Get ready for a sweet treat with this grilled pineapple! It’s juicy and delicious, caramelized with a tasty brown sugar rum glaze that adds a lovely twist.
Honestly, there’s nothing like the smell of pineapple sizzling on the grill! I love to enjoy it as a snack or on top of ice cream for a fun dessert. Yum! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is essential for sweetness. If fresh pineapple is unavailable, canned pineapple rings can work. Just drain them well, but fresh will give you that perfect grilling flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. If you prefer a healthier option, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Both can provide sweetness, though they may slightly alter the flavor.
Dark Rum: For a non-alcoholic version, replace dark rum with pineapple juice mixed with a splash of vanilla extract. This keeps the flavor profile interesting while suitable for everyone.
Unsalted Butter: If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter. They melt well and still contribute a lovely richness to the glaze.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is great here, but if you want a twist, try using nutmeg for a different spice profile. Just be careful not to use too much, as it’s quite potent!
How Do I Grill Pineapple for Perfect Caramelization?
Grilling pineapple is all about getting that beautiful caramelization. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to preheat the grill to medium. A hot grill will sear the fruit, creating those tasty marks and locking in sweetness.
- Lightly oil the grill grates to reduce sticking. A paper towel dipped in oil works wonders!
- Place the pineapple rings on the grill without overcrowding. This allows even cooking.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. The sugars will start to develop a nice crust.
- Brush the glaze on the cooked side before flipping to ensure it sticks and caramelizes nicely.
- Be sure to keep an eye out to avoid burning; turn down the heat if necessary!
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
For The Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled pineapple recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of grilling time, for a total of 20 minutes. It’s quick and easy to make, ensuring you can enjoy this tasty dessert in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help ensure those sweet pineapple rings get perfectly caramelized.
2. Make The Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, dark rum, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Heat this mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Keep at it until everything is smooth and the sugar has completely dissolved. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool a little.
3. Prepare The Grill And Pineapple:
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the pineapple from sticking. Now, place the pineapple rings directly on the grill. Allow them to cook for about 3-4 minutes until you see beautiful caramelization and grill marks appearing.
4. Glaze The Pineapple:
Carefully flip the pineapple rings over, and using a brush, generously apply the brown sugar rum glaze over the grilled side. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting that glaze soak into the rings.
5. Serve And Enjoy:
Once the pineapple is beautifully grilled, remove it from the grill and drizzle any remaining glaze on top. Serve the warm, grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple is preferred for this recipe, as it’s sweeter and has a firmer texture that holds up well on the grill. Just make sure it’s ripe for the best flavor.
Can I Substitute the Dark Rum?
If you want to avoid alcohol, use apple juice or a mixture of pineapple juice and a splash of vanilla extract as a substitute. It’ll still add a nice flavor to the glaze without the alcohol kick!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the grill for a couple of minutes or in a microwave until heated through.
What Else Can I Add to the Glaze?
Feel free to experiment! Adding a splash of orange juice or a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavors. You can also mix in a bit of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness!
