This grilled pineapple is a sweet treat, caramelized to perfection with a tasty brown sugar and rum glaze. It’s a tropical delight that can brighten up any day!
Honestly, who doesn’t love warm, juicy pineapple? I can’t resist sneaking a piece while it cooks. Serve it on ice cream or just enjoy it hot. It’s like a party in your mouth! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: The star of the show! Choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. A ripe one has a sweet aroma and slightly soft feel when you press the skin. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple rings can work in a pinch, though the texture will vary.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. If you prefer a healthier option, try coconut sugar or even maple syrup. Keep in mind that the flavor will shift slightly, but it still complements the pineapple well.
Dark Rum: Dark rum enhances the glaze with depth. If you want to skip the alcohol or need a non-alcoholic option, use apple juice or a splash of coconut extract instead for a tropical kick.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon offers warmth to the dish. If you’re not a cinnamon fan, you could omit it or try nutmeg, but keep it light—nutmeg is stronger!
How Do You Prepare Pineapple for Grilling?
Getting pineapple ready is simple but crucial for great results. Start by cutting off the crown and base, then carefully slice off the skin. Be sure to remove any “eyes,” the little brown spots, as they can be tough to chew. Cut it into 1-inch thick slices for even grilling. Removing the core is optional, but it makes for more tender bites!
- **Cut Carefully:** Use a sharp knife to prevent slipping.
- **Thick Slices:** Ensure they are about 1 inch thick to stay juicy on the grill.
- **Remove the Core:** Cutting it out is easier with a small round cutter or just using a knife.
This preparation method helps the pineapple get those lovely grill marks and delicious caramelization. Enjoy the simple pleasure of grilling this fruity delight!
The Best Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- Butter (for greasing the grill)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)
For the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful grilled pineapple recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook on the grill. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to enjoy this sweet treat from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pineapple:
Start by removing the crown (the leafy top) and base of the pineapple. Carefully slice off the skin, getting rid of any “eyes” (the small brown spots). Then, cut the pineapple into about 1-inch thick round slices. If you like, you can remove the tough core from each slice so they’re easier to eat.
2. Making the Glaze:
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, dark rum, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir it well until you’ve formed a syrupy mixture. This will be the delicious glaze for your pineapple!
3. Preheating the Grill:
Now it’s time to fire up your grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat. To keep the pineapple from sticking, lightly grease the grill grates with some butter. This will help your pineapple sear beautifully!
4. Marinating the Slices:
Brush both sides of each pineapple slice generously with the brown sugar rum glaze. Make sure they’re well-coated for maximum flavor! Remember to save a little bit of glaze for later; you’ll need it for serving.
5. Grilling the Pineapple:
Place the glazed pineapple slices on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that lovely caramelization and beautiful grill marks. Brush them with more glaze while they’re on the grill for extra sweetness!
6. Serving Up the Treat:
Once your pineapple is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly. Serve the warm pineapple slices right away. For a delightful twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and drizzle with the remaining brown sugar rum glaze. Enjoy every sweet bite!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple is ideal for this recipe as it has a juicy and sweet flavor that enhances the dish. Just make sure to choose a ripe pineapple for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Dark Rum?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute dark rum with apple juice or a non-alcoholic rum flavoring. For a richer flavor, try using coconut water or pineapple juice instead!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat it on the grill or in a microwave briefly before serving to warm it up.
Can I Add Other Spices to the Glaze?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different spices. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add a lovely warmth to the glaze. Just start with a small amount and adjust to your taste!
