This sweet and juicy honey glazed grilled pineapple is a perfect treat! The warm grill brings out the pineapple’s natural sweetness, making it taste like a tropical dream.
Trust me, nothing beats the smell of pineapple sizzling on the grill! I love serving it with vanilla ice cream – it’s a match made in heaven. 🍍🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Use a ripe pineapple for the best sweetness and juiciness. If fresh pineapple is hard to find, canned pineapple rings (in juice, not syrup) can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
Honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try maple syrup or agave nectar. They both provide a similar texture and sweetness!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish, but bottled lime juice is okay too. For a twist, you can use orange juice or lemon juice if limes aren’t available. Just remember it will change the flavor slightly.
Cinnamon: This adds a warm spice note, but it’s totally optional. If you want a unique flavor, try a pinch of nutmeg or ginger instead. They can both enhance the sweetness of the pineapple.
Mint Leaves: Fresh mint gives a refreshing touch. You can also use basil if you have it on hand—or skip it altogether if fresh herbs aren’t available.
How Do I Get Perfect Grill Marks on My Pineapple?
Getting those beautiful grill marks is all about heat and timing. First, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This high temperature is key for caramelization. Here are some steps to get it right:
- Brush the pineapple rings generously with the honey mixture before placing them on the grill. This helps create that nice char.
- Once on the grill, leave the pineapple undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Avoid moving them around too much, as a good sear takes time!
- When you see good grill marks, flip the rings carefully using tongs, brushing the other side with the honey mixture before grilling again for 3-4 minutes.
Patience is crucial! Enjoy the delicious grilling process and smell as the sugars caramelize.
How to Make Honey Glazed Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to grill, making it a quick and easy treat that you can whip up in just 18 minutes. Perfect for a quick dessert or side dish to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your pineapple grills perfectly and develops those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
Peel the ripe pineapple and remove the core. Then, slice it into rings that are about 1/2 inch thick. Make sure your slices are even so they cook uniformly on the grill.
3. Make the Honey Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice until well combined. If you want an extra layer of flavor, add the cinnamon to the mixture and give it a good stir.
4. Brush the Pineapple:
Take your pineapple rings and brush one side generously with the honey mixture. This is what will create that sweet, sticky glaze as it grills!
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple rings on the grill with the honey side facing down. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see nice grill marks appearing.
6. Flip and Continue Grilling:
Now it’s time to flip the rings! Brush the other side of the pineapple with the honey mixture, then carefully turn them over. Grill for another 3-4 minutes on this side until they are caramelized and tender.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. For a beautiful touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving. This not only looks great but adds a refreshing flavor!
8. Enjoy:
Serve your honey glazed grilled pineapple warm. It makes a fantastic side or dessert treat, especially when paired with a scoop of ice cream or yogurt. Enjoy this sweet and vibrant dish!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh Pineapple?
While fresh pineapple gives the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple rings if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture on the grill. Cook them for a slightly shorter time, around 2-3 minutes per side, since they are already soft.
How to Adjust the Sweetness of the Glaze?
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, simply reduce the amount of honey by half. You can balance it with an extra splash of lime juice to give it a refreshing tang. Alternatively, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors without making it sweeter.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Grilling the pineapple is best done fresh, but you can prepare the honey-lime glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using. If you slice the pineapple ahead of time, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 24 hours to maintain freshness.
What Other Fruits Can I Grill with This Method?
You can grill other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or even watermelon using the same honey glaze. Each fruit will have its own unique flavor when caramelized on the grill. Just keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary, usually around 2-5 minutes per side!
