Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Grilled Pineapple is truly one of summer’s most irresistible treats—a combination of tangy, smoky, and sweet that tastes like sunshine on a plate. Each bite carries the smoky perfume of the grill, the warmth of cinnamon and chili, and that unmistakable burst of caramelized fruit. Best of all, it’s unbelievably simple to prepare, making it equally suited for backyard barbecues or weeknight desserts. If you haven’t tried Grilled Pineapple yet, get ready for a flavor-packed upgrade to this tropical classic that your friends and family will beg you to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grilled Pineapple is how it transforms just a handful of everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Each one brings its own magic, from the juicy brightness of pineapple to the sultry warmth of spices. Don’t skip the butter or the lime—they’re game-changers!

• Pineapple: Fresh, ripe pineapple is crucial here—a golden, fragrant one will offer the best texture and natural sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Melting it allows you to coat the rings for extra richness and helps deliver all those delicious flavors directly onto the fruit.
• Lime juice: Adds a zingy pop that balances out the sweetness and enhances the tropical vibes.
• Brown sugar: Creates a sumptuous caramelized coating as soon as it hits the grill, making every bite candy-like and deeply flavorful.
• Chili powder: A pinch brings gentle heat that makes the sweetness shine even more—it’s subtle but unforgettable.
• Ground cinnamon: Warm, spicy, and aromatic, cinnamon ties every flavor together with a comforting note.
• Kosher salt: Just a touch sharpens all the flavors and adds the perfect savory contrast to the caramelized sugars.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so those pineapple rings get beautiful char marks quickly, which brings out their caramel sweetness without drying them out. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, let it get scorching hot for the best sear.

Step 2: Mix the Magical Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, tangy lime juice, brown sugar, chili powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt. This fragrant mixture is what turns basic pineapple into something show-stopping—the brown sugar caramelizes, while the spices and lime ensure each bite is multidimensional and never boring.

Step 3: Brush the Pineapple

Slice your pineapple into rings and brush each one generously on both sides with the butter mixture. Don’t be shy here—the more you coat, the more deliciously caramelized and flavorful your grilled pineapple will be!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the pineapple rings directly on the preheated grill. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until deep grill marks appear and the fruit is golden and slightly tender. The sugar in the glaze will work its caramelizing magic, so keep an eye out and flip gently.

Step 5: Serve While Warm

Once those rings are beautifully marked and glossy, take them off the grill. Arrange them on a platter and, if you like, drizzle over any leftover glaze or sprinkle on a dash more cinnamon as a finishing touch. Serve them immediately while their aroma is at its absolute peak.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Garnishes

This is where you can easily elevate your grilled pineapple to restaurant-level status. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon right before serving deepens the warmth, or go bold and add a handful of chopped fresh mint for a pop of color and freshness. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt can heighten the sweetness even further, and a drizzle of honey or the last of your glaze brings a beautiful shine.

Side Dishes

Grilled Pineapple shines as a side with grilled meats like jerk chicken, pork chops, or burgers—the sweetness works wonders against spicy or smoky flavors. For a sweet treat, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve alongside coconut rice for a tropical spin on dessert or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting grilled pineapple into wedges and threading them onto skewers along with strawberries or cubes of pound cake for a festive fruit kabob. Or, chop the grilled rings into bite-sized pieces for a stunning addition to salsas, salads, or even on top of grilled fish tacos. However you serve it, Grilled Pineapple truly steals the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover grilled pineapple cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it a delicious snack to enjoy cold or at room temperature for up to three days.

Freezing

If you’ve made a big batch, you can freeze grilled pineapple! Arrange the cooled rings in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag and stash away for up to two months. This is perfect for smoothies or tossing straight onto the grill from frozen for a speedy treat.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pineapple rings back on a hot grill or into a nonstick skillet for just a minute or two until they’re warmed through and caramelized again. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, though you won’t get those gorgeous grill edges.

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Pineapple without an outdoor grill?

Absolutely! A stovetop grill pan or even a regular nonstick frying pan works just fine. You’ll still achieve caramelization and gorgeous golden color, even without open flames.

How do I choose the best pineapple for grilling?

Look for a pineapple that is golden in color and fragrant at the base. It should have a slight give when you squeeze it gently. The riper the fruit, the sweeter and juicier your grilled pineapple will be.

Is Grilled Pineapple healthy?

Definitely! Pineapple is naturally loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and digestion-friendly enzymes. While this recipe does add a bit of sugar and butter, you can adjust those amounts to suit your preferences, or even brush lightly if you’re looking for a healthier spin.

Can I prep the pineapple in advance?

Yes, you can core and slice the pineapple and whisk the glaze up to a day ahead. Keep the pineapple covered in the fridge, and give the glaze a quick stir or gentle warm-up before brushing onto the fruit.

What else can I do with leftover grilled pineapple?

Leftover Grilled Pineapple is a treat in yogurt parfaits, diced onto pancakes, transformed into a salsa with red onion and jalapeño, or blended into smoothies for a smoky-sweet kick.

Final Thoughts

The next time your grill is fired up, let Grilled Pineapple steal the spotlight—you’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste this incredible. Whether you serve it as a side, a dessert, or sneak a ring or two straight from the platter, this dish will soon become your sunny-day staple. Give it a try, and let its caramelized, tropical charm win you over!

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