This easy grilled pineapple is a treat! The sweet slices caramelize beautifully with brown sugar, making a tasty dessert or snack that’s perfect for warm days.
I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot and cold combo is just the best! Plus, who can resist that lovely caramel flavor? It’s a crowd-pleaser! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Pineapple: Look for a ripe pineapple; it should smell sweet at the base. If fresh isn’t available, canned pineapple (drained) can work, but fresh gives the best grill flavor and texture.
Brown Sugar: This adds rich sweetness. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar and mix in a little molasses to mimic that flavor, or just go with regular sugar if needed.
Butter: Butter enhances the caramelization. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can be great substitutes, adding their own unique flavor to the dish.
Cinnamon: Totally optional! It adds warmth but feel free to leave it out or use nutmeg if you prefer a different spice. The choice can change the profile a bit—both are tasty!
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream perfectly complements the warm, sweet pineapple. If you are looking for a dairy-free option, coconut or almond milk ice cream works wonderfully.
How Do You Prepare Pineapple for Grilling Without a Hassle?
Cutting and prepping the pineapple can be tricky if you’re not familiar, but here’s a simple way to do it:
- Use a sharp knife. Start by slicing off the top and bottom. This gives you a stable base to work with.
- Stand the pineapple upright and cut down the sides to remove the skin, following the curve of the fruit.
- Once the skin is off, cut the pineapple into rings about 1 inch thick. Don’t forget to remove the core from each slice—it can be tough to chew.
- This method will make grilling easier and give you picture-perfect pineapple rings!
Easy Grilled Pineapple With Caramelized Brown Sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fresh pineapple
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12 minutes to grill. In total, you’re looking at around 22 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick treat that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help ensure your pineapple gets those lovely grill marks and cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
Take your fresh pineapple and carefully slice off the top and bottom. Stand it upright and remove the skin, cutting down the sides. Once peeled, slice the pineapple into rings about 1 inch thick. Make sure to remove the core from each ring; it’s tough and not very tasty!
3. Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and optional cinnamon. Keep stirring until it’s well combined and slightly caramelized—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Don’t forget to keep an eye on it!
4. Coat the Pineapple:
Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each pineapple ring with the caramelized brown sugar mixture. Make sure each ring is well covered as this will add great flavor when grilled.
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the coated pineapple rings on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to see nice grill marks and the pineapple should be slightly softened when done.
6. Serve with Toppings:
Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill and drizzle any leftover caramel sauce over the top. Serve the warm pineapple with scoops of vanilla ice cream, and if you like, add a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for a nice touch.
Enjoy your sweet, warm treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
While fresh pineapple gives the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple if needed. Just make sure to drain it well and adjust grilling time to avoid overcooking, usually about 2–3 minutes per side should suffice.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
If you’d like a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 2 tablespoons, and consider using maple syrup or agave as an alternative. You could also skip the added cinnamon for a more natural pineapple flavor!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold or rewarm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them nice and tender again!
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Grill?
Absolutely! You can cook the pineapple rings on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven under the broiler. For the stovetop, use medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, while a broiler should take around 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve char marks.
