Tropical Paradise: Sizzling Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Sweet summer memories dance around this grilled pineapple recipe that promises a burst of tropical delight.

Juicy golden rings caramelize over crackling flames, releasing an intoxicating aroma.

Smoke and sugar intertwine, creating a magical transformation for your favorite fruit.

Backyard barbecues suddenly feel more sophisticated with these gorgeous charred slices.

Each bite brings a perfect balance between smoky notes and natural sweetness.

Neighbors might peek over the fence, drawn by the irresistible scent wafting through the air.

Serve these gleaming pineapple treasures alongside grilled meats or as a stunning dessert that will spark conversation.

Prepare to impress everyone with this simple yet spectacular culinary magic.

Why Grilled Pineapple Feels Like a Sweet Escape

• Transform ordinary pineapple into a caramelized, smoky-sweet treat that delights taste buds in minutes.
• Requires just 5 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Serve as a standalone dessert, ice cream topping, or alongside grilled meats for a surprising culinary twist that impresses guests without complex cooking skills.
• Offers a naturally sweet option with minimal added sugar, providing a guilt-free dessert that feels like a special indulgence while delivering nutrients from fresh fruit.

What You Need for Perfect Grill Marks

• Pineapple: Fresh, sweet tropical fruit that caramelizes beautifully when grilled, creating a delightful dessert or side dish.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel flavor and helps create a sweet, sticky glaze on the pineapple.

• Butter or Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning on the grill.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the pineapple's natural sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Lime Juice: Bright, citrusy finish that adds a fresh tang to the grilled pineapple.
• Fresh Mint: Provides a cool, aromatic herb note that brightens the dish.

Cooking Pineapple So It Caramelizes Naturally

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Ignite your grill and set the temperature to a sizzling medium-high heat around 400°F. Ensure the grates are clean and ready for grilling.

Step 2: Create Magical Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Ground cinnamon
• Tiny pinch of salt

Blend ingredients until they form a smooth, glistening coating.

Step 3: Prepare Pineapple Canvas

Slice fresh pineapple into even wedges or rings. Generously brush each side with the decadent glaze, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Carefully place pineapple pieces directly onto hot grill grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, watching for beautiful golden-brown caramelized marks and slight charring.

Step 5: Elevate and Garnish

• Fresh lime juice squeeze
• Sprinkle of chopped mint leaves
• Vanilla ice cream scoop

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the tropical sensation.

Tips to Keep the Fruit Juicy, Not Burnt

• Chill Pineapple Before Grilling: Refrigerate pineapple slices for 30 minutes before grilling to help maintain their shape and prevent quick burning.
• Control Grill Temperature: Keep grill heat consistent around 400F to achieve perfect caramelization without charring the fruit.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil grill grates before placing pineapple to ensure easy flipping and clean grill marks.
• Customize Seasoning: Experiment with alternative spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or vanilla extract to enhance the pineapple's natural sweetness.
• Serve Creatively: Top grilled pineapple with vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, or use as a topping for pancakes and waffles for a delightful dessert variation.

Store and Reheat Pineapple Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm slices gently in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning once to prevent burning.
• Wrap cooled pineapple slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• Chop cold pineapple into salads, yogurt, or blend into smoothies for a quick tropical twist.

What to Serve with Grilled Pineapple

• Craft a Caribbean-style rum cocktail with aged dark rum, featuring caramel and vanilla notes that complement the grilled pineapple's caramelized sweetness.
• Serve warm grilled pineapple slices atop creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a heavenly contrast between hot and cold, sweet and tangy textures.
• Top the grilled pineapple with light, airy coconut whipped cream, enhancing tropical flavors and adding a delicate, silky finish to the dessert.
• Create a luxurious topping by mixing mascarpone cheese with a touch of ground cardamom and honey, offering a rich, creamy complement to the charred pineapple.

New Flavors to Try on the Grill

• Coconut Caramel Pineapple: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar and drizzle with homemade caramel sauce for a tropical flavor profile.
• Vegan Honey Glazed Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of brown sugar for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Chili Pineapple: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy kick that elevates the grilled fruit.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of brown sugar, perfect for those watching their sugar intake or following a ketogenic diet.

Pineapple FAQs

• Is it necessary to use fresh pineapple for this recipe?

While fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple rings if fresh is unavailable. Just pat them dry before grilling to ensure proper caramelization.

• Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or a preheated oven broiler. The key is to get high, direct heat to create those beautiful caramelized grill marks and enhance the pineapple’s natural sweetness.

• How do I know when the pineapple is perfectly grilled?

Look for golden-brown grill marks and a slightly softened texture. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the pineapple should smell sweet and caramelized. Typically, 2-3 minutes per side is perfect.

• What if my pineapple is too ripe or not ripe enough?

For grilling, choose a pineapple that’s yellow with a slight golden color and gives a little when pressed. A perfectly ripe pineapple will have the best balance of sweetness and firmness for grilling.

Grilled Pineapple Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Hawaiian Grilled Pineapple brings tropical sunshine to summer barbecues with caramelized sweetness and smoky edges. Juicy golden rings promise a delightful dessert or side dish that will transport diners to island paradise.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) melted butter or coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) cinnamon
• 1 pinch of salt

Garnish Ingredients (Optional):

• Fresh mint
• Lime juice
• Honey

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Ignite the outdoor cooking surface to a robust temperature, targeting approximately 400 degrees fahrenheit for optimal caramelization.
2. Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking together rich brown sugar, velvety melted butter, aromatic cinnamon, and a delicate hint of salt in a compact mixing vessel.
3. Meticulously coat each pineapple slice with the prepared mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage on both surfaces.
4. Carefully position the glazed fruit directly onto clean, preheated grill grates, allowing direct heat contact.
5. Monitor the transformation as the pineapple transforms, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side until golden-bronze hues emerge and distinctive char lines develop.
6. Extract the grilled pineapple from the cooking surface with precision, transferring to a serving platter.
7. Elevate the dish’s complexity by optional garnishing – consider a zesty lime juice splash or scattered fresh mint leaves to enhance the tropical essence.
8. Serve immediately while the fruit remains warm, highlighting its caramelized exterior and juicy interior.

Notes

• Select ripe, firm pineapples with vibrant golden-yellow color for the best sweet-tangy flavor and caramelization potential.
• Slice pineapple evenly (about 1/2 inch thick) to ensure consistent grilling and prevent uneven cooking or burning.
• Use a clean, well-oiled grill grate to prevent sticking and achieve perfect charred grill marks without tearing the fruit.
• Experiment with alternative seasonings like chili powder, vanilla extract, or honey for diverse flavor profiles that complement the natural sweetness of pineapple.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts, Drinks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 148
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg