This grilled pineapple is shining in sweet brown sugar glaze, making it a tasty treat for any sunny day! It’s quick to make and the flavors will make you smile.
I love how the grill brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness. Just toss it on, watch it caramelize, and enjoy it warm—perfectly delicious on its own or on a scoop of ice cream!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is the best choice for this recipe because it gives a juicy sweetness. If fresh isn’t available, you could use canned pineapple slices in syrup—just drain and pat them dry before grilling.
Brown Sugar: This is key for that rich caramel flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses will work too. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar.
Unsalted Butter: I love using butter for a rich taste, but if you’re looking for dairy-free, coconut oil gives a nice flavor as well.
Honey: To keep things easy, maple syrup serves as a great substitute for honey, especially for vegans. It will still add a lovely sweetness.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth to the glaze. If you don’t have nutmeg, just omit it or use a pinch of allspice for a similar effect. Ground ginger could also be a fun twist!
How Do I Grill Pineapple Perfectly?
Grilling pineapple is simple, but a few tips can help you get that perfect char and flavor. Here’s what you need to know!
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the pineapple. This helps create those beautiful grill marks and caramelizes the sugar perfectly.
- Use a Good Brushing Technique: Apply the glaze generously, but save some for brushing during grilling. This helps keep the pineapple moist and flavorful.
- Timing is Key: Grill the pineapple for about 3-4 minutes per side. Look for grill marks and a slightly softened texture to know it’s ready.
- Resting: After grilling, let the pineapple sit for a minute. This allows the juices to settle, making each bite even tastier!
Enjoy this delightful treat grilled to perfection!
Easy Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into spears or thick slices
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Juice of half a lime (optional for extra zest)
- Fresh citrus slices (orange, lime, or grapefruit) for garnish and serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 8 minutes of grilling time. In total, you’ll need about 18 minutes to enjoy fresh and tasty grilled pineapple!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures your pineapple gets nice grill marks and caramelizes perfectly.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, honey, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined. This sweet glaze will give the pineapple its delicious flavor!
3. Prepare the Pineapple:
Take the pineapple spears and brush them generously with the brown sugar glaze on all sides. Make sure they’re well coated for the best taste!
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the glazed pineapple spears on the hot grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you see nice grill marks and the pineapple starts to caramelize. Don’t forget to brush on some extra glaze while grilling for added sweetness!
5. Add Zest:
Once the pineapple is grilled to your liking, remove it from the grill. If you want, squeeze some lime juice over the top for a burst of freshness.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm grilled pineapple on a platter garnished with fresh citrus slices. It makes a fantastic dessert or a fun side dish for grilled meats. Enjoy your sweet and smoky treat!
Happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to use canned pineapple rings or slices packed in juice or water. Drain them well and pat dry, as excess moisture may prevent caramelization on the grill.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar with a little molasses mixed in to mimic the flavor, or try coconut sugar for a healthier alternative. Both options will still provide a lovely sweetness!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and replace honey with maple syrup. The flavors will still be fantastic!
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through or enjoy it cold on a fruit salad!
