This easy grilled pineapple is a sweet treat that you won’t be able to resist! The natural sugars caramelize when grilled, making every bite juicy and delicious.
I love how simple it is—just grill the pineapple and sprinkle on some brown sugar. It’s like a tropical dessert that’s ready in minutes! Perfect for summer barbecues! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is the star here! Look for a ripe one; it should smell sweet at the base and feel firm, yet slightly soft when you press it. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple slices in juice can be used, but grilling will be somewhat different.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds that rich sweetness. If you’re out, you can use white sugar with a tiny splash of molasses to mimic the flavor. Coconut sugar is also a great alternative for a more natural option.
Cinnamon: While cinnamon adds a warm spice, it’s optional. If you want a different flavor, try nutmeg or cardamom instead. Or simply omit it if you prefer the pure taste of grilled pineapple.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter enhances flavor and prevents sticking. You could use coconut oil if you’d like a different flavor, or even a butter substitute like vegan margarine if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
Mint Leaves: Fresh mint is a refreshing touch! If you don’t have it, consider using basil or even a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.
How Do I Grill Pineapple to Get Perfect Grill Marks and Caramelization?
Grilling pineapple is easy, but you want those beautiful grill marks and caramelization for great flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, as a hot grill helps caramelize the sugar quickly.
- Brush the slices with melted butter on both sides. This not only adds flavor but also prevents sticking.
- Initially place them sugar-side down on the grill to maximize caramelization. Don’t flip them too soon; wait until you see good grill marks.
- After grilling for about 3-4 minutes, flip and sprinkle more sugar on the second side. Keep an eye out to avoid burning.
- Once you achieve those golden-brown marks, remove the pineapple from the grill and serve warm. This brings out that delicious sweetness!
How to Make Easy Grilled Pineapple With Caramelized Brown Sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled pineapple recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 8 minutes for grilling. In total, you’ll need around 18 minutes. Quick, easy, and a perfect sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will give your pineapple a nice, smoky flavor as it grills. Make sure the grill is heated before adding the pineapple slices for the best results!
2. Mix the Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon (if you choose to include it). This sweet blend will give your grilled pineapple a lovely caramelized crust. Set the mixture aside for now.
3. Brush the Pineapple:
Take each slice of pineapple and brush melted butter on both sides. This helps prevent sticking on the grill and adds great flavor to the pineapple.
4. Sprinkle the Sugar Mixture:
Now, sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over one side of the pineapple slices. Make sure to cover them well to get that wonderful caramelization!
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple slices on the grill with the sugar side down. Grill for about 3-4 minutes until you see nice grill marks and the sugar starts to caramelize. The smell will be delicious!
6. Flip and Grill Again:
Carefully flip the pineapple slices over. Sprinkle a little more brown sugar on the freshly exposed side, and grill for another 3-4 minutes until it’s fully caramelized and warmed through.
7. Serve Warm:
Once done, remove the pineapple slices from the grill. Serve them warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warm pineapple and cold ice cream make a fantastic combination!
8. Final Touches:
If you like, drizzle any remaining melted butter or caramel sauce over the top. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving. Enjoy your sweet treat!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
While fresh pineapple offers the best texture and flavor, you can use canned pineapple. Just ensure to drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent caramelization.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can make a substitute using white sugar and molasses – mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses to create a similar flavor and color. Alternatively, raw sugar or coconut sugar can be great substitutes as well!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat it on the grill for a minute or two to warm it up again. It’s great in smoothies or as a topping for yogurt!
Can I Add Other Spices or Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile. You can also add toppings such as toasted coconut, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
