Pineapple spears tossed with cinnamon & sugar and grilled to absolute perfection. This Grilled Pineapple Recipe will easily become your new favorite recipe!
Grilled pineapple offers a succulent, caramelized texture with a perfect blend of sweetness and smokiness, creating a delightful tropical experience.
The texture is tender yet slightly firm, enhanced by the grill marks. The flavor is a mix of the natural sweetness of pineapple intensified by caramelization, complemented by a subtle smokiness from the grill.
The contrast between the juicy interior and the slightly crispy exterior creates a satisfying balance. This grilled Pineapple Recipe is a versatile and irresistible treat.
Ingredients for Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to create the grilled pineapple recipe: fresh pineapple, honey, butter, cinnamon, and optional vanilla ice cream. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the blend of flavors and textures, making the grilled pineapple a delicious and well-rounded treat.
- Pineapple Spears: The star ingredient provides a juicy, tropical base with a perfect texture for grilling, offering a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds rich sweetness and caramelization to the grilled pineapple, enhancing its overall taste and creating a delightful crust.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses warm and aromatic notes, complementing the sweetness of the pineapple and adding a layer of comforting flavor.
- Whipped Cream (Optional): Offers a light and airy texture, balancing the sweetness and adding a creamy element for a luxurious finish.
- Toasted Coconut (Optional Garnish): Introduces a nutty and crunchy texture, elevating the dish with a tropical touch and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple
Transform ordinary pineapple into a grilled masterpiece! Follow these simple steps to infuse sweet, caramelized goodness with hints of cinnamon, creating a tropical delight that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. This Grilled Pineapple will easily become your new family favorite.
- Heat grill.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour over pineapple, marinate 30 mins.
- Grill until caramelized, tender (2-3 mins each side).
- Serve promptly.
Why this recipe works
Your family will love this grilled pineapple recipe for its simplicity, delightful flavors, and the enjoyable experience of grilling together. It offers a quick, tasty treat that appeals to all ages, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or casual weeknight desserts.
- Simple Preparation: The straightforward steps make it accessible for all skill levels, ensuring success in creating a delicious grilled pineapple.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and grilling creates a harmonious blend of sweetness, warmth, and smokiness, appealing to a variety of taste preferences.
- Quick Cooking Time: With just 1-3 minutes on each side, the recipe offers a speedy cooking process, making it convenient for busy schedules while still achieving a flavorful and tender result.
Recipe tips and kitchen tricks
- Choose Ripe Pineapple: Opt for a ripe pineapple with a sweet aroma for the best flavor. A slightly firm texture ensures it holds up well on the grill.
- Preheat Grill Adequately: Ensure the grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat. This helps achieve those desirable grill marks and caramelization on the pineapple.
- Use Skewers for Easy Handling: Thread pineapple spears onto skewers before grilling. This not only makes flipping on the grill easier but also adds a stylish presentation when serving.
- Convenience Tip: Save time by buying pre-peeled and cored pineapple at the grocery store. It’s a convenient option that streamlines the preparation process, making this recipe even more accessible for busy families.
Recipe Variations
- Tropical Skewers: Thread pineapple chunks, along with other favorite fruits like mango and banana, onto skewers for a colorful and tropical fruit kebab.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spicy kick, balancing the sweetness with a hint of heat.
- Grilled Pineapple Sundaes: Serve grilled pineapple over vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce, and top with whipped cream and toasted coconut for a decadent grilled pineapple sundae.
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve the grilled pineapple on its own or alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic and indulgent pairing.
- Whipped Cream: Top the grilled pineapple with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy addition that enhances the dessert’s overall texture.
- Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut over the grilled pineapple to add a nutty crunch, bringing a tropical flair to the dish.
- Mint Garnish: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness that complements the sweet and smoky flavors of the grilled pineapple.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer grilled pineapple with Greek yogurt and granola for a wholesome and satisfying breakfast or snack option.
Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions
Storing: Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Freezing: While grilled pineapple is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Place cooled pineapple in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Consume within 1-2 months for the best quality.
Reheating: To reheat, allow frozen grilled pineapple to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can enjoy it at room temperature or briefly reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds if a warm treat is preferred. Avoid overcooking to retain its juicy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned pineapple for this Grilled Pineapple recipe?
I do recommend fresh pineapple for optimal flavor and texture, but you can use canned pineapple if fresh is not available. Drain well before grilling. You will also need to adjust the grilling time since canned pineapple is very soft.
What other fruits can be grilled with this recipe?
Mango, nectarines, and peaches work well. Experiment with your favorite fruits for a personalized twist.
Do I need to marinate the pineapple?
No, marinating is optional but enhances the flavor. Even a short 15-minute marination can infuse the pineapple with the cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Wine, Cocktail, and Beer Pairings
Wine Pairings:
- Moscato: The sweet and fruity notes of Moscato complement the caramelized sweetness of the grilled pineapple.
- Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling with its crisp acidity enhances the tropical flavors and refreshes the palate.
- Rosé: A dry or off-dry Rosé provides a well-balanced option, offering a touch of acidity to cut through the sweetness.
Cocktail Pairings:
- Pineapple Mojito: The minty freshness of a classic mojito complements the grilled pineapple’s sweetness.
- Spiced Rum Punch: The warmth of spiced rum in a punch pairs well with the caramelized and spiced notes of the grilled pineapple.
- Piña Colada: The classic combination of coconut and pineapple in a Piña Colada harmonizes with the tropical flavors of the grilled fruit.
Beer Pairings:
- Wheat Beer: The light and fruity profile of a wheat beer complements the sweet and tangy notes of the grilled pineapple.
- Pale Ale: The hoppy bitterness of a pale ale can contrast the sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor experience.
- Belgian Tripel: The complex and fruity character of a Belgian Tripel can elevate the grilled pineapple’s flavor with depth and richness.
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon-Sugar Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 whole pineapple , peeled, cored and cut into spears [See Note 1]
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Garnish:
- whipped cream
- toasted coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. [See Note 2]
- Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon until well combined.
- Pour cinnamon-sugar mixture over cut pineapple, coating all surfaces, and then marinate for 30 minutes. This allows the natural juices to for a glaze.
- Place pineapple on the prepared grill and cook until the sugars are caramelized and the pineapple is tender 1-3 minutes on the each side- depending on thickness.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Most grocers sell fresh pineapple rings or spears already cut with core removed. My store often has these pre-cut pineapples on sale at lower prices than whole pineapples.
- Not recommended for indoor grill surfaces as the sugars smoke a lot during caramelization.
Was so excited when I read this recipe! I looooove pineapple! 😋
This is my FAVORITE summer dessert. Feels like you’re cheating but still pretty healthy!