This easy grilled pineapple is a sweet treat! With a touch of caramelized brown sugar, each slice becomes a delicious dessert that’s perfect for summer cookouts.
The sizzling sound of pineapple on the grill is music to my ears! I love serving it with ice cream for a yummy twist. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! 🍍🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is essential for the best flavor. If you’re short on fresh fruit, try using canned pineapple in juice, but drain it well before grilling. Fresh fruit, however, will always yield the best results.
Brown Sugar: This is the secret to that sweet caramelized crust. If you want a less intense sweetness, you can swap it for coconut sugar or even regular granulated sugar, although the caramelization might be less rich.
Cinnamon: Adding this spice gives a warm flavor to the grilled pineapple. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out, or try nutmeg for a different twist.
Butter: While melted butter adds richness, you can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. It also complements the pineapple’s tropical flavor!
Fresh Lime or Orange Wedges: These are optional but recommended for a zesty lift. You could also use other citrus fruits like lemon or even a splash of mint for freshness.
How Do I Get Perfect Grill Marks on My Pineapple?
Getting those beautiful grill marks on pineapple requires some attention. Start by preheating your grill properly. Here’s how to achieve perfection:
- Ensure your grill is hot, around medium-high heat.
- Brush the pineapple slices with melted butter so they don’t stick and to give them a nice flavor.
- Once on the grill, avoid moving them around too much. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip carefully to keep those marks.
- Check the slices; they should have caramelized edges and those lovely grill lines!
By following these steps, you’ll impress everyone with beautifully grilled pineapple that’s deliciously sweet!
Easy Grilled Pineapple With Caramelized Brown Sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings or wedges
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Cooking spray or oil for grilling
- Fresh lime or orange wedges for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to grill. So, in approximately 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important so your pineapple gets nice seared marks and caramelizes well!
2. Prepare the Sugar Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon if you’re using it. This sweet mix will give the pineapple a lovely caramelized flavor. Set this bowl aside for later!
3. Brush the Pineapple:
Take your pineapple slices and brush them lightly with the melted butter. Make sure each slice is evenly coated for the best flavor!
4. Add the Sugar Mixture:
Now, sprinkle the brown sugar mixture generously over both sides of the buttered pineapple slices. Make sure they are nicely covered so they can caramelize perfectly on the grill.
5. Grease the Grill:
Lightly grease the grill grates with some cooking spray or a little oil. This will help prevent the pineapple from sticking when you grill it.
6. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the prepared pineapple slices on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until you see beautiful grill marks and the sugar starts to caramelize. Watch them closely to avoid burning!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they are grilled to perfection, carefully remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool slightly. This will make them easier to handle.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your warm grilled pineapple slices with fresh lime or orange wedges for a zesty touch. Enjoy this delicious treat as a side or dessert!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds a wonderful texture and flavor to this dish. Just ensure you choose a ripe pineapple for the best sweetness. If using canned pineapple, you might want to rinse and drain it well to remove excess syrup.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
No problem! You can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tablespoon molasses per cup of sugar) for a similar flavor. Alternatively, regular granulated sugar will work fine, but it won’t provide that rich caramel taste.
How Should I 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 gently on the grill or in a skillet before serving.
Can I Add Other Spices or Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or chili powder for a kick. You can also top the grilled pineapple with a drizzle of honey or serve it with ice cream for a delicious dessert!
