This honey glazed grilled pineapple is a tasty treat that brings out the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh pineapples! Grilling adds a nice caramelized touch that everyone loves.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this fruity delight. It’s a perfect side for summer barbecues or a fun dessert. I love serving it with ice cream—simply yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for the best sweetness and taste. Look for a yellowish color and a sweet aroma at the base. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple can work too, but it might be a bit softer.
Honey: Honey gives a delightful glaze to the pineapple. If you’re vegan or want a lighter option, maple syrup is a great substitute. Agave nectar also makes a good alternative.
Butter: The melted butter adds richness but is optional. You can skip it altogether or use coconut oil for a tropical flair.
Cinnamon: It enhances the flavor of the glaze. If you don’t like cinnamon or have a sensitivity, you can leave it out or use nutmeg for a different warm spice twist.
Mint: Fresh mint leaves are great for garnishing. If you can’t find fresh mint, try using a sprinkle of dried mint or even basil leaves for something different!
How Do I Cut and Prepare Pineapple Easily?
Cutting pineapple can be tricky if you’re not familiar with it. Here’s a simple way to prepare it:
- Start by cutting off the top and bottom to create a stable base.
- Stand the pineapple upright and slice down to remove the skin, going from top to bottom.
- Watch for any “eyes” (small brown spots) and cut those out too as you peel.
- After slicing into rings, use a small cutter or knife to remove the core from each ring. This makes them easier to eat!
Take your time with this process, and soon you’ll be a pro at prepping pineapple!
How to Make Honey Glazed Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious honey-glazed grilled pineapple recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll need around 18 minutes to enjoy this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the pineapple gets those nice, tasty grill marks and caramelizes perfectly!
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
Take your ripe pineapple and cut off the top and bottom so it stands flat. Position it upright and carefully slice off the outer skin to reveal the sweet flesh. Don’t forget to remove any brown “eyes” left behind on the fruit.
3. Slice the Pineapple:
Next, slice the pineapple into 1/2-inch thick rings. Use a small round cutter or a knife to carefully remove the core from each ring. This makes them easier to grill and eat!
4. Make the Honey Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the honey and melted butter. If you want an extra hint of flavor, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and stir until everything is well blended.
5. Coat the Pineapple Rings:
Brush both sides of each pineapple ring with the honey glaze. Make sure they are nicely coated for that sweet, sticky goodness!
6. Grill the Pineapple:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the pineapple rings on the hot grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they have beautiful grill marks and are slightly caramelized.
7. Let It Cool:
Once grilled to perfection, carefully remove the pineapple rings from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. This also helps them firm up a little!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm grilled pineapple rings, and if you’d like, garnish them with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious grilled pineapple as a dessert, a refreshing side dish, or even as a topping for ice cream!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple for This Recipe?
While fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels to minimize excess moisture on the grill. Keep in mind that canned pineapple may not have the same grilling effect as fresh.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Glaze?
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with agave syrup or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. You can also add a dash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness if you like a hint of tartness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back on the grill for a minute or two on each side, or warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, simply omit the butter or substitute it with a vegan butter alternative. The honey can also be replaced with maple syrup or agave syrup for a plant-based option!
