Honey Glazed Grilled Pineapple is a sweet and fruity treat that’s perfect for summer. The juicy pineapple gets a delicious honey coating, making it caramelize nicely on the grill!
I love serving this with ice cream for a tasty dessert. It’s so easy to make; just slice, glaze, and grill! Plus, it always impresses guests—who doesn’t love warm pineapple? 🍍
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a fresh pineapple for the best flavor. Look for one that’s slightly sweet-smelling at the base. If fresh isn’t an option, you can use canned pineapple rings, but drain them well to avoid excess moisture on the grill.
Honey: Any honey works here, but if you’re looking for a unique flavor, try using local honey or flavored honey like orange blossom. Agave syrup or maple syrup can be good substitutes for a vegan option.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a classic, but feel free to mix in a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. If you don’t have ground spices, you can try sprinkling some cinnamon sticks over the grill.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds brightness, but bottled juice will do in a pinch. You can also substitute it with lemon juice for a different citrus touch.
Mint Leaves: They add a nice garnish, but if mint isn’t available, try fresh basil or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical twist.
How Can I Get the Perfect Grill Marks on My Pineapple?
Grilling pineapple is pretty straightforward, but to achieve those impressive grill marks, you’ll want to follow some simple steps. Proper heat and preparation are key!
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is hot enough (medium-high). This will help sear the fruit and create those beautiful marks.
- Oil the Grates: Lightly spray the grill with cooking spray or brush with oil. This prevents the pineapple from sticking.
- Placement: When placing the pineapple on the grill, set it at a 45-degree angle to the grates. This positioning will create those signature diamond grill patterns.
- Timing: Grill for 2-3 minutes per side without moving the pineapple. You want to let it sit long enough to caramelize.
- Check for Marks: Flip when you see nice, dark grill marks. This shows that it’s ready to turn!
How to Make Honey Glazed Grilled Pineapple?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
- ½ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe only takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to grill, making your total time around 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty dessert or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the pineapple cooks evenly and gets those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Honey Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, ground cinnamon, and lime juice. Use a whisk or a fork to blend it well until the mixture is smooth. This will be your sweet glaze!
3. Grease the Grill:
Before placing the pineapple on the grill, make sure to lightly grease the grill grates. You can use cooking spray or a little oil on a paper towel to prevent the fruit from sticking while it grills.
4. Grill the Pineapple Rings:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the pineapple rings directly on the grill. Brush one side with your honey mixture. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes or until you see nice grill marks appearing.
5. Flip and Glaze the Other Side:
Carefully flip the pineapple rings over. Brush the other side with the honey mixture and grill for another 2-3 minutes. You want both sides to be caramelized and flavorful!
6. Remove and Serve:
Once the pineapple rings have beautiful grill marks and are perfectly caramelized, take them off the grill. If you like, garnish your grilled pineapple with fresh mint leaves for a pretty, extra touch. Serve warm as a delicious dessert or side dish. Enjoy your sweet and juicy treat!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh Pineapple?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain the canned pineapple well to prevent excess moisture. Since canned pineapple is usually softer, grill time may be a little shorter, so keep a close eye on it to avoid mushiness.
How Can I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy them later, you can eat them cold or briefly reheat them on the grill or in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat, as they can become mushy.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, maple syrup works great as a vegan alternative. You can also use agave nectar or even brown sugar dissolved in a bit of warm water for a similar sweetness and consistency.
Can I Add Other Flavors to the Glaze?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the honey glaze for extra flavor. You could also mix in some chili powder for a sweet and spicy kick!
