This grilled pineapple is a tasty treat that’s sweetened with a yummy brown sugar and rum glaze. The warm, caramel-like flavor pairs perfectly with the juicy pineapple. Trust me, it’s a win!
Every bite is like a mini-party in your mouth! I love serving it as a dessert or topping it on ice cream. It’s so easy to make, you’ll be the star of any BBQ in no time! 🍍✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple brings the best flavor and sweetness. If fresh isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple rings, but grill them for less time to avoid overcooking.
Brown Sugar: This adds caramel and molasses flavors to the glaze. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of white sugar) for a similar effect.
Dark Rum: It gives a rich flavor to the glaze. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, consider using apple juice or a mix of vanilla extract and orange juice instead.
Spices: Ground cinnamon adds warmth, while nutmeg gives a hint of spice. If you can’t find nutmeg, the dish will still taste great without it! Just use more cinnamon if you like.
How Do I Prepare the Pineapple Correctly?
Cutting a pineapple can seem tricky, but with the right steps, it’s easy! Start by cutting off the top and bottom to steady it, then stand it upright.
- Slice down the sides to remove the tough skin, following the curve of the fruit.
- Cut into rings about 1 inch thick for grilling; this thickness will help them stay juicy.
- Remove the core from each ring by cutting around it in a small circle; this part can be tough to chew.
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pineapple:
- 1 whole fresh pineapple
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and grill. You’ll spend around 5 minutes preparing the pineapple and glaze, followed by 10 minutes grilling. Perfect for a quick and tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple:
First, grab your pineapple and cut off the top and bottom to give it a stable base. Then, stand the pineapple upright and carefully slice down the sides to remove the tough outer skin. Once it’s skinned, cut the pineapple into rings that are about 1 inch thick, and make sure to remove the core from each ring—this gives you delicious, ring-shaped treats!
2. Make the Glaze:
Next, let’s whip up that sweet glaze! In a small saucepan set over medium heat, mix together the brown sugar, dark rum, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth, then let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes before removing it from the heat. The aroma will be fantastic!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the glaze cools a bit, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, get the coals glowing to ensure a great sear on the pineapple.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Now it’s time to grill! Brush your pineapple rings with some of that delicious brown sugar rum glaze on both sides. Place the glazed rings on the grill, and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to see nice grill marks and for the pineapple to caramelize slightly. Yum!
5. Glaze Again:
In the last minute of grilling, give the pineapple rings another brush with the glaze for an extra burst of flavor. This makes them just that much more delicious!
6. Serve:
Once they’re grilled to perfection, carefully remove the pineapple rings from the grill and serve them warm. Top each ring with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and drizzle with any remaining rum glaze. It’s all about that sweet and creamy goodness!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your grilled pineapple immediately and enjoy this amazing combination of sweet, smoky, and creamy flavors. Everyone will love this unique dessert!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
While fresh pineapple gives the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple rings in a pinch. Rinse them to remove excess syrup and pat them dry before grilling to help achieve a nice caramelization.
What Can I Substitute for Dark Rum?
If you don’t have dark rum on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of spiced rum for a similar flavor, or use apple juice or pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic option. Just note that you might want to add a bit more brown sugar for sweetness with the juice substitutes.
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, simply warm them gently on a grill or in the microwave until heated through. Use them in smoothies or salads for added flavor!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brown sugar rum glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir or warm it slightly to bring it back to a pourable consistency before using.
