeous sear and glistening coat of rich maple, they’re the perfect companion to any grilled dish. Plus, the hassle-free grilling method — without pots, pans, or a lid — means you're cooking smarter, not harder.