If you’ve never tasted Grilled Pineapple, you’re truly missing out on one of summer’s most delicious and surprising treats! The magic of fresh pineapple paired with a buttery, spiced glaze gets supercharged by the heat of the grill, creating a dish that’s delightfully caramelized and bursting with tropical flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side at your next barbecue or as a dessert crowned with creamy vanilla ice cream, this simple recipe transforms humble fruit into something nothing short of spectacular. Trust me — once you experience Grilled Pineapple in all its smoky-sweet glory, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something so mouthwatering. Each item plays a special role—from balancing sweetness and spice to adding that irresistible golden finish—so be sure not to skip anything!
- Pineapple: Use a fresh, ripe pineapple for the juiciest, most flavorful result; cut it into thick rings or spears for easy grilling.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, rich sweetness and helps with those beautiful caramelized grill marks.
- Honey: Brings natural floral notes and a sticky glaze that clings to every bite.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just a sprinkle awakens the fruit’s flavor and infuses each piece with warm, cozy spice.
- Melted Butter: Gives the glaze richness and helps everything brown perfectly on the grill.
- Salt: A tiny pinch sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple
Step 1: Prep Your Pineapple and Glaze
Start by peeling and coring your pineapple, then cut it into generous ¾-inch rings or sturdy spears—both work beautifully! In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. This little mixture is pure gold, sticky-sweet with just enough spice to make each pineapple slice shine.
Step 2: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot; that’s how you get those fantastic sear marks and a lightly smoky flavor. If you’re using an outdoor grill, give the grates a good scrub and rub a bit of oil on them to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Brush and Glaze
Generously brush your pineapple pieces on all sides with the buttery brown sugar mixture. Make sure each slice is completely coated—this is the secret to getting those gorgeous caramelized edges and locking in the flavor.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Lay the glazed pineapple slices directly on the grill grates. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once you see deep brown grill marks. The pineapple should turn soft, glossy, and even more golden while the sugars start to caramelize.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Once your Grilled Pineapple is beautifully marked and tender, take it off the grill and let it cool for a minute or two. Serve warm—you’ll immediately notice the aroma of cinnamon and the lush, tropical sweetness. It’s pure summer on a plate!
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle your Grilled Pineapple with a touch more cinnamon, freshly chopped mint, or toasted coconut. If you’re feeling festive, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the ultimate treat. A quick drizzle of extra honey right before serving makes it even more irresistible!
Side Dishes
Grilled Pineapple plays nicely alongside all kinds of grilled meats—think juicy chicken thighs, spicy shrimp skewers, or even smoky pork chops. Its sweet tanginess balances savory mains and adds a fresh, tropical twist to your plate. For a light summer meal, pair it with a crisp salad or chilled rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a colorful twist, stack Grilled Pineapple rings between layers of grilled pound cake for a sweet-savory dessert. Cut the pineapple into bite-sized cubes and skewer them with strawberries and melon for fruit kebabs. Or, chop and toss warm Grilled Pineapple into a fresh salsa for scooping alongside nachos or grilled fish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grilled Pineapple keeps nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow the pineapple to cool completely before storing, and try to keep the pieces in a single layer to maintain their gorgeous caramelized surfaces.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Grilled Pineapple! Lay cooled slices on a baking sheet so they don’t stick, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen solid. The texture will be a little softer once thawed, but the flavor and caramel notes will still be delicious—perfect for smoothies or stirring into yogurt.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-grilled warmth, reheat your pineapple slices in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until heated through, or toss them back on the grill for a minute per side. Microwaving works in a pinch but may dull the caramel edges slightly.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple delivers the best grill marks and robust flavor, you can use canned rings in a pinch. Just drain and pat them dry before glazing, and handle carefully as they’re more delicate than fresh.
Is this Grilled Pineapple recipe vegan?
It’s super easy to make vegan! Simply swap the butter for melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter, and skip the honey in favor of maple syrup or agave nectar.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No outdoor grill? No problem! You can use a stovetop grill pan or even a well-oiled skillet. The pineapple might not get the classic char lines, but it will still caramelize and taste amazing.
How do I know when the pineapple is done?
Grilled Pineapple is ready when it’s golden, lightly browned at the edges, and tender to the fork. If in doubt, look for vivid grill marks and a glossy, slightly sticky glaze.
Can I add other flavors to the glaze?
Absolutely! A splash of dark rum, a bit of crushed ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add new depth to your Grilled Pineapple glaze. Customize it to match your menu or cravings!
Final Thoughts
There’s simply nothing like Grilled Pineapple to brighten up your table and make any meal feel like a mini vacation. Whether you serve it as a side, dessert, or even a brunch surprise, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let a little bit of tropical sunshine shine through every bite!
Print
Grilled Pineapple Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Grilled Pineapple is a simple and delicious summer side dish or dessert that brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit with a hint of caramelization from the grill. Perfect for BBQs or light, refreshing treats.
Ingredients
Fresh Pineapple:
1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears)
Brown Sugar Glaze:
2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon melted butter, pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, melted butter, and salt.
- Coat Pineapple: Brush pineapple slices with the glaze on all sides.
- Grill Pineapple: Place pineapple on grill grates and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and tender.
- Serve: Remove from grill and serve warm.
Notes
- This grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a light dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding a splash of rum to the glaze before brushing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
