Grilled Pineapple

If you’re looking for a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Grilled Pineapple recipe is just the ticket! Imagine juicy, caramelized pineapple slices, kissed by the grill and drizzled with a sweet buttery glaze. It’s a treat that’s perfect for so many occasions—whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or simply treating yourself on a busy weeknight. This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my home, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and the joy it brings. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll find yourself wondering why you didn’t try grilling pineapple sooner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dessert ready to impress your family or guests.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love grilled pineapple! Its natural sweetness makes it a hit at any gathering.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it as is or pair it with ice cream for an indulgent treat that will wow your taste buds.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can marinate the pineapple ahead of time, making it easy to whip up on busy days.
• Healthy Indulgence: With fresh fruit at its core, this treat strikes the perfect balance between satisfying cravings and keeping things light.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to create your very own Grilled Pineapple:

For the Grilled Pineapple

• 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

The beauty of grilled pineapple is its flexibility! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor kick.
• Try different fruits: Mix in other fruits like peaches or mangoes for a tropical twist.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their sweetness.
• Serve with yogurt: Swap out ice cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option that still satisfies.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the pineapple, then slice off the rind. Cutting into spears or rings helps ensure even cooking on the grill. Removing the core is also important if you’re using rings—it makes every bite tender and enjoyable!

Step 2: Create the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, optional vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will add rich flavor and help caramelize the pineapple on the grill. Pour this goodness over your cut pineapple in the zip-top bag, seal it up, and let it chill in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Grill It Up

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat (about 375-400°F). Place those beautiful marinated fruit pieces on the grill. Cooking them for about 4-6 minutes per side allows them to develop those lovely grill marks while enhancing their natural sweetness. Don’t forget to brush each side with leftover marinade as they cook; it’s an easy way to keep them moist and flavorful!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once perfectly grilled, transfer your pineapple to a platter. Serve immediately while warm—maybe even alongside some ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent! Each bite will be bursting with flavor. Enjoy this delightful dessert any time you crave something sweet!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Pineapple

Grilling pineapple is a delightful way to enhance its natural sweetness, and these pro tips will ensure your creation turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose a ripe pineapple: A sweet, ripe pineapple will yield the best flavor. Look for a fruit with a golden color and a fragrant smell at the bottom.
• Use fresh ingredients: Opting for fresh butter and spices can elevate the taste of your grilled pineapple, making it more vibrant and flavorful.
• Don’t skip marinating: Allowing the pineapple to soak in the marinade for 20-30 minutes enhances its flavor, ensuring each bite is packed with sweetness and spice.
• Preheat your grill properly: Ensuring your grill or grill pan is at the right temperature (375-400°F) helps achieve those lovely grill marks and caramelization without overcooking the fruit.
• Experiment with toppings: Get creative by trying different toppings like shredded coconut or chopped nuts to add extra texture and flavor to your dish!

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Serving grilled pineapple can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish! Here are some fun ideas to present this delicious dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: Adding a few sprigs of mint not only looks beautiful but also brings a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Drizzle of honey: A light drizzle of honey can enhance the natural sweetness even further, giving it a lovely glossy finish.

Side Dishes

• Coconut sorbet: This refreshing treat complements the warm grilled pineapple beautifully, providing a creamy yet dairy-free option that balances flavors.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with diced vegetables adds a nutritious touch and can serve as a great counterpoint to the sweet grilled fruit.
• Vanilla yogurt: A scoop of creamy vanilla yogurt serves as a great base for grilled pineapple, creating an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
• Grilled chicken skewers: If you’re looking for something savory to accompany your dessert, grilled chicken skewers seasoned with herbs provide a nice protein balance after enjoying the sweetness of pineapple.

Now that you have all these ideas and tips, it’s time to fire up that grill and enjoy some scrumptious grilled pineapple!

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 as a delicious dessert or sweet snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the grilled pineapple to cool completely before storing.
• Place the leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap each piece of grilled pineapple tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped pieces in a heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen grilled pineapple overnight in the refrigerator.
• To reheat, place on a grill pan or skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it for about 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers may have about grilled pineapple.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

While fresh pineapple offers the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple slices. Just ensure they are packed in juice or light syrup and drain well before grilling.

How do I make Grilled Pineapple sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider adding more dark brown sugar to the marinade. You could also sprinkle additional sugar directly on the fruit while it’s grilling for that caramelized effect!

What dishes pair well with Grilled Pineapple?

Grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or even as a topping for pancakes. It also complements savory dishes like grilled chicken or fish!

Is Grilled Pineapple healthy?

Absolutely! Grilled pineapple is low in calories and packed with vitamins and fiber. It makes a great healthy dessert option without any guilt.

Can I grill other fruits like this?

Definitely! Many fruits like peaches, mangoes, and bananas are delicious when grilled. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful grilled pineapple recipe as much as I do! It’s such a simple yet satisfying treat that brings warmth to any gathering. Whether you savor it on its own or pair it with ice cream, I’m sure it will become one of your new favorites. Happy grilling, and don’t forget to share your experience!