The beauty of grilled pineapple lies in its simplicity and powerful burst of tropical flavor. When pineapple is grilled, the natural sugars caramelize, creating a warm, juicy treat with subtle notes of smokiness and spice. This dish is a staple during summer BBQs, but it’s versatile enough to enjoy year-round whether served as a side, a dessert, or even a topping for grilled meats and ice cream. Brushed with a brown sugar and spice glaze, the pineapple slices char beautifully, giving them a rich, golden color and irresistible texture. You’ll love how the sweet glaze contrasts with the tang of the pineapple, enhanced by optional touches like lime or honey. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just want to elevate your fruit game, grilled pineapple is one of the easiest ways to make an impact with minimal effort.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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Pinch of salt
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Optional: honey or lime juice for drizzling
Directions:
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
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In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to form a glaze.
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Brush each pineapple slice generously with the glaze on both sides.
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Place the pineapple slices on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until grill marks form and the sugars caramelize.
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Optional: drizzle with honey or lime juice before serving for an added flavor burst.
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Serve warm as a side, dessert, or topping.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 18 minutes
Kcal: 140 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Everything You Need to Know About Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Glaze
Grilled pineapple is one of those recipes that effortlessly bridges the gap between simplicity and elegance. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a tropical-themed dinner, or looking for a quick and healthier dessert, this grilled pineapple with brown sugar glaze is a perfect addition to your menu. With its juicy interior, lightly charred edges, and sweet, spiced glaze, this dish captures the essence of summer while adding a hint of gourmet flair.
A Celebration of Tropical Flavors
Pineapple, a tropical fruit native to South America, has become a beloved ingredient worldwide, celebrated for its vibrant sweetness, natural acidity, and succulent texture. When grilled, its natural sugars caramelize, intensifying its flavor and creating a rich, golden exterior. The light charring also introduces subtle smoky notes that contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit.
By pairing pineapple with a glaze made of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter, you’re introducing warm and aromatic elements that elevate the overall flavor profile. These spices complement the tangy brightness of the pineapple while the glaze melts into the fruit as it grills, forming a deliciously sticky coating.
Versatility in Every Bite
One of the best things about grilled pineapple is how versatile it is. This dish isn’t confined to being just a dessert. You can serve it as a unique appetizer, a fruity side dish, or even as a component in savory meals. Here are just a few of the many ways grilled pineapple can be incorporated into your culinary creations:
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With Savory Dishes: Grilled pineapple makes an excellent companion to grilled meats like pork, chicken, or fish. The sweetness balances the savory or smoky flavors, especially in barbecue-style dishes.
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As a Dessert: Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and drizzle with honey or chocolate sauce for an elegant finish.
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In Salads: Slice the grilled pineapple into cubes and toss it with fresh greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing summer salad.
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On Burgers and Sandwiches: Add a grilled pineapple ring to a Hawaiian-style burger or chicken sandwich for a juicy, tropical twist.
This wide range of pairings makes grilled pineapple a standout dish at any meal.
Perfect for Special Diets
Grilled pineapple is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly (if prepared without butter or with a plant-based substitute). It caters well to a variety of dietary needs and preferences, making it a thoughtful addition to potlucks and gatherings. Those watching their calorie intake will also appreciate that pineapple is low in fat and high in vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber.
The glaze can be adjusted to suit different health preferences using maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, or omitting it altogether for a cleaner version. The result remains satisfying and packed with flavor.
Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. You don’t need complicated tools or ingredients. Once the pineapple is peeled, cored, and sliced, it’s brushed with the glaze and grilled for just a few minutes on each side.
This simplicity makes it a great last-minute addition to any meal, especially during summer when the grill is already fired up. It’s also a kid-friendly recipe, both in terms of taste and preparation little ones can help brush the glaze or safely place the slices on the grill under supervision.
Hosting and Presentation Tips
Grilled pineapple doesn’t just taste good it looks amazing too. Those defined grill marks on vibrant golden fruit make for a stunning presentation. If you’re hosting, consider these tips to make your dish shine:
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Use a Grill Pan: This helps achieve perfect grill marks and prevents slices from slipping through the grates.
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Serve on a Platter: Arrange the rings in a circular pattern, garnish with mint leaves or lime wedges, and serve warm.
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Pair with Tropical Drinks: Think piña coladas, fresh coconut water, or mango smoothies to complete the tropical vibe.
For large gatherings, prepare the pineapple in advance and keep it warm in the oven until ready to serve.
Cultural and Culinary Inspiration
Grilling fruits like pineapple is a culinary practice found in many cultures. In Brazilian churrascarias, whole pineapples are often grilled on a spit and served as a palate cleanser. In Southeast Asia, pineapple is used in savory skewers or paired with spicy marinades to balance heat with sweetness. This recipe takes inspiration from these global traditions but simplifies it for the home cook, focusing on flavor without requiring specialized equipment or extensive techniques.
Customization Ideas
Once you master the basic version, you can explore creative variations of this recipe:
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Add a Kick: Mix cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the glaze for a sweet-and-spicy combo.
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Use Citrus Zest: Lemon or lime zest adds brightness and enhances the tropical feel.
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Try a Rum Glaze: Add a splash of dark rum to the glaze for an adult-only version.
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Pair with Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the finished pineapple for a delicious crunch.
The beauty of this dish lies in how customizable it is. A simple change can turn it into something entirely new.
Why It Belongs on Your Table
Grilled pineapple is more than just another side dish. It’s a sensory experience visually appealing, fragrant, texturally satisfying, and bursting with flavor. It turns an already delicious fruit into something extraordinary with just a few minutes of grilling. It’s perfect for outdoor parties, Sunday lunches, family dinners, and even solo indulgences.
With its ease of preparation, crowd-pleasing taste, and adaptability, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll find yourself returning to throughout the year. Serve it once, and chances are your guests will ask for it again and again.
Conclusion:
Grilled pineapple with brown sugar glaze captures the essence of summer sweet, smoky, and sun-kissed. It takes an already beloved fruit and enhances it with the deep warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, the richness of caramelized sugar, and the irresistible charm of char marks from the grill.
Whether you serve it with a scoop of ice cream, alongside grilled meats, or as a healthy dessert, this dish proves that simple ingredients can yield truly spectacular results. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best recipes are those that celebrate nature’s own sweetness, with just a hint of culinary magic.
