This grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple is a sweet and juicy treat! The brown sugar gives it a lovely golden glaze that makes it irresistible. Perfect for summer BBQs!
When I make this, my grill becomes a magic machine that turns regular fruit into dessert! Serve it warm with ice cream for an extra special touch—pure happiness on a plate! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. Look for one that’s slightly soft to the touch and has a sweet aroma. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple slices can work as a substitute, but they’ll be softer when grilled.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness and depth to the grill. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar plus a little molasses or honey to mimic that rich flavor.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon gives a warm spice that complements the sweetness of the pineapple. If you don’t have cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice can add a unique twist, but use a little less as they’re stronger in flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level in your recipe. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil can add a nice flavor and works well for grilling.
How Do You Properly Prepare and Grill Pineapple?
Getting the pineapple ready and grilling it perfectly is key for the best results! Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the crown and base of the pineapple, then stand it upright to slice off the skin. It’s easier this way!
- Cut the pineapple into chunky wedges, about 1 inch thick. This helps them grill nicely without falling apart.
- Before grilling, brush each wedge lightly with olive oil. This prevents sticking and helps with caramelizing.
- Generously apply the brown sugar mixture on both sides of the pineapple. The sugar caramelizes and creates those lovely grill marks.
When grilling, keep an eye on the wedges. 3-4 minutes on each side is usually perfect, but you want to see that caramelized color for the best flavor.
How to Make Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
For the Caramelized Coating:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Grilling:
- Olive oil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to grill. In no time at all, you’ll have a sweet and warm dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures your pineapple gets those beautiful grill marks and caramelizes nicely!
2. Get the Pineapple Ready:
Take your ripe pineapple and cut off the top and bottom. Stand it upright and carefully slice off the skin all around. Make sure to remove any little eyes left behind so it’s nice and clean. Once that’s done, cut the pineapple into thick wedges, about 1 inch thick. These will be perfect for grilling!
3. Mix the Sweet Coating:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and well combined. This yummy mixture will add a sweet and warm flavor to our pineapple.
4. Prep for Grilling:
Brush each pineapple wedge lightly with olive oil on both sides so they don’t stick to the grill. Then, generously brush that delicious brown sugar mixture over each wedge. Don’t be shy—this is where the sweetness comes from!
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Place your pineapple wedges on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for those pretty grill marks to appear and the sugar to caramelize. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once the pineapple is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm as a delightful dessert or alongside your favorite grilled meats for a tasty treat. Enjoy your grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple!
Can I Use Different Sweeteners Instead of Brown Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute brown sugar with alternatives like coconut sugar or maple syrup, though this might change the flavor slightly. If using maple syrup, you may want to reduce the amount of melted butter to keep the mixture from being too runny. Keep an eye on the grill time, as these substitutions may caramelize faster!
How Can I Make Grilled Pineapple Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pineapple wedges and coat them with the brown sugar mixture ahead of time. Store the coated wedges in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before grilling. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling so they cook evenly!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pineapple wedges on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or use the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold in a fruit salad!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple for This Recipe?
While fresh pineapple is recommended for the best texture and flavor, canned pineapple can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well and pat it dry before applying the brown sugar mixture. Since it’s already soft, you’ll need to reduce the grilling time to about 1-2 minutes per side to avoid mushiness.
