This grilled pineapple is a tropical treat! With a sweet brown sugar rum glaze, it’s perfect for a summer BBQ. The caramelized edges will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Trust me, the smell of the pineapple on the grill is heavenly. I love serving it with vanilla ice cream. It’s a delicious way to sweeten up any day! 🍍😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. Look for one that has a sweet smell and gives slightly when pressed. If fresh pineapple is not available, canned pineapple slices in juice can work as a substitute, but fresh is always better for grilling.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds sweetness and helps create that caramelized crust on the pineapple. While light brown sugar is great, you can use dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper flavor. If you prefer a sugar alternative, try coconut sugar or maple syrup.
Dark Rum: Dark rum gives the glaze a complex flavor. If you want to avoid alcohol, you can replace it with pineapple juice or a mix of apple cider and a little vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile.
Butter: Unsalted butter creates a smooth glaze, but you can replace it with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth to the glaze. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, try nutmeg or allspice for a different hint of flavor that complements the sweetness.
How Do You Grill Pineapple Without Burning It?
Grilling pineapple can be tricky, as it can easily burn. To prevent this, follow these steps:
- Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high. Too hot can lead to quick burning.
- Slice the pineapple into thick rounds (about 1 inch), as thinner slices are more prone to falling apart and burning.
- Brush the pineapple with the glaze just before grilling to prevent it from burning.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, keeping an eye on it. Flip only once to maintain shape.
- If you notice the edges are darkening too quickly, move the pineapple to a cooler part of the grill for indirect heat.
These tips will help you achieve those beautiful grill marks and a perfectly caramelized texture. Enjoy your grilled pineapple!
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled pineapple recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes of cooking time. So, in about 20 minutes, you will have a mouthwatering dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your pineapple gets those perfect grill marks and caramelizes nicely.
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
Next, peel and core the ripe pineapple. Slice it into thick rounds, about 1 inch thick. This thickness helps to keep the pineapple juicy while grilling.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, dark rum, butter, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This glaze will add a sweet and rich flavor to your pineapple!
4. Brush Pineapple with Glaze:
Using a brush, take some of the brown sugar rum glaze and brush it on both sides of the pineapple slices. This will help to create a delicious caramelized coating as they grill.
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the pineapple slices on the hot grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you see nice grill marks and the pineapple becomes caramelized. The sugar in the glaze will help achieve a lovely golden color.
6. Add Extra Glaze:
Once the pineapple is grilled, remove it from the grill and brush it with some additional glaze for an extra burst of flavor. It adds a nice shine, too!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled pineapple warm on a plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle any remaining glaze on top for that extra sweetness. Enjoy your tasty grilled dessert!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple is preferred for this recipe as it has the best flavor and texture. Just make sure to choose a ripe one for the sweetest results. If you only have canned pineapple, make sure to drain it well before grilling.
What Can I Use Instead of Dark Rum?
If you don’t have dark rum on hand, you can substitute it with light rum or even a splash of whiskey for a different flavor profile. For a non-alcoholic option, try using pineapple juice or a mixture of vanilla extract and water to keep that sweet flavor going.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it on the grill for a few moments to regain that grilled taste.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the brown sugar rum glaze in advance. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to a week. When ready to use, gently reheat it on the stove until it’s warm and smooth again.
