This grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple is a sweet and juicy treat! The warm slices get a lovely caramel glaze that makes them so tasty. Perfect for a summer BBQ!
It’s fun to watch the pineapple sizzle on the grill! I like to serve it with ice cream for dessert, but honestly, it’s great on its own too. 🍍 Who doesn’t love a little grilled fruit magic?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. Look for one that has a sweet smell at the base and has some give when you press it. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple can work, but it won’t be as juicy.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. If you don’t have it, you can use white sugar, but consider adding a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) to mimic the flavor. Coconut sugar is also a tasty alternative.
Cinnamon & Vanilla: These are optional but highly recommended! They enhance the pineapple’s sweetness. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can replace it with nutmeg or leave it out completely. Vanilla extract can be swapped with almond extract for a different flavor.
Butter: You can use coconut oil or vegan butter if you want a dairy-free option. They both work great for grilling.
How Do I Grill Pineapple to Get Perfectly Caramelized Results?
Grilling pineapple is easy, but the key is to get that perfect caramelization. Here’s how to do it right:
- Slice Evenly: Cut your pineapple into thick wedges, about 1/2 inch. This thickness helps them stay firm on the grill.
- Coat Well: Ensure all sides of the pineapple slices are generously coated with the brown sugar mixture. This is what will caramelize beautifully on the grill.
- Preheat and Grease: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Don’t skip the greasing; this keeps the pineapple from sticking and helps it get those nice grill marks.
- Timing: Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them; you want a golden color and visible grill marks!
Let the grilled pineapple rest for a moment before serving to allow the flavors to settle. Enjoy it as a dessert or a side!
How to Make Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- Cooking spray or additional butter for grilling
For the Caramelized Coating:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 8 minutes for grilling. In total, it will take about 18 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this delicious grilled pineapple.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pineapple:
Start by peeling the pineapple. Use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple, then carefully slice off the skin as you work your way around. Be sure to remove any “eyes” (the little brown spots) left behind. Once peeled, cut the pineapple into thick wedges or rectangular slices, about 1/2 inch thick. This will help them grill nicely!
2. Making the Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and melted butter. If you’re using cinnamon and vanilla extract, add them in as well. Then, sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until it forms a thick, delicious paste. This will give your pineapple a sweet and caramelized coating!
3. Coating the Pineapple:
Taking your pineapple slices, brush them generously with the brown sugar mixture on both sides. Make sure each piece is well-coated—this will help create that lovely caramelization when you grill them!
4. Preheating the Grill:
Now it’s time to heat things up! Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. To prevent your pineapple from sticking, lightly grease the grill grates with cooking spray or brush them with additional melted butter. This step is super important!
5. Grilling the Pineapple:
Once your grill is hot, carefully place the coated pineapple slices on it. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for grill marks and a beautiful caramelized finish that’s golden and slightly charred. Yum!
6. Serving:
After grilling, remove the caramelized pineapple from the grill and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt if you’d like. Enjoy this sweet and juicy treat!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple. Just be sure to drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture, which may prevent caramelization on the grill. Keep in mind that the grilling time may need to be reduced since canned pineapple is already cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar with a bit of molasses mixed in (1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of white sugar). Alternatively, coconut sugar can be a great substitute for a similar flavor.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or gently warm it in the microwave. It’s also delicious cold, added to fruit salads or as a topping on yogurt!
Can I Add Other Spices or Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even chili powder for a kick. You can also swap the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences!
