This tasty grilled pineapple is a fun treat! With its sweet brown sugar rum glaze, it brings the taste of summer to your table, no matter the season.
Your friends will think you’re a grill master! 🍍 I love serving it warm as a delightful dessert or a fancy topping for ice cream. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just grill and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. Look for one that smells sweet at the base and has a slight give when pressed. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple can work, but it may not have the same texture when grilled.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness and helps in caramelization. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of white sugar) for a similar flavor.
Dark Rum: Dark rum enhances the glaze’s flavor with depth. If you’re avoiding alcohol, you can replace it with pineapple juice or a combination of vanilla extract and a touch of apple cider vinegar to mimic some complexity.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, try nutmeg or ginger for a different, yet delightful twist!
How Do I Make The Perfect Glaze For Grilled Pineapple?
Creating the glaze is simple but key to achieving that caramelized, delicious flavor on the pineapple. Here’s how to do it right:
- In a small saucepan, add the brown sugar, dark rum, butter, and cinnamon.
- Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes.
- Once combined into a smooth mix, remove from heat. Adding a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness!
Brush the glaze generously on your pineapple slices before grilling to lock in that flavor. Remember, don’t rush the grilling process; allowing the slices to caramelize creates delightful grill marks and a sweet, sticky exterior.
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Ice cream (for serving, optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes for cooking on the grill, making a total of around 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delightful dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will ensure your pineapple gets that perfect caramelized finish!
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, dark rum, butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until the sugar has fully dissolved and everything is nice and smooth. Once ready, remove from heat and set it aside—this glaze is going to be amazing!
3. Prepare the Pineapple:
Take each pineapple slice and brush both sides generously with the brown sugar rum glaze. This glaze will add a sweet, rich flavor as it caramelizes on the grill.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Now, carefully place the glazed pineapple slices on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when you see those lovely grill marks and the pineapple starts to caramelize. Yum!
5. Add Extra Glaze:
Once you remove the grilled pineapple from the grill, drizzle any remaining glaze over the slices for that extra burst of flavor. You won’t want to miss this step!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm grilled pineapple slices right away, maybe even with a scoop of ice cream on top for a special touch! Garnish with fresh mint leaves if you like. It’s ready to be enjoyed—dig in!
Can I Use Another Type of Sugar Instead of Brown Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, but the flavor and color will be slightly different. If you want to maintain some of the molasses flavor characteristic of brown sugar, consider adding a teaspoon of molasses to your white sugar. Alternatively, coconut sugar is a great option to keep a similar sweetness and caramel flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No problem! If you don’t have dark rum, you can use light rum or even bourbon for a slightly different flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, try using a combination of pineapple juice with a splash of vanilla extract to add sweetness and depth without the alcohol.
Can I Prepare the Glaze in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brown sugar rum glaze ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it gently on the stove until warm and whisk to combine before brushing it on the pineapple.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
To store leftovers, place the grilled pineapple slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold as a snack or reheat them on the grill or in a pan to warm them up and revive their caramelized flavors. They also make a delicious addition to salads or smoothies!
