When cool temperatures creep into the forecast, it’s time to prepare your restaurant with delicious fall wood-fired recipes. Nothing beats cooking over an outdoor wood fire to make fall favorites. The fire’s warmth can enhance any vegetable, fruit or meat cooked over it.
Fall is a great time to cook outside because the temperatures allow your kitchen to get hot without the discomfort of summer. People also love the taste of foods cooked over a wood fire. All of these foods taste amazing when cooked over a wood fire this fall.
What makes apple pork chops a great fall recipe?
Pork chops and apples are the perfect combination for a wood-fired recipe. Cook these thick-cut chops over a wood fire with apples that caramelize on the grill.
| Recipe | Ingredients | Type of Wood | Instructions |
| Pork Chops | Pork Chops, bone-in, 14 oz | Apple Wood or Pecan | Cook on medium-high |
| Apples | Honeycrisp or Granny Smith | Apple Wood | Roast apples on fire |
| Glaze | Cider, Brown Sugar, Sage | Reduce over open flame |
Start by brining your pork chops in apple cider, salt and fresh thyme for 4 hours. Light your grill with some sweet apple wood and some oak to get a good medium-high heat. Once your coals are ready, place the chops directly on the grill and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side. Move to the cool side of the grill.
Place a cast iron pan on the grill over the flames. Add the sliced apples, butter, brown sugar and sage. Cook until the apples are nice and caramelized. Spoon over your chops and serve.
How do you cook a smoked turkey breast on a wood fire?
Cooking a turkey breast on the wood fire will give you a moist, juicy bird. The wood will give the turkey a nice smoke flavor, and the maple will give it a nice glaze.
* Use a turkey breast that has skin on it to help keep the meat from drying out.
* Keep your grill temp at around 275 degrees.
* Apply the maple glaze during the last 20 minutes of cooking time.
Smoke your turkey with a lighter wood such as maple. This will give the turkey a nice light smoke flavor. Once your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, let it rest for 15 minutes. The glaze will set on your turkey, and you are ready to carve.
What is the best way to cook butternut squash on the wood fire?
Cut your butternut squash in half and score the inside to cook it over the wood fire. The fire will cook the inside of the squash and caramelize its sugars.
Score the inside of the butternut squash and rub with olive oil, salt and nutmeg. Place the squash cut side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You want the squash to have a nice sear on the outside.
Flip the squash and place a pat of butter and cinnamon in the middle. Cover and cook until a knife can go through the squash easily. Top with some pepitas and a drizzle of honey.
Why are root vegetables good on the wood fire?
Root vegetables are great on the wood fire because they can take on the flavor of the fire. Carrots, parsnips and beets all have a great flavor when roasted on the wood fire.
Take your carrots, parsnips and beets and toss them with canola oil, salt and rosemary. Place them on a grill pan over medium heat. Shake the grill pan to make sure all sides of the vegetables are getting char marks.
Once the vegetables are tender, they will have a nice caramelized taste. Serve them on the side of any meat that you are cooking. Top with some fresh parsley and goat cheese.
Why is ribeye a great wood-fired recipe?
Ribeye is one of the best steaks to cook on the wood fire. The fat renders out of the meat and gives it great flavor. Finish your steak with fresh herbs and butter.
| Cut of Meat | Grill Temp | Herbs to Use | Serving |
| Ribeye Bone-In 20 oz | High Heat | Rosemary, Thyme, Garlic | Slice & Serve |
| Delmonico 16 oz | Medium High | Sage, Shallot, Smoked Salt | Serve Whole |
Pick a thick-cut ribeye with good marbling. Season your steak with salt and pepper 2 hours before cooking. Build your fire with hickory for high heat and good smoke flavor.
Place your steak on the grill and sear for 3 minutes on each side. Move to the cooler side of the grill and add the herbs and butter to the steak. Rub the herbs on the steak until it reaches your desired temp.
How do you make apples and cinnamon on the grill?
To make apples and cinnamon on the grill, core your apples and fill them with brown sugar and cinnamon. Place them on the grill and cook until tender.
- Core 4 apples, leaving the bottom on.
- Fill with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, oats and pecans.
- Wrap in foil and place on the outer edges of the coals.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes until apples are tender.
Unwrap your apples and place in a bowl. Top with some vanilla ice cream and enjoy.
What woods should you use for fall recipes?
You can use many woods for fall wood-fired recipes. Some of the best woods to use are hickory, pecan, maple and fruit woods.
Here are some woods and what they pair well with:
- Apple wood: Pork chops, chicken and fruit
- Pecan: Squash, root vegetables and red meats
- Hickory: Ribeye and game meats
- Maple: Turkey, duck and vegetables
Use these fall wood-fired recipes to inspire your menu this season.
Cooking these fall recipes on your wood fire will give you the best flavors. With the right equipment, you can cook these recipes with ease. Aztec Grill has the best commercial wood-fired grill on the market. Our grills are built with quality materials that will last you for years to come. Check out our website to learn more about our grills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use wood chips on my grill?
You can use wood chips, but it is better to use wood. When you cook fall recipes, you want a good bed of coals. This will give you the best results when cooking your vegetables and meats.
Q. What temperature should I cook my squash at?
Keep your grill at medium heat when cooking squash. Aim for about 350-375 degrees. This lets your squash caramelize without burning.
Q. How do I keep my glaze from burning?
Apply your glaze at the end of your cook time. If you apply it too early, it will burn on the grill. Apply your glaze during the last 10-15 minutes of cook time.