This grilled pineapple is a tropical treat that shines with its sweet brown sugar rum glaze. Fresh, juicy slices of pineapple caramelize beautifully on the grill, making it a must-try!
Honestly, who can resist that smoky sweetness? I love serving it with vanilla ice cream; it’s like a mini vacation on your plate! 🍍✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key! Look for one that’s fragrant and slightly soft at the bottom. If pineapple isn’t available, you could use peaches or mangoes, which also grill nicely.
Brown Sugar: This sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can use white sugar with a sprinkle of molasses, or even coconut sugar for a unique twist!
Dark Rum: This adds depth and warmth to the glaze. If you prefer not to use alcohol, a splash of pineapple juice or a mix of apple juice with a dash of vanilla can work as substitutes.
Unsalted Butter: I like using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Vanilla Extract: This enhances the flavor profile of the glaze. If you’re out, you can use almond extract for a different but delicious taste.
How Do I Make Grilled Pineapple Perfectly?
Grilling pineapple may seem simple, but a few tips can make it amazing. First, always start with a well-prepped grill. Preheat it to medium for uniform cooking.
- Make sure you slice the pineapple into even rings for even cooking. Thin rings will caramelize perfectly.
- Don’t skip the glaze step! Brushing on the brown sugar rum glaze in the last minute of grilling helps it caramelize just right. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
- If you like extra grill marks, flip the pineapple rings 90 degrees halfway through grilling on each side.
Finally, serve it warm alongside vanilla ice cream, and don’t hesitate to sprinkle on that cinnamon! It really boosts the flavor.
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
For the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Cinnamon (optional, for sprinkling)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 10 minutes of grilling. So, in just 20 minutes, you can enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help get those tasty grill marks on your pineapple and make it cook evenly!
2. Make the Glaze:
While the grill is heating up, take a small saucepan and add the unsalted butter. Turn the heat to medium and let it melt. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, dark rum, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it’s bubbly and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside for later!
3. Grill the Pineapple:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the pineapple rings directly on the grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for nice grill marks and a slight softening of the pineapple.
4. Add the Glaze:
During the last minute of grilling, take your caramelized brown sugar rum glaze and brush it generously over the grilled pineapple rings. This will add a fabulous flavor and help everything caramelize beautifully!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled, carefully remove the pineapple rings from the grill. Serve them warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you have any glaze left, feel free to drizzle it over the top for extra sweetness!
6. Optional Touch:
If you want to kick it up a notch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the top before serving for that extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy your delicious grilled pineapple dessert!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple is actually recommended for the best flavor and texture. Make sure to choose a ripe pineapple for the sweetest results. Just peel and slice it into rings as stated in the recipe. Canned pineapple may become mushy and watery when grilled, which is why fresh is preferred!
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No worries! You can substitute dark rum with light rum or even a splash of apple juice or pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic option. Just keep in mind that using a different liquid might alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover grilled pineapple, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes before serving again, and consider adding fresh glaze to revive the flavor!
Can I Make the Glaze in Advance?
Yes, you can make the brown sugar rum glaze ahead of time! Simply prepare the glaze as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it gently before brushing on the pineapple during grilling to ensure it’s nicely spreadable.
