This grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple is sweet, juicy, and packed with flavor. The sugar makes the pineapple brown and yummy, giving it a fun twist for your taste buds!
Seriously, what’s better than warm, sugary pineapple sizzling on the grill? I love serving it as a dessert or topping it on some vanilla ice cream—heavenly and easy! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple that feels slightly soft when squeezed. If pineapple isn’t available, you could try peaches or mangoes for a different but tasty result.
Brown Sugar: This adds depth and sweetness. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, consider using coconut sugar or agave syrup as a substitute.
Cinnamon: This is optional but really enhances the flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or add a dash of nutmeg for a different spice twist.
Unsalted Butter: While unsalted is best for controlling the saltiness, you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option that complements the tropical flavors.
Cooking Spray: If you don’t have it on hand, brushing the grill with extra melted butter works just as well to prevent sticking.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grill Marks on My Pineapple?
Getting those beautiful grill marks and caramelization is all about the right temperature and timing. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. A hot grill sears the surface quickly, which gives those lovely marks.
- Cut the pineapple into 1/2 to 1-inch thick slices. Thicker slices won’t fall through the grates and will hold up better on the grill.
- Brush each slice with melted butter and sprinkle with the brown sugar mixture right before grilling to let that sugar caramelize properly.
- Place the pineapple on the grill without overcrowding. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side; this will form those awesome grill marks.
- Resist the urge to move the pineapple too soon; give it time to create a nice char.
How to Make Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
For the Sugar Mixture:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Grilling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cooking spray or additional butter for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled caramelized pineapple takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus around 10-15 minutes for grilling. In total, you will need around 30 minutes to create this sweet and delightful treat. Perfect for a quick dessert or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important to ensure that your pineapple grills nicely and gets those lovely caramelized marks!
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
While your grill is heating up, cut the ripe pineapple into thick planks or wedges, about ½ to 1 inch thick. Make sure to remove the hard core from the center so that you have sweet, juicy pieces to grill.
3. Mix the Sugar Coating:
In a medium bowl, grab your brown sugar and mix it with the cinnamon (if you want that extra flavor) and a pinch of salt. This will create a deliciously sweet coating for your pineapple!
4. Butter Up the Pineapple:
Brush both sides of the pineapple slices with the melted butter. This helps the sugar mixture stick and adds flavor. Then, generously sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over both sides of the pineapple pieces.
5. Prepare the Grill:
To avoid sticking, give the grill grates a light spray with cooking spray or brush them with some melted butter. This is an important step to make flipping the pineapple easy!
6. Grill the Pineapple:
Now, it’s time to grill! Place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when you see nice grill marks and the sugar has started to caramelize and become gooey.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool for a minute. You can enjoy it warm on its own or add toppings like ice cream or coconut whipped cream for an extra treat!
8. Dig In!
Enjoy your delicious grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple! It’s sweet, warm, and perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Sweeteners Instead of Brown Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or agave syrup for a different flavor. If using agave syrup, brush it directly onto the pineapple instead of mixing it with cinnamon and salt, as it’s a liquid sweetener.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy it later, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or briefly grill it again to warm it up and restore some caramelization.
Can I Grill Pineapple Slices Without a Grill?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even bake the pineapple in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just make sure to keep an eye on the sugar to prevent burning!
Can I Add Other Flavors to the Brown Sugar Mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the brown sugar mixture for a warm spice kick. You could also mix in a splash of vanilla extract for a richer flavor experience!
