Grilled Pineapple

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings sunshine to your plate, you’ve come to the right place! This Grilled Pineapple recipe is one of those simple joys that never fails to impress. It’s sweet, juicy, and a little smoky—all the things that make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just wanting to enjoy a quick dessert after dinner, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

What I love most about grilled pineapple is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a dessert, toss it into a fruit salad, or even top off your morning pancakes. It’s a hit with family and friends alike, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: You can whip up this dessert in just 22 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the sweetness of grilled pineapple, making it an easy way to add fruit to their day.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of caramelized sugar and warm spices creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Make-ahead option: Marinate the pineapple ahead of time and grill when you’re ready—easy peasy!
• Versatile serving ideas: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with ice cream for an extra special treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This Grilled Pineapple recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably have on hand. Each one works together beautifully to create that irresistible flavor.

• 1 fresh pineapple
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup dark vanilla extract (alcohol-free), optional
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

• Try different spices: Swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on flavor.
• Add some zest: A sprinkle of lime zest before grilling adds a refreshing citrus note.
• Incorporate other fruits: Mix in some sliced peaches or mangoes alongside the pineapple for a tropical medley.
• Top with toppings: Drizzle chocolate sauce or sprinkle chopped nuts over your grilled pineapple for added texture and taste.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Start by using a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Remove the rind completely and slice it into 3/4-1-inch spears or rings. Don’t forget to remove the core from the rings using a small cutter. This step is crucial because you want your grilled pineapple to be tender and easy to eat!

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract (if you’re using it), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined. Adding this marinade not only enhances the sweetness of the fruit but also helps achieve that beautiful caramelized exterior when grilling.

Step 3: Marinate

Place your cut pineapple into a large zip-top bag and pour in that delicious marinade. Gently toss everything together so each piece is coated well. Then pop it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to soak into the pineapple!

Step 4: Grill It Up

Warm your grill or grill pan over medium heat until it’s around 375-400°F. Place your marinated pineapple directly on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side. Be sure to brush each side with any leftover marinade as they cook; this will maximize flavor and keep your fruit moist.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once beautifully grilled, transfer your luscious pineapple onto a platter and serve immediately! This dish is best enjoyed warm—just imagine how amazing it will taste paired with a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Pineapple

Grilling pineapple is a delightful way to enhance its natural sweetness, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Choose ripe pineapples: Look for pineapples that are fragrant and have a slight give when pressed. Ripe fruit caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving you that perfect balance of sweetness and tang.

• Marinate for flavor: Allowing the pineapple to soak in the marinade for 20-30 minutes not only infuses it with flavor but also helps to tenderize the fruit, making each bite even more delicious.

• Preheat your grill: Ensure your grill or grill pan is preheated to the right temperature (375-400°F) before adding the pineapple. A hot grill creates those lovely char marks and intensifies the flavors.

• Keep an eye on it: Grilled pineapple cooks quickly! Monitor it closely to prevent burning, flipping it halfway through for even cooking and caramelization.

• Experiment with spices: Don’t be afraid to get creative with seasonings! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of lime juice can elevate your grilled pineapple’s flavor profile.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is not just a treat on its own; it can be presented in many delightful ways. Here are some ideas to make your dish stand out!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Shredded coconut: Lightly toasted coconut flakes bring a tropical flair and additional texture to your presentation.
• Chili powder: For those who like a kick, a light dusting of chili powder can create an exciting sweet-spicy combination.

Side Dishes

• Coconut rice: This creamy side dish complements the tropical flavors of grilled pineapple beautifully and rounds out your meal.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with diced vegetables adds a nutritious element that pairs well with the sweetness of the fruit.
• Grilled chicken skewers: Tender grilled chicken skewers seasoned with herbs provide a savory counterbalance to the sweet pineapple.
• Mixed greens salad: A simple mixed greens salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette offers freshness and crunch alongside your grilled dessert.

By incorporating these serving suggestions, you’ll turn your grilled pineapple into an irresistible centerpiece that’s sure to impress family and friends! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This grilled pineapple recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it later, whether as a delightful dessert or a sweet addition to your favorite dishes.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Enjoy it cold or add it to other sweet dishes!

Freezing

• Allow the grilled pineapple to cool completely before freezing.
• Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the pineapple to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place the frozen pieces in a preheated grill or grill pan over medium heat.
• Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave the pieces for about 30 seconds, checking until heated to your liking.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious grilled pineapple recipe:

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for grilling?

While fresh pineapple offers that perfect caramelized flavor when grilled, you can use canned pineapple if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure it’s drained well before marinating.

What goes well with grilled pineapple?

Grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes. It also makes a great addition to fruit salads or alongside grilled meats!

How do I make my grilled pineapple extra sweet?

To enhance the sweetness of your grilled pineapple, let it marinate longer in the butter and brown sugar mixture. You can also sprinkle additional brown sugar on top just before grilling.

Is grilled pineapple healthy?

Yes! Grilled pineapple is not only low in calories but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a healthy dessert option that satisfies sweet cravings without guilt.

Final Thoughts

Grilled pineapple is truly a special treat that brings together sweet flavors with an irresistible smoky char. I hope you enjoy making this delightful dessert as much as I do. Whether served alone or as an accompaniment, this recipe is sure to impress! Don’t hesitate to give it a try and indulge in that tropical goodness—happy grilling!