South Dakota Sweet Corn and Bacon Skewers

Introduction

Bring the bold flavors of the Midwest to your table with these crispy, sizzling Sweet Corn and Bacon Skewers—South Dakota-style! Grilled to golden perfection on the Arteflame, the smokey char of firewood and the sweet crunch of corn blend beautifully with crispy, juicy bacon. Perfect for summer cookouts or as a flavorful side dish, this recipe maximizes the unique features of the Arteflame grill for a dish that tastes as amazing as it looks.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of fresh sweet corn, shucked and cut into 1-inch rounds
• 16 strips of thick-cut bacon, cut in half
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack seasoned firewood over the oiled napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build. The grill will be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prep the Skewers

1. Cut each bacon slice in half.
2. Wrap each sweet corn round with a piece of bacon and skewer them through the center to secure.
3. Repeat this process until all skewers are assembled, alternating corn and bacon for a pleasing visual balance.

Step 3: Season

1. In a bowl, mix the melted butter, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
2. Brush each skewer with the seasoned butter to enhance flavor and aid in caramelization.

Step 4: Grill on the Arteflame

1. Place the skewers on the flat cooktop griddle of the Arteflame grill, closer to the center for higher heat.
2. Sear each side until the bacon becomes crispy and the corn gains caramelized marks, about 10–12 minutes total, turning occasionally.
3. Slide skewers toward the outer edge of the cooktop if needed to slow cooking for more control.
4. Once the bacon is crisp and cooked through, remove skewers from heat.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
2. Serve hot off the grill with your favorite side dishes.

Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon to avoid burning before it crisps evenly.
• The melted butter gives the skewers a beautiful golden color—don’t skip it!
• Skewering through the corn prevents the bacon from unraveling as it shrinks during cooking.
• No need for pans—everything grills to perfection directly on the Arteflame flat cooktop.
• Remove any meats 15°F below your target internal temperature—they’ll continue cooking after leaving the grill.

Variations

1. Maple Bacon Skewers: Swap out the smoked paprika for a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and savory twist.
2. Spicy Chipotle Skewers: Mix 1 teaspoon chipotle powder into the butter for a smoky heat-packed version.
3. Cheddar & Bacon Skewers: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the skewers in the final minutes of grilling for a cheesy, melty finish.
4. Garlic Herb Skewers: Add minced garlic and fresh thyme to the butter for an herby, aromatic layer of flavor.
5. BBQ Bacon Skewers: Glaze the skewers with your favorite barbecue sauce for a slathered, sticky treat.

Best pairings

• Grilled cornbread with honey butter
• Chilled sweet tea or craft beer from a South Dakota microbrewery
• Fresh tomato and cucumber salad for a refreshing side
• Smoky mac and cheese cooked on the Arteflame flat top
• Grilled peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert

Conclusion

These South Dakota Sweet Corn and Bacon Skewers are unforgettable and incredibly easy to make on the Arteflame grill. With golden seared corn and crisp bacon infused with smoky wood-fired flavor, these skewers are a must-try for any grilling enthusiast. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and pairings to create your ultimate summer feast!