This grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple is a real treat! The sweet pineapple gets a nice smoky flavor while the brown sugar melts into a delicious glaze that makes it even better.
Honestly, who can resist the sweet aroma wafting from the grill? Plus, it’s super easy to make! I love serving this as a dessert—just add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is the star here. Look for one that’s fragrant and has a bit of give when pressed. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple slices can work in a pinch, but they won’t have that same grilled flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar brings a rich sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you need a substitute, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses, or even coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Cinnamon: This is optional but adds a warm, cozy spice to the pineapple. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out, or use an alternative like nutmeg or vanilla extract for a different taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for grilling. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute with coconut oil or a non-dairy butter alternative, which will also add a nice flavor.
Mint Leaves: These are optional but add a refreshing touch to the dish. You can also use basil or sage if you want to mix things up!
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Grilled Pineapple?
Grilling pineapple can be simple, but you want to ensure it caramelizes beautifully without sticking. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- **Preparation:** Cut the pineapple into 1-inch thick slices. This thickness is crucial for even cooking and prevents the slices from falling apart.
- **Sugar Coating:** Make sure to generously coat both sides of the pineapple slices with the brown sugar mixture. This helps create that lovely caramelization.
- **Grill Temperature:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures that the sugars caramelize quickly and form those nice grill marks.
- **Butter Application:** Brushing melted butter on the grill grates or the pineapple slices prevents sticking. Don’t skip this step!
- **Timing:** Grill the pineapple for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Watch it closely, as cooking times can vary depending on your grill. Look for those gorgeous caramel grill marks!
How to Make Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for grilling)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to grill. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying your delicious grilled caramelized pineapple in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple:
Begin by cutting off the top and bottom of the ripe pineapple. Stand it upright and carefully slice away the skin, making sure to remove all the little eyes. Next, cut the pineapple into thick rectangular slices, about 1-inch thick. These slices are just the right size for grilling!
2. Mix the Sugar and Cinnamon:
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Give it a good mix to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed within the sugar. This mix is what will caramelize beautifully on the pineapple!
3. Coat the Pineapple:
Generously sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over both sides of the pineapple slices. Make sure each slice is well-coated for even caramelization as it grills. This is where the magic happens!
4. Preheat the Grill:
Now it’s time to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stovetop, set it over medium heat to warm it up nicely.
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Melt the unsalted butter and brush it on the grill grates or directly onto the pineapple slices. This will help prevent sticking and add extra flavor. Place the coated pineapple slices on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want to see those beautiful caramel grill marks while the sugar melts and caramelizes. It’s a sight to behold!
6. Serve:
Once grilled, carefully remove the pineapple from the grill and arrange it on a serving platter. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of salt on top. If you want to pretty it up, garnish with fresh mint leaves—it’s optional but adds a lovely touch!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your warm caramelized pineapple as a delightful side dish, a sweet dessert, or even as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. Enjoy the sweet and smoky flavors—you’re in for a treat!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead?
While fresh pineapple is best for grilling, you can use canned pineapple slices in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well to remove excess moisture and decrease cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side to avoid mushiness.
What if I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of granulated sugar). Alternatively, coconut sugar is a great substitute for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store leftover caramelized pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it on the grill or in a pan for a few minutes to regain its warmth and caramel flavor.
Can I Add Other Spices or Flavors?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor twist. Adding a splash of rum or vanilla extract to the sugar mixture can enhance the caramel flavor even more.
