This grilled pineapple is a perfect blend of sweet and smoky, thanks to a tasty brown sugar rum glaze. It caramelizes beautifully on the grill, making your taste buds dance!
Honestly, who can resist warm fruit? I love serving this as a fun dessert or adding it to my breakfast pancakes. It’s like a tropical vacation on a plate! 🏝️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: The star of the dish! Make sure to pick a ripe pineapple—look for a sweet smell at the base and a slight give when pressed. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple rings can work in a pinch, though they’ll have a softer texture.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and flavor. If you’re out, white sugar can substitute but consider adding a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of white sugar) to mimic brown sugar’s taste. Coconut sugar is also a great alternative for a different twist.
Dark Rum: The rum adds a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, swap it with apple juice or coconut water, they bring a nice sweetness, but lose the rum’s depth. For a different rum flavor, try spiced rum for an extra kick.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred here to control salt levels, but you can use margarine or coconut oil if needed. They add a nice flavor without dairy.
How Do I Grill the Pineapple for Perfect Marks and Flavor?
Grilling pineapple can seem tricky, but it’s quite straightforward. The goal is to get beautiful grill marks and caramelized sweetness. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Cut the pineapple into thick rings (about 1 inch) to prevent them from falling through the grill grates.
- Preheat the grill until it’s nice and hot—medium-high is perfect to get those grill marks.
- Oil the grill grates lightly to avoid sticking. A paper towel dipped in oil works wonders.
- Place the pineapple rings on the grill and don’t overcrowd them. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on one side.
- When the first side is caramelized and has nice grill marks, flip them over and brush your brown sugar rum glaze on top for an extra boost of flavor.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes, then remove and let them cool slightly. This helps the flavors settle.
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and grill. Getting everything ready and enjoying a delicious dessert can be done in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple:
Begin by cutting off the top and bottom of the ripe pineapple so that it can stand upright. Carefully slice off the skin, removing any eyes left on the fruit. Once peeled, cut the pineapple into thick rings, about 1 inch in thickness. Set these aside for grilling.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small saucepan, add the brown sugar, dark rum, unsalted butter, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar and butter have melted and everything is smooth. Once it’s ready, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Time to get that grill going! Preheat it to medium-high heat. To keep the pineapple from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in a little oil. This will ensure your pineapple cooks perfectly.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple rings directly on the grill. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for tender fruit with lovely grill marks. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
5. Add the Glaze:
During the last couple of minutes of grilling, brush the delicious brown sugar rum glaze over the pineapple rings. This will give them a nice caramelized shine and enhance their sweetness.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool for a minute. It’s warm and ready for serving! If you like, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and drizzle any leftover glaze over everything. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple provides the best flavor and texture for grilling. Just make sure it’s ripe for the sweetest taste. If you have it, opt for a pineapple with a sweet scent and slightly soft to the touch.
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No problem! You can substitute dark rum with another type of rum, such as light rum or spiced rum. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, try using apple juice or a mix of brown sugar and water to achieve a similar caramelized flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either warm it on the grill for a few minutes or in the microwave until heated through, making it perfect for quick desserts or snacks.
Can I Make the Glaze in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the brown sugar rum glaze ahead of time! Simply make it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it gently on the stove before brushing it on your grilled pineapple.
