If you’re looking for a dish that absolutely shouts “summer” and instantly brings a festive, tropical vibe to your table, then this Grilled Pineapple Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy, golden rings of pineapple, lightly carbonized from the grill and kissed with an irresistible blend of brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and butter. This dish transforms simple fruit into a caramelized, smoky-sweet treat you can eat as a side, a dessert, or even toss into salads. Whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself, it takes hardly any time and delivers maximum flavor—trust me, you’ll make it on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Pineapple Recipe comes together with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each playing a pivotal role in flavor and texture. You don’t need anything fancy: these kitchen staples work together to highlight the natural sweetness of fresh pineapple while adding depth, silkiness, and spice. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before firing up the grill.
- Pineapple: Use one ripe, fresh pineapple. Its juiciness and bright acidity become concentrated and luscious on the grill.
- Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like richness that melts beautifully, helping to create a gorgeous glaze on the pineapple.
- Honey: Promotes perfect caramelization and brings a silky, floral sweetness balancing the tart pineapple.
- Melted Butter: Lends a touch of lusciousness and helps the sugar and spices adhere to every slice.
- Ground Cinnamon: Gives a warm, cozy spice note that takes the flavor profile to dessert territory.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness for that “can’t-stop-eating” appeal.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pineapple
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your pineapple into beautiful 1/2-inch rings. Uniform slices help everything cook evenly, so take a moment to cut them with care. This step sets the stage for those gorgeous grill marks and that perfect bite-after-bite consistency.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This glossy mixture is pure magic—sweet, aromatic, and ready to soak into the fruit. Make sure there are no lumps, so it spreads easily over each pineapple slice.
Step 3: Brush the Pineapple
Next, brush both sides of each pineapple ring generously with your glaze. This not only guarantees a stunning, flavorful crust but also helps the fruit stay moist as it grills. Don’t be shy—coat every nook and cranny!
Step 4: Grill to Caramelized Perfection
Place your sweet-glazed pineapple rings directly onto a preheated grill set to medium-high. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for deep, defined grill marks and bubbling caramelization, all while the slices soften and turn golden. Flip carefully and watch them turn insanely tempting right before your eyes!
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once your pineapple is beautifully charred and fragrant, remove the slices from the grill. Serve them warm, so every gooey, golden bite is at its prime. All that’s left is to watch them disappear!
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
You can’t go wrong by adding a few finishing touches to your Grilled Pineapple Recipe. Try a squeeze of fresh lime over the top to sharpen the sweetness, or sprinkle on some chili powder for a little heat. For a fun dessert twist, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over warm pineapple is like pure summer in a bowl.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a dream alongside grilled meats or veggie kabobs at your next cookout. It also pairs beautifully with coconut rice, crisp salads, or barbecue beans for a burst of tangy sweetness that balances savory flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Cut the rings into chunks and skewer them for a fun kabob presentation, or chop them up and toss into a tropical salsa. Layer slices over pancakes or French toast for brunch, or use them to top grilled pound cake at your next dinner party—the possibilities are endless with the Grilled Pineapple Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra grilled pineapple (though that’s a rare occurrence!), just let the slices cool and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days and taste just as delicious cold in a fruit salad or on their own as a refreshing snack.
Freezing
Grilled pineapple freezes surprisingly well. Lay cooled slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or sealed container. They’ll keep their flavor for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge before using in smoothies, desserts, or as a fruity topping for breakfast bowls.
Reheating
To rewarm leftover pineapple, pop the slices back on a hot grill for a minute or two on each side, or use a nonstick skillet. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, too—just note the texture will be softer. Always heat only what you’ll use right away to maintain that delectable, just-grilled flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this Grilled Pineapple Recipe indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, try using a grill pan on your stovetop. The results are just as caramelized and delicious, and you’ll still get those lovely marks everyone loves.
How do I choose the best pineapple for grilling?
Look for pineapples that feel heavy for their size, have a sweet aroma, and yield slightly when pressed at the base. These clues signal a ripe, juicy fruit that will be bursting with flavor once grilled.
Is this Grilled Pineapple Recipe vegan?
It can be! Just swap out the melted butter for a plant-based alternative or use coconut oil. Every other ingredient fits perfectly into a vegan grilling menu.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the glaze up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature or gently rewarm it to make brushing easy once you’re ready to grill.
What are some ways to use leftover grilled pineapple?
Leftover slices are amazing chopped into salsa, stirred into yogurt parfaits, added to tacos, or tossed into a stir fry for a sweet, tangy punch. Honestly, they never last long at my house!
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Pineapple Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and truly one of those little kitchen secrets that make any gathering feel extra special. It’s quick, vibrant, and delivers a tropical wow-factor every single time. Give it a try next time you fire up the grill—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients transform into something utterly memorable. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this recipe, too!
Print
Grilled Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy the sweet and smoky flavors of this Grilled Pineapple recipe. Perfect as a side dish or a light dessert, this dish is quick and easy to make, adding a tropical touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch rings
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt.
- Brush the pineapple: Brush the sugar mixture over both sides of each pineapple slice.
- Grill the pineapple: Place the pineapple rings on the grill grates and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly softened.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, try a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of chili powder before grilling.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
