Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Sunkissed, caramelized, and bursting with juicy flavor, Grilled Pineapple is your secret weapon for impressing guests and treating yourself to something extraordinary. Whether you serve it as a colorful side, a surprising dessert, or a zesty addition to savory dishes, this recipe transforms an everyday fruit into a showstopper with just a few simple ingredients. Grilling makes the natural sugars pop and adds irresistible complexity—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grilled Pineapple lies in its simplicity, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that addictive blend of sweetness, spice, and golden char. These basics are all you need to create a dish that tastes anything but basic.
- Fresh pineapple: Look for one that’s heavy and fragrant; it provides all the juicy goodness and vibrant color.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and encourages that gorgeous caramelization on the grill.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Helps the sugar and spices adhere while adding a silky richness—coconut oil is a great vegan option!
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice and makes every bite feel cozy and familiar.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors, so don’t skip it.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple
Step 1: Prep the Pineapple
Peel, core, and slice your fresh pineapple into rings or spears, depending on your preference. Thicker slices hold up well on the grill and are a little easier to flip, so aim for about 1/2-inch thickness.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
In a small bowl, gently whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter (or coconut oil), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This luscious mixture is what transforms the humble pineapple into a caramelized treat with every flip of the grill.
Step 3: Brush the Pineapple
Lay your pineapple pieces out on a tray and brush each one generously with the sugar-butter-cinnamon glaze. Make sure each piece gets an even coating for the most flavor and best caramelization.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the pineapple directly onto preheated grill grates set to medium-high. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, turning once, until dark grill marks form and the edges become golden and bubbly. The aroma at this stage is pure tropical joy!
Step 5: Serve Warm
Remove the pineapple from the grill using tongs and serve right away while it’s still nice and warm. The caramelized surface and tender fruit are an unbeatable combination that tastes like sunshine on a plate.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple
Garnishes
For an easy but irresistible finish, sprinkle your Grilled Pineapple with a handful of toasted coconut flakes, a dusting of lime zest, or even a drizzle of honey. And for dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is pure heaven.
Side Dishes
This dish makes grilled favorites shine even brighter—serve alongside smoky barbecue chicken, juicy grilled shrimp, or spiced veggie kebabs. The sweet and tangy pineapple acts as a palate cleanser and adds a playful pop to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Chop the Grilled Pineapple and toss into summery salads, pile onto fish or pork tacos, or add rings to your favorite burgers for a bold tropical twist. For parties, skewer the pieces for a sweet appetizer everyone can grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Grilled Pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay juicy and flavorful for up to three days. The cinnamon and sugar will continue to mingle, giving the fruit even more depth.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of Grilled Pineapple for up to two months. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab just what you need for smoothies, sauces, or future grilling fun.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop slices on a hot grill for a minute or two, or warm briefly in a skillet. Microwaving also works in a pinch, but reheating on the grill will help you recapture that signature smoky flavor and caramelization.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple gives you the best texture and flavor, but you can use canned rings in a pinch. Just drain them very well and pat dry before grilling so they caramelize nicely and don’t stick.
What kind of grill should I use for Grilled Pineapple?
Both gas and charcoal grills work beautifully! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stove does the trick and gets you those lovely grill marks and a touch of smoky flavor as well.
Is Grilled Pineapple healthy?
Absolutely! Pineapple is naturally rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The added sugar is minimal, and you can always cut it back if you like. Plus, the fruit’s bright sweetness means you don’t need much else to make it shine.
How do I keep pineapple from sticking to the grill?
A light coating of melted butter or oil in the glaze helps prevent sticking, but for extra insurance, make sure your grill is nice and hot and the grates are clean and well-oiled before you start cooking.
Can I make Grilled Pineapple ahead of time?
Yes! Grill the pineapple a few hours ahead and serve at room temperature, or gently reheat it before serving. The flavors even deepen as they sit, making leftovers a treat in salads or with yogurt for breakfast.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about transforming ordinary pineapple into juicy, caramelized Grilled Pineapple—the way it sizzles, the aroma, the rush of warm tropical flavor. Whether you’re hosting a big backyard bash or treating yourself to a special weeknight dessert, this is one recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Go on, fire up that grill and watch smiles multiply!
Print
Grilled Pineapple Recipe
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Grilled Pineapple is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that balances the sweetness of pineapple with a hint of caramelization and warm spices. Perfect as a side dish or dessert, this tropical treat will be a hit at any summer gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt.
- Brush and Grill: Brush the seasoning mixture evenly over the pineapple. Grill the pineapple pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized with grill marks.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for a delightful dessert.
- Chopped grilled pineapple makes a great addition to tacos, salads, or burgers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 pieces
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
