Grilled Pineapple Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that effortlessly captures the essence of summer and can instantly transport your tastebuds to the tropics, Grilled Pineapple is it! This recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet and smoky, with tender fruit caramelized to juicy perfection right on the grill. What I love most is how easy it is to rustle up and how it shines whether it’s served as a side, a dessert, or even the dreamy star of your barbecue spread. Every bite brings a burst of sunshine, and Grilled Pineapple is always a crowd-pleaser that disappears in a flash!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but so essential. Each one plays its own important role, from adding warmth and sweetness to bringing out that irresistible golden color on the grill.

• Fresh pineapple: The centerpiece of this dish! Choose a ripe, fragrant pineapple for the juiciest, sweetest flavor.
• Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps to achieve that glorious caramelization as the fruit grills.
• Dark brown sugar: Deep, molasses-y sweetness that creates a gorgeous sticky glaze.
• Dark rum (optional): Adds a lovely complexity and a punch of tropical aroma—feel free to skip if you prefer.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and a hint of spice that plays beautifully with the sweetness.
• Pinch of salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop and balance out the sugary notes.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prep the Pineapple

Start by grabbing a sharp knife and slicing off both the top and bottom of your pineapple. With a gentle sawing motion, carefully remove the thick rind, making sure to get those little “eyes” dotted around the fruit. Decide if you’d like elegant rings or classic spears, then slice to about a 3/4- to 1-inch thickness. If you’re going with rings, use a small cutter to punch out the tough core at the center. Now tuck all that beautiful pineapple into a large zip-top bag, ready for a sweet soak.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine your melted butter, dark brown sugar, and the optional splash of dark rum for extra island flair. Add in the cinnamon and just a pinch of salt. Whisk everything until you have a delectably smooth mixture—this will be the magical marinade that transforms your pineapple.

Step 3: Marinate the Pineapple

Pour the buttery marinade over your pineapple, seal the bag, and gently toss everything together so every piece is well coated. Pop the bag in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes. This little rest lets the flavors mingle and soak into the fruit, making it even more delicious once it hits the grill!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium—around 375 to 400°F. Once it’s hot, arrange the pineapple pieces in a single layer. Let them cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, brushing with the leftover marinade as they grill. Keep an eye out for those lovely deep grill marks and a glossy, caramelized finish.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

As soon as your Grilled Pineapple is caramelized and cooked through, transfer it to a platter. This treat is best served warm, straight from the grill, so gather everyone around and dig in while the flavor is at its peak!

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Garnishes

Grilled Pineapple sings with just a touch of flair—think a scatter of chopped fresh mint, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of honey. Each of these boosts the tropical vibe and adds a little extra sparkle to your platter.

Side Dishes

Pair Grilled Pineapple with savory skewers, grilled chicken, or even a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. The sweet-and-smoky notes play so well with spicy barbecue flavors, rich meats, or chilled creamy desserts.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving spears standing upright in a shallow glass for a fun, festive look, or use rings as a base for other grilled fruits. For a backyard party, tuck the pineapple into tacos with grilled pork, or chop it up for the world’s most addictive salsa. The possibilities with Grilled Pineapple are just about endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Grilled Pineapple (a rare occurrence!), stash it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay juicy and flavorful for up to three days—perfect for snacking or adding to quick meals.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the pineapple to cool completely, then arrange the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Thawed Grilled Pineapple works brilliantly in smoothies or baked goods, though it won’t be quite as firm as fresh off the grill.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover Grilled Pineapple in a skillet over medium heat or for a few seconds in the microwave. For a bit of that just-grilled magic, you can even briefly return cooled slices to the grill or a hot grill pan.

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Pineapple without rum?

Absolutely! The rum adds a bit of depth and a fun island twist, but your Grilled Pineapple will still be delicious and beautifully caramelized if you skip it—just replace with a splash of pineapple or orange juice instead.

How do I know when the pineapple is done grilling?

Look for deep golden grill marks and a glossy, slightly caramelized exterior. The fruit should be tender but not falling apart—it’s all about getting that lovely char while keeping those sweet juices locked in.

Can Grilled Pineapple be made indoors?

Yes! If you don’t have outdoor grill access, a grill pan on the stovetop works just as well. You’ll still get those enticing marks and fantastic smoky flavor right in your kitchen.

What’s the best way to cut a pineapple for grilling?

You can’t go wrong with either spears or rings. Just be sure to cut each piece thick enough (about 1 inch) so it holds up to the heat without losing its shape. Removing the core from rings also makes them easier to eat.

Is Grilled Pineapple vegan?

As written, this recipe includes butter, but it’s so easy to make vegan! Just swap in a plant-based butter alternative. Everything else already suits a plant-based lifestyle, so everyone can join in!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing Grilled Pineapple—whether you’re at a bustling barbecue or just looking for a sweet treat on a regular weeknight. Give it a try and see just how fast it becomes your go-to summer recipe!

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