Easy Grilled Pineapple is a sweet treat that’s perfect for summer! Just slice fresh pineapple, sprinkle it with brown sugar, and grill until it’s beautifully caramelized. Yum!
It’s a simple dessert that feels fancy, and it brings out the pineapple’s juicy flavor. I like to add a scoop of ice cream on top for extra fun. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! 🍍🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A fresh, ripe pineapple is essential for the best flavor. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple rings in juice can work as a substitute, but they won’t have the same grilled texture.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds a rich sweetness. If you need a substitute, you can use coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor. Honey or maple syrup can work too, but adjust the quantity since they’re liquid.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt content. If you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a similar effect.
Cinnamon: It’s optional, but it adds warm flavor. If you want to swap it out, nutmeg or allspice could give a nice twist. Or, you can just skip the spice altogether!
How Do I Get Perfectly Caramelized Pineapple on the Grill?
Grilling pineapple beautifully requires knowing a few tips. You want that caramelization for great flavor but without burning. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Start with a clean, preheated grill at medium-high heat. This ensures good grill marks and prevents sticking.
- Brush the pineapple with melted butter on both sides; it not only helps with flavor but also assists in caramelizing the sugar.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly, but don’t overload—too much can lead to a burnt mess.
- Grill each side for 3-4 minutes. Look for grill marks as a good indicator that they’re ready to flip.
Let the pineapple cool slightly before serving. This helps enhance sweetness and makes it easier to handle!
How to Make Easy Grilled Pineapple With Caramelized Brown Sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 8 minutes to grill. So, in just about 20 minutes, you can have a sweet, warm treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important to get nice grill marks and that delicious caramelization on your pineapple.
2. Mix the Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir well until the sugar and cinnamon are mixed together nicely. This will add a lovely flavor to your pineapples!
3. Prepare the Pineapple:
Take your melted butter and brush it lightly over both sides of the pineapple slices. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. After that, sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over both sides of each pineapple ring. Make sure they’re well coated!
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple rings onto the preheated grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when you see those beautiful grill marks and they’re warmed through and caramelized. Yum!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, carefully remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool slightly. Serve the warm grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and drizzle with any leftover caramelized juices from the grill. If you like, add some fresh mint leaves on top for a fancy touch. Enjoy your delicious dessert!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but it’s best to choose pineapple in juice, not syrup, for a less sweet result. Drain the slices well and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent proper caramelization on the grill.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in a skillet to regain some of the original texture and flavor before serving again.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with a mix of white sugar and a little molasses (about 1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar). Alternatively, coconut sugar is a great option for a similar flavor profile.
Can I Make This Recipe on the Stovetop?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and follow the same steps. Just be sure to watch closely as it may cook slightly faster than on an outdoor grill!
