This grilled pineapple is sliced fresh pineapple brushed with brown sugar, butter and cinnamon, then grilled to perfection. An easy side dish or dessert option that’s perfect for summer entertaining!
When I’m looking for a lighter way to indulge my sweet tooth, I turn to favorites such as fruit kabobs, apple nachos and this simple, yet totally satisfying grilled pineapple.
I love to grill in the summer. While my family enjoys grilled savory dishes like grilled chicken breast, grilled mushrooms, grilled shrimp and grilled asparagus, my kids also want something sweet on the grill. There’s nothing better than grilled fruit because the heat brings out the sweetness in fruit. My kids’ favorites are grilled peaches and this fantastic grilled pineapple recipe with brown sugar.
Table of Contents
Grilled Pineapple Ingredients
To make grilled pineapple you will need sliced pineapple, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and cooking spray. You may want garnishes like fresh raspberries or mint leaves.
How Do You Make Grilled Pineapple?
To make this grilled pineapple recipe, start by cutting a pineapple into rings. Spray or brush your grill with cooking spray. Heat your grill and whisk together brown sugar, melted butter and cinnamon in a small bowl. Lightly brush the sugar mixture over both sides of each pineapple slice. Place the slices on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pineapple is browned and just tender. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips For The Perfect Grilled Pineapple
- Leave the pineapple on the grill without moving the slices long enough for grill marks to appear.
- I garnish my pineapple with fresh raspberries and mint sprigs for added color and flavor.
- This recipe works as a dessert or as a side dish. It pairs perfectly with teriyaki chicken stir fry or grilled pork tenderloin.
- No grill? Try broiling the pineapple in the oven for a similar effect.
- This dish will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can eat it chilled, or reheat it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. I like to use leftovers in sandwiches, on a Hawaiian style pizza or in a salad.
- I don’t recommend freezing grilled pineapple as it will be watery when thawed.
Quick Tip
If you’re pressed for time, feel free to buy pre-cut pineapple in the produce aisle, or you can even substitute canned pineapple rings in a pinch.
Recipe FAQs
Choose a ripe pineapple by looking for a pineapple with a fresh green stem. If the fruit has a brown or shriveled stem, it’s been sitting on a shelf for a long time. Choose a pineapple that’s golden in color and aromatic. The more yellow the pineapple looks, the riper it is. Avoid fruit with a greenish hue, as they are likely not ripe yet. Also avoid pineapples that are mushy or have brown spots, they may be overripe.
I prefer cut slices of pineapple for grilling. To make perfect slices, first use a sharp knife to slice off both ends of the fruit. Run a knife along the outside of the pineapple to shave off the tough outer skin. Cut the pineapple crosswise into 3/4 inch thick slices. You can leave the core in, or use a small round corer or cookie cutter to remove the core. Another option is to cut a whole pineapple into wedges for a different presentation.
You grill pineapple so that the heat sweetens the flavor of the fruit. Cooking pineapple makes it juicer and more tender as well.
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Flavor Variations
This recipe is delicious as-is, but feel free to add other flavors to customize it to your tastes.
- Sweetener: Instead of brown sugar get your sweetness from honey, maple syrup, agave syrup or coconut sugar.
- Citrus: Squeeze on a bit of lime juice, lemon juice or orange juice for a zesty flavor.
- Spice: Make this fruit sweet and savory by adding a little chili powder, chile lime seasoning or hot sauce.
- Alcohol: Turn your pineapple into a tropical treat by brushing the cooked fruit with a little rum. Do not attempt to add alcohol over a flame!
- Herbs: While I like to garnish this dish with fresh mint, it’s also great with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Dessert: Top your grilled pineapple with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce for an amazing dessert.
More Pineapple Recipes To Try
Pineapple Chicken
30 mins
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
1 hr 5 mins
Pineapple Smoothie
6 mins
Pineapple Salsa
11 mins
Pineapple Punch
6 mins
Grilled Pineapple Video
Love This Recipe?
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Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple peeled, cored and cut into 3/4 inch thick slices
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- cooking spray
- fresh raspberries and mint sprigs for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Coat grill grates with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, butter and cinnamon.
- Brush the brown sugar mixture over both sides of each pineapple slice.
- Place the pineapple slices on the grill in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and tender.
- Serve immediately, garnished with raspberries and mint if desired.
Notes
- If you’re pressed for time, feel free to buy pre-cut pineapple in the produce aisle, or you can even substitute canned pineapple rings in a pinch.
- Leave the pineapple on the grill without moving the slices long enough for grill marks to appear.
- I garnish my pineapple with fresh raspberries and mint sprigs for added color and flavor.
Love the addition of the cinnamon! Served them with icecream!
Pineapple is my son’s favorite fruit and he’s so excited to try it grilled!
You can’t go wrong with this recipe. Simple ingredients and full of flavour. Our kids are already asking for us to make it again! Thanks so much.