Grilled Pineapple

If you’re looking for a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Grilled Pineapple recipe is just the ticket! There’s something magical about the caramelization that happens when you grill fresh pineapple. The natural sugars intensify, creating a warm and inviting flavor that’s simply irresistible. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a family dinner, or just treating yourself after a long day.

What I love most about grilled pineapple is its versatility. You can serve it as a dessert with ice cream, add it to salads for a refreshing twist, or even enjoy it alongside savory dishes like grilled chicken or fish. It’s easy to make and always impresses!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet, smoky flavor of grilled pineapple.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the pineapple ahead of time and grill it just before serving!
• Perfectly Sweet: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it solo or pair it with your favorite toppings like ice cream or whipped cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need to make this delicious Grilled Pineapple!

• 1 fresh pineapple
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup dark vanilla extract (alcohol-free), optional
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch salt

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and try these fun variations:

• Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
• Try Different Sweeteners: Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
• Mix in Citrus: Add some orange or lime juice to the marinade for an extra zesty touch.
• Go Tropical: Toss in some coconut flakes on top after grilling for an island-inspired twist!

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Start by using a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple and remove the rind. This step gives you nice clean spears or rings that will grill evenly. Cut them into 3/4-1-inch thick pieces and use a small cutter to remove the core from each ring. Place these delicious pieces into a large zip-top bag.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract (if using), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until everything is combined perfectly. This marinade adds layers of flavor to your pineapple. Pour it into the bag with your pineapple pieces and gently toss to coat each piece well. Let them hang out in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes; this allows those flavors to soak in deeply.

Step 3: Grill It Up

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium heat until it reaches around 375-400°F. Place your marinated pineapple on the grill and let it cook for about 4-6 minutes per side. Remember to brush each side with any leftover marinade while grilling—this keeps everything moist and flavorful!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your grilled pineapple has those lovely char marks and is caramelized to perfection, transfer it onto a platter. Serve immediately while it’s warm, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream on top! Enjoy every bite of this sweet treat!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Pineapple

Grilling pineapple is a delightful way to enhance its natural sweetness, and these tips will help you nail it every time!

• Choose a ripe pineapple: A ripe pineapple will have a sweet aroma and slightly soft skin. This ensures the best flavor and texture when grilled.
• Let the marinade work its magic: Marinating the pineapple for 20-30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the fruit, resulting in a more delicious end product.
• Preheat your grill: Ensuring your grill or grill pan is hot enough will give you those beautiful grill marks and caramelization that makes grilled pineapple so appealing.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give each piece enough space on the grill to cook evenly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of grilling, affecting the texture.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add more spices or even a splash of citrus juice to your marinade for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is not just a dish; it’s an experience! Serve it up in creative ways that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh mint: A sprinkle of mint adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the grilled pineapple.
• Toasted coconut flakes: These add a lovely crunch and tropical vibe that complements the fruit beautifully.
• A drizzle of honey or agave syrup: For those who desire an extra touch of sweetness, this is an excellent finishing option.

Side Dishes

• Coconut rice: The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs perfectly with grilled pineapple, making for a tropical treat.
• Quinoa salad with black beans: This hearty salad introduces protein and fiber while maintaining lightness, making it a great counterpart.
• Grilled vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add color and flavor diversity alongside your sweet grilled treat.
• Vanilla bean ice cream: The cold creaminess of ice cream contrasts wonderfully with warm, caramelized pineapple, creating a dessert that’s hard to resist.

With these ideas in mind, you can serve up grilled pineapple as both a stunning standalone dessert or as part of an unforgettable meal. Happy grilling!

Make Ahead and Storage

This grilled pineapple recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the sweet, caramelized flavor anytime you want a quick dessert!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the grilled pineapple to cool completely.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap individual pieces of grilled pineapple in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the grilled pineapple on a grill pan over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave for about 30 seconds or until heated to your liking.

FAQs

Have questions about making this delicious grilled pineapple? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I use canned pineapple for grilling?

While fresh pineapple is recommended for its texture and sweetness, you can use canned pineapple. Just make sure to drain it well before grilling.

How do I know when my Grilled Pineapple is done?

Your grilled pineapple will be ready when it has nice grill marks and caramelizes slightly. It should be warm and tender but not mushy.

Can I add spices to my Grilled Pineapple?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or ginger along with cinnamon for added flavor.

What should I serve with Grilled Pineapple?

Grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or as a topping on pancakes and waffles.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this delightful grilled pineapple! It’s not just a treat but a lovely way to bring some sunshine into your day. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with family and friends. Happy grilling!