Easy Grilled Pineapple – Sweet, Juicy & Smoky!

There’s nothing quite like the caramelized sweetness of delicious grilled pineapple fresh off the grill. With its natural sugars creating those beautiful grill marks, this fantastic grilled pineapple recipe is the perfect side dish for summer barbecues or even as a healthy dessert. Whether you’re grilling on an outdoor grill or using an indoor grill pan, this recipe brings out the best of pineapple season with just one simple ingredient.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilling Pineapple

1. Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey), 1/4 cup unsalted butter, and a pinch of cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook for 30 seconds in the microwave to melt it all together.
2. Spiral cut the pineapple with this pineapple cutter
3. Place a grill griddle on the stove over high heat and let it preheat.
4. Paint the pineapple with the sweet butter sauce with a pastry brush.
5. Put the pineapple spirals on the grill griddle, flat and not overlapping. Cook for about 2-5 minutes on each side, ensuring the grill marks appear on the fruit.
6. Enjoy warm!

How to Not Burn Your Pineapple

You’re not alone if you’ve ever ended up with burnt pineapple. The high sugar content in pineapple means it can burn fast. The best way to prevent this is to grill over medium heat and brush with a bit of oil (the butter mixture) to keep the surface from charring too quickly. If you find that your pineapple burns too fast on the grill – this is always due to high heat. Lowering the temperature and keeping an eye on the grilling time fixes this problem.

Avoid Pineapple Sticking to the Grill Grates

To prevent this, lightly grease the grill rack or use cooking spray before placing your pineapple slices on the grill.

Achieving the Perfect Grilled Pineapple Texture

Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, so aim for 3-5 minutes per side to maintain firmness. Also, do not choose an overly ripe pineapple; it must be ripe but firm. A pineapple that has been grilled for too long can also turn too soft and mushy. Stick to the time in the recipe card to maintain a good texture.

Flavorful Grilled Pineapple

The lack of flavor with so few ingredients can be a concern- while grilled pineapple is naturally sweet, a quick brush of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon glaze can enhance the taste.

Other optional flavor blasts for this recipe include a dash of chili powder or a squeeze of lime juice just after grilling. This will customize the flavor to your preferences.

While it’s not essential, marinating in pineapple juice, brown sugar glaze, or lime juice will enhance the flavor.

How to Cut a Pineapple for Grilling

When it comes to cutting, a sharp knife ensures clean slices of pineapple rings or spears. A pineapple corer and slicer make it easier to remove the core for even pieces and create that perfect spiral cut.

Canned Pineapple vs. Fresh Pineapple

If you wonder if canned pineapple can be grilled, the answer is yes! Canned pineapple rings work just as well but should be patted dry before grilling to avoid excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

This grilled pineapple recipe can be enjoyed in many ways. If you are making this for a barbecue crowd, you can cut the pineapple into chunks and make grilled pineapple skewers. During grilling season, this recipe is a must-try. A tropical grilled pineapple dessert pairs beautifully with summer gatherings. For something different, try grilled pineapple with coconut, a spicy grilled pineapple salsa, or even grilled pineapple with rum glaze for a gourmet touch. Here are some other ideas:

• As a Side Dish- Pairs well with teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, burgers or seafood.
• As a Dessert- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, coconut ice cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
• In Tacos & Salsas- Dice and mix into a pineapple salsa for fish or pork tacos.
• Cocktail Garnish- Use in tropical drinks like piña coladas or margaritas.
• In Salads- Adds a sweet contrast in summer salads with arugula, feta, and balsamic glaze.

The Ultimate Summer Treat

Grilling isn’t just about meat—it is about experimenting with flavors, and sweet pineapple is always a favorite. The first bite of a warm pineapple at a backyard cookout, the smoky char blending perfectly with the fruit’s natural sweetness, is always so pleasant. It’s the side dish that can pair well with almost anything!

This simple ingredient recipe is one of the best things you can throw on the grill. Whether you’re a pineapple lover or just looking for a healthy dessert, this grilling recipe will surely impress. Try it today, and let the sweet tropical flavors take you straight to summer bliss!