Looking for a quick, easy, and delightful treat that’s full of flavor?Grilled Pineapple Recipe is the perfect recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn a fresh pineapple into a sizzling, sweet, smoky delight that will take your taste buds to new heights. Whether you’re grilling for a party, a BBQ, or simply looking for a unique dessert, this grilled pineapple is sure to impress.
Grilled Pineapple Recipe enhances its natural sweetness and caramelizes the sugars, creating a beautiful golden color and irresistible flavor. Plus, the combination of dark brown sugar, butter, and ground cinnamon gives it a rich, decadent taste that pairs perfectly with its juicy, tropical notes.
Not to mention, this grilled pineapple is incredibly versatile—you can serve it as a standalone treat, top it on your favorite ice cream, or pair it with grilled meats like chicken or pork for a delicious sweet and savory combo.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Grilled Pineapple Recipe
There are countless reasons why Grilled Pineapple Recipe is a must-try. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Grilled pineapple brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness, which is perfectly complemented by the brown sugar and cinnamon. The slight touch of dark rum adds a sophisticated flavor, though it’s optional if you prefer to keep it non-alcoholic.
Not only does grilling give the pineapple a smoky, caramelized exterior, but it also softens the fruit, making each bite perfectly tender and juicy. The subtle char marks that develop on the pineapple make it visually appealing, too—ideal for impressing guests at a barbecue or outdoor dinner party.
If you love grilled fruits, try pairing this with grilled honey mustard chicken for a fantastic meal that balances sweetness and savory flavors.
Ingredients Breakdown and Measurements
To make this irresistible grilled pineapple, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup dark rum (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
These ingredients combine to create the perfect marinade that infuses the pineapple with a rich, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Prepare the Pineapple
Start by using a sharp knife to carefully cut off both the top and bottom of the pineapple. Then, remove the tough rind by slicing downward, following the natural shape of the fruit. After the rind is removed, cut the pineapple into ¾-1 inch spears or rings. If you’ve cut rings, you can use a small cutter to remove the core from the center of each ring.
Once cut, place the pineapple pieces into a large zip-top bag and set it aside while you prepare the marinade.
Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- Melted butter
- Dark brown sugar
- Dark rum (if using)
- Ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
This marinade will infuse the pineapple with a sweet, rich flavor that enhances the natural taste of the fruit. If you prefer a more tropical flair, consider adding a splash of coconut curry sauce for a fusion twist!
Marinate the Pineapple
Once the marinade is well combined, pour it into the bag with the pineapple. Seal the bag and gently toss it to coat the pineapple pieces evenly with the marinade. Allow the pineapple to sit in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld and penetrate the fruit.
Grill the Pineapple
While the pineapple marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan to 375-400°F (medium heat). Once the grill is ready, place the pineapple pieces on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown with beautiful grill marks.
During grilling, be sure to brush the pineapple with the excess marinade as it cooks. This will enhance the caramelization process and create a lovely, sticky glaze that’s full of flavor.
If you’re grilling alongside other delicious foods, like BBQ ribs or grilled veggie skewers, this pineapple will make an incredible sweet side dish that balances the savory flavors.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your pineapple is grilled to perfection, transfer it to a platter and serve immediately. For an extra touch, garnish the grilled pineapple with fresh mint and lemon wedges for added color and freshness.
This grilled pineapple can be served as a standalone dessert or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing and indulgent treat. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes or cheddar bay biscuit ground beef cobbler for a sweet-salty combination.
Tips for Perfecting Grilled Pineapple Recipe
To ensure your grilled pineapple turns out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips:
- Don’t skip marinating: The marinade is key to getting the full flavor. Allowing the pineapple to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes will ensure it soaks up all the sweet, flavorful goodness.
- Don’t overcook: Grilling the pineapple for too long can make it mushy. Be sure to cook for just 4-6 minutes per side to get that perfect balance of tenderness and caramelization.
- Add a touch of spice: For an added kick, sprinkle a bit of chili powder or paprika on the pineapple before grilling to balance the sweetness with heat.
If you’re a fan of grilled fruit, you may also want to try grilled honey mustard chicken for a perfect pairing with grilled pineapple.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilled Pineapple Recipe
- Not cutting the pineapple properly: Make sure the pineapple pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Cutting them too thin could cause them to burn, while cutting them too thick may prevent them from grilling evenly.
- Overcooking the pineapple: Keep an eye on the grill, as pineapple cooks quickly. Overcooking it can result in a mushy texture, so stick to the recommended cooking time.
- Using too much rum: While rum adds depth of flavor, using too much can overpower the pineapple. Stick to the recommended ¼ cup of dark rum if you’re using it.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas
Grilled pineapple is versatile and can be paired with various dishes. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Grilled meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork for a sweet and savory combination.
- Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with honey, or top with whipped cream.
- Breakfast: Serve on top of pancakes or waffles for a tropical breakfast twist.
For a complete meal, pair it with garlic herb braided bread for a side that complements the sweet pineapple with savory goodness.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers are easy to store. Simply place any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes per side to bring back the caramelization. You can also enjoy it cold in fruit salads or smoothies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe without rum?
Yes! The rum adds a nice depth of flavor, but it’s optional. The grilled pineapple will still taste delicious without it.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a grill pan or even roast the pineapple in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and tender.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple will provide the best flavor and texture, but if you’re in a pinch, canned pineapple can be used. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly before marinating.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Grilled Pineapple Recipe is a simple yet delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet, smoky flavor and caramelized edges, it’s sure to become a favorite at your next BBQ or family gathering. Whether you serve it with ice cream, grilled meats, or just on its own, grilled pineapple adds a tropical touch to any meal.
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Print5-Minute Grilled Pineapple Recipe: Sweet, Smoky & Caramelized
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled Pineapple is a sweet, smoky, and perfectly caramelized treat made with fresh pineapple, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. This easy tropical recipe is perfect as a dessert or side at your next BBQ.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup dark rum (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Cut off the top and bottom, remove the rind, and slice into spears or rings. Remove cores from rings if desired.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, rum (optional), cinnamon, and salt.
- Marinate: Place pineapple in a zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, seal, and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
- Grill: Preheat grill to 375–400°F. Grill pineapple for 4–6 minutes per side, brushing with extra marinade as it cooks.
- Serve: Transfer to a platter and garnish with mint and lemon wedges if desired. Serve warm or with ice cream.
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili powder to the marinade for a sweet-heat balance.
- Alcohol-free version: Skip the rum—it’s still incredibly flavorful!
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently or enjoy cold in salads or smoothies.
- Don’t overcook: Grill just enough to caramelize without turning mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg



