Get ready to meet your new favorite summer obsession. This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe transforms a simple fruit into a show-stopping dessert or side dish. The combination of smoky char from the grill and the deep, molasses notes of caramelized brown sugar is absolutely irresistible.
We’re taking juicy, ripe pineapple, coating it in a simple brown sugar glaze, and grilling it to perfection. Each bite is a burst of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a ticket to a tropical paradise right in your backyard. It’s incredibly easy, requires just a handful of ingredients, and delivers a massive “wow” factor with minimal effort. Whether you serve it warm off the grill with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside your favorite protein, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The Perfect Ingredients for Grilled Pineapple
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use just five basic ingredients to create a spectacular flavor profile. The star, of course, is a perfectly ripe and juicy pineapple.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Fresh Pineapple: The key to success. Look for a pineapple that is firm, smells sweet at the base, and has vibrant green leaves.
- Brown Sugar: We use light brown sugar for its molasses content, which helps create that beautiful caramelization on the grill.
- Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and helps the brown sugar mixture stick to the pineapple, creating a perfect glaze.
- Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon adds warmth and complexity that complements the sweet pineapple and smoky grill flavor.
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
Making this incredible dish is as simple as prep, glaze, and grill. You’ll have perfectly caramelized pineapple in just a few minutes. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result.
- Preheat the Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-450°F (190-230°C). Clean the grates well to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Pineapple: Cut the top and bottom off the pineapple. Stand it up and carefully slice away the skin. Cut the pineapple into 8 uniform rings and use a small circular cookie cutter or knife to remove the tough core from each slice.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt until everything is well combined.
- Glaze the Pineapple: Brush the brown sugar mixture generously over both sides of each pineapple ring.
- Grill to Perfection: Place the pineapple rings directly on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until you see beautiful grill marks and the sugar has caramelized.
- Serve Warm: Remove the pineapple from the grill and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Grilled Pineapple Every Time
Unlock the secrets to flawless grilled pineapple with these expert tips. From selecting the perfect fruit to mastering the grill, these pointers will ensure a delicious outcome.
- Pick a Ripe Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is sweeter and juicier. Don’t use underripe fruit, as it can be tart and fibrous.
- Don’t Skip the Core: The core is tough and woody. Removing it makes for a much more pleasant eating experience.
- Oil Your Grill Grates: Even with the butter, giving your grill grates a quick wipe with a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or avocado) will prevent sticking.
- Watch it Closely: The sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly. Stay near the grill and keep a close eye on your pineapple.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations to spice things up.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the brown sugar glaze for a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Add Some Rum: For an adults-only version, add a tablespoon of dark rum to the butter mixture. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Herbal Notes: Finely chop some fresh mint or basil and sprinkle it over the grilled pineapple just before serving for a fresh, aromatic twist.
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
This versatile dish can be served as a dessert or a side. It’s fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with other dishes. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert. As a side, it’s the perfect complement to savory dishes and is amazing with our teriyaki chicken bowl. It also pairs beautifully with pork and is perfect alongside marinated grilled pork chops (coming soon).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can use a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. You can also broil it in the oven. Place the pineapple on a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.
The key is a clean and well-oiled grill. Before heating, scrape the grates thoroughly. Then, just before adding the pineapple, wipe the grates with a paper towel dipped in a high-smoke-point oil, like canola or avocado oil.
Leftover grilled pineapple can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.
A fresh, ripe pineapple is always best. Look for one that feels heavy for its size, has a sweet aroma at the base, and has firm, green leaves. This will ensure it’s juicy and naturally sweet.
You should aim for medium-high heat, which is typically between 375°F and 450°F (190°C to 230°C). This temperature is hot enough to create beautiful grill marks and caramelize the sugar without burning the pineapple too quickly.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave for about 30 seconds. The texture will be softer, but the flavor will still be delicious.
More Delicious Recipes
If you enjoyed this Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple, we know you’ll love exploring more of our easy and delicious recipes. If you love pineapple desserts, don’t miss our pineapple upside-down cheesecake (coming soon)! For more inspiration, follow us on Pinterest and share your creations with us!
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple (Simple & Delicious)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F / 190-230°C). Make sure the grates are clean.
- Cut the top and bottom off the pineapple. Stand it upright and slice away the skin. Cut the pineapple into 8 rings and remove the core from each.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Brush the brown sugar mixture generously over both sides of each pineapple ring.
- Place the pineapple rings on the hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until you see distinct grill marks and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly.
- Remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: Watch the pineapple closely on the grill as the sugar can burn quickly.
Tip 3: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut cream for a delicious dessert.
