Easy Grilled Pineapple is a sweet and tasty treat that’s perfect for summer! Just slice fresh pineapple, sprinkle it with brown sugar, and grill it until it’s warm and caramelized.
This dish always surprises me with its fresh flavor. It’s like a mini party on a plate! Pair it with ice cream, and you’ll be smiling from ear to ear. 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe, sweet pineapple is essential for this recipe. If fresh pineapples aren’t available, you can use canned pineapple rings, though fresh gives a better texture and flavor.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds a rich sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a little molasses or use coconut sugar for a different flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your dish. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut oil works well, giving a subtle tropical taste.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but it adds warmth and spice. You could substitute it with nutmeg or leave it out if you’re not a fan of cinnamon.
Garnish: Fresh mint adds a nice touch, but you can skip it if you don’t have any. Additionally, you could use crushed nuts or shredded coconut for added texture.
How Do You Get Perfect Grill Marks on Pineapple?
Getting those beautiful grill marks on your pineapple is all about technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. A well-heated grill is crucial for good grill marks.
- Coat the pineapple rings lightly with cooking oil (like olive oil) or spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the pineapple rings on the grill at a diagonal angle for 3-4 minutes without moving them. This helps create those perfect cross-hatch marks.
- After 3-4 minutes, flip the rings carefully and grill for another 3-4 minutes. Again, don’t move them right away!
- Brush the caramelized brown sugar mixture on during the last minute for a tasty glaze.
Patience is key—don’t rush the grilling, and enjoy the process! Getting that caramelization just right enhances the flavor and makes it look fantastic.
Easy Grilled Pineapple With Caramelized Brown Sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
For the Caramel Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For Grilling and Serving:
- Cooking spray or olive oil for grilling
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of grilling, making the total time around 20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dessert you can enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will give you the perfect temperature to cook the pineapple evenly and achieve those beautiful grill marks.
2. Make the Caramelized Brown Sugar Mixture:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon (if you decided to use it). Keep stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. When done, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Pineapple Rings:
To prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill, lightly coat each ring with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. This little step will ensure they grill beautifully!
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple rings directly on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you see those lovely grill marks and the pineapple is tender. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
5. Add the Glaze:
In the last minute of grilling, take your caramelized brown sugar mixture and brush it over the pineapple rings. This will melt into a delicious glaze, adding a sweet touch right before you finish grilling.
6. Serve the Grilled Pineapple:
Once done, carefully remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and place them on serving plates. They are ready to be enjoyed!
7. Add Ice Cream and Garnish:
Serve the warm grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce over it for extra sweetness, and if you like, throw on a few fresh mint leaves to make it look pretty!
Enjoy your delicious grilled pineapple dessert!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but be sure to drain it well! Fresh pineapple has a firmer texture that holds up better on the grill. If using canned, grill for a slightly shorter time, about 2-3 minutes per side.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it up on the grill for a couple of minutes or microwave briefly until heated through. It’s great served cold in fruit salads, too!
What’s a Good Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of white sugar). Alternatively, coconut sugar or maple syrup can also work for a different flavor profile, but adjust the quantity according to your taste.
Can I Add Other Spices to the Brown Sugar Mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a unique twist. Just remember to start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preferences. Enjoy customizing!
