This easy grilled pineapple is a sweet treat that will make your taste buds sing! With a touch of brown sugar, each slice caramelizes beautifully to create a lovely golden color.
What I love about this recipe is how quick it is. Just grill the pineapple slices, sprinkle with sugar, and watch them turn into a tasty dessert. Perfect for a summer BBQ! 🍍🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key for sweetness and flavor. If it’s not in season, you can use canned pineapple slices packed in juice. Just drain and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture on the grill.
Brown Sugar: This is essential for that caramelized coating. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can make your own by mixing white sugar with a bit of molasses. For a healthier option, coconut sugar works as a good substitute, though it might have a slight flavor difference.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor balance, but you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. This also adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs nicely with pineapple.
Cinnamon: While optional, cinnamon adds warmth. You could also try nutmeg or allspice for a different twist. If you want a spicy kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper works surprisingly well!
How Do You Grill Pineapple Perfectly Every Time?
Grilling pineapple is simple, but getting it just right makes all the difference! First, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat; this helps caramelize the sugars quickly while keeping the fruit juicy.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar thoroughly to create a sticky glaze for the pineapple.
- Brush both sides generously with this mixture, making sure to coat evenly to promote caramelization.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on it; the sugar can burn quickly if the heat is too high.
- Look for nice grill marks and a slight bubbling of the sugar; that’s your cue to flip the slices!
- Let the grilled pineapple cool slightly before serving; this enhances their sweetness.
How to Make Easy Grilled Pineapple With Caramelized Brown Sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful grilled pineapple dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 6-8 minutes to grill. So, in total, you’ll need around 20 minutes to have this sweet treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to get those perfect grill marks on your pineapple and ensures it caramelizes nicely.
2. Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it). Mix everything together until it’s well combined, making sure the sugar is fully incorporated.
3. Brush the Pineapple Slices:
Take your prepared pineapple slices and brush both sides with the brown sugar mixture. Ensure each slice is coated well for that delicious caramelized flavor!
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple slices directly on the grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until you see beautiful grill marks and the sugar begins to caramelize. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want them to stay juicy!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once grilled, carefully remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool slightly. Serve the warm pineapple slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and drizzle any additional caramelized brown sugar from the grill over it, if desired.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish your dish with fresh mint leaves for an added touch. Sit back, enjoy, and savor every sweet bite!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
While fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple slices if needed. Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture that can affect grilling. You may want to reduce the grilling time by a minute or so, as canned pineapple is already soft.
What if I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can easily substitute it with regular granulated sugar. For a similar flavor, mix granulated sugar with a bit of molasses — about 1 tablespoon of molasses to each cup of sugar will give you a quick homemade brown sugar. Just keep in mind that the caramelization might be slightly different in flavor.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold in salads or smoothies, or reheat it briefly on the grill or in the microwave for a warm treat. Just be cautious that reheating too long can make it mushy.
Can I Add Other Spices or Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or allspice, or add a splash of lime juice for a citrusy kick. You could also drizzle honey or maple syrup in place of some of the sugar mixture for added flavor complexity!
