This Easy Grilled Pineapple is a sweet treat that brings a sunny flavor to your outdoor barbecue. With brown sugar that caramelizes beautifully, every bite is juicy and delicious!
You can serve it as a dessert or a fun side dish. I love to toss it on burgers or ice cream—talk about a tasty twist! Get ready for smiles all around. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is key for its juicy sweetness. If you’re short on time, canned pineapple can work too, but fresh has the best taste and texture. Make sure it’s ripe for the best flavor!
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds a rich flavor and helps create that delicious caramelization. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses for similar results.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe as it lets you control the saltiness. You can also use coconut oil or plant-based butter if you want a dairy-free option.
Cinnamon: This adds a warm spice note, but it’s optional. You could also try nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor twist.
Vanilla Ice Cream: This is a classic accompaniment. For a lighter version, consider yogurt or dairy-free ice cream. Or simply enjoy the pineapple on its own!
How Do I Achieve Perfect Grill Marks on My Pineapple?
Getting those perfect grill marks on your pineapple is all about the temperature and timing. Start with a preheated grill to ensure the pineapple caramelizes well and doesn’t stick.
- Brush the pineapple rings generously with the caramelized brown sugar mixture for added flavor and to help with browning.
- Place the rings on the grill and don’t move them for at least 3-4 minutes to allow those beautiful grill marks to form.
- Flip them carefully and grill for another 3-4 minutes until golden and warm throughout.
- Remember not to overcrowd the grill. Give each ring space to cook evenly.
With these tips, you’ll have beautifully grilled pineapple every time! Enjoy your grilling! 🍍
How to Make Easy Grilled Pineapple With Caramelized Brown Sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pineapple:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into thick rings
For The Caramelized Mixture:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- Honey or maple syrup, for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled pineapple dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. You’ll have a scrumptious dessert ready in just 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Turn on your grill and set it to medium heat. This is important to get those nice grill marks on your pineapple!
2. Prepare the Caramelized Mixture:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon, if you’re using it. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes bubbly and well combined, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat.
3. Brush the Pineapple:
Take each pineapple ring and brush it generously with the caramelized brown sugar mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly so they caramelize beautifully on the grill!
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the coated pineapple rings on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you see nice grill marks and the pineapple becomes caramelized.
5. Drizzle with Remaining Mixture:
Once the pineapple rings are done, remove them from the grill and drizzle any leftover caramelized sugar mixture over the top for added sweetness and flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, place the grilled pineapple rings on a plate and top each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle with honey or maple syrup if you like!
7. Dig In!
Enjoy your Easy Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar—it’s a refreshing and delicious treat!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple slices if fresh pineapple is unavailable! Drain the pineapple well to remove excess juice and pat them dry with a paper towel. Since canned pineapple is softer than fresh, reduce grilling time to about 1-2 minutes per side for caramelization.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
No worries! You can easily substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per 1 cup of granulated sugar will mimic brown sugar). Alternatively, coconut sugar or honey can work as substitutes, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the grill or in a microwave for best results. Serve it warm over ice cream for a delicious treat!
Can I Make This Dessert Without a Grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or a regular skillet on the stovetop. Just preheat the pan over medium heat and follow the same grilling instructions. You can also broil the pineapple in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through for that caramelized effect.
