If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s quick to whip up and bursting with flavor, then Grilled Pineapple is your answer! This recipe has a special place in my heart because it transforms a simple fruit into something magical. The caramelization from grilling brings out the pineapple’s natural sweetness, creating an irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving something sweet on a busy weeknight, this dish is sure to impress.

Plus, it’s so easy to prepare! Just a few simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Imagine serving this warm, grilled goodness topped with your favorite ice cream—pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, anyone can make this magical dessert.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavors and juicy texture of grilled pineapple.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy night in, this dish fits right in!
Healthy Indulgence: Enjoy the natural sweetness of pineapple without added guilt.
Make-Ahead Option: Marinate the pineapple earlier in the day and grill it fresh when you’re ready to serve!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to find that these ingredients are simple and wholesome. Grab them from your local grocery store, and you’ll be on your way to creating something truly special.

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

One of the best things about grilled pineapple is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

Add Some Spice: Sprinkle on some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Try Different Fruits: Swap in mango or peaches for an equally delicious twist.
Drizzle with Honey: Replace brown sugar with honey for a lighter sweetener that adds its own unique flavor.
Serve with Yogurt: Instead of ice cream, top with Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Start by using a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the pineapple. Removing the rind carefully ensures you get all the juicy flesh inside. Cutting it into spears or rings makes grilling easy and gives you those perfect caramelized edges. Don’t forget to remove the core if you’re slicing it into rings!

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract (if using), cinnamon, and salt. This marinade not only enhances the flavor but also helps achieve that delightful caramelization on the grill. Once combined, pour it over your pineapple in the zip-top bag and give it a gentle toss to coat every piece.

Step 3: Marinate

Letting your pineapple marinate in the fridge for 20-30 minutes allows those flavors to soak in deeply. It’s essential because this step transforms good grilled pineapple into great grilled pineapple!

Step 4: Grill It Up

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium heat until it’s nice and hot (375-400°F). Place your marinated pineapple on the grill and let it cook for 4-6 minutes per side. As it grills, brush each side with any leftover marinade—this keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Once your grilled pineapple is beautifully caramelized, transfer it to a platter and serve warm. Enjoying it fresh off the grill truly elevates this dessert! Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with ice cream or yogurt, I know you’ll savor every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is not just delicious; it’s also a fun and easy dessert that you can master with a few helpful tips!

Choose the Right Pineapple: Look for a ripe pineapple that’s fragrant and has a slight give when pressed. A fresh pineapple will have the best flavor and sweetness, making your dish irresistible.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the pineapple to marinate for 20-30 minutes helps infuse it with the buttery, sugary goodness of the marinade. This step ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill or grill pan is properly preheated to 375-400°F. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and caramelization without overcooking the fruit.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Place only a few pieces of pineapple on the grill at a time. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of grilling, which means less flavor.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the marinade. Options like nutmeg or ginger can add an exciting twist that complements the natural sweetness of the pineapple.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Serving grilled pineapple is all about presentation and pairing it with delightful accompaniments. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your dish!

Garnishes

Fresh Mint: A sprinkle of freshly chopped mint adds a burst of color and freshness, contrasting beautifully with the rich flavors of grilled pineapple.
Toasted Coconut Flakes: For a tropical vibe, top your grilled pineapple with toasted coconut flakes. They provide a crunchy texture and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the warm, caramelized flavors of grilled pineapple.
Coconut Rice: This subtly sweet rice dish complements grilled pineapple wonderfully. Cook rice in coconut milk for added richness and flavor.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumber, bell pepper, and a light vinaigrette offers a nutritious contrast to the sweetness of grilled pineapple, making it a well-rounded meal.
Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds creaminess and tanginess, making it an excellent addition that enhances both flavor and nutrition.

Enjoy experimenting with these serving suggestions, and make your grilled pineapple experience even more delightful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This grilled pineapple recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat anytime with minimal effort. You can easily store leftovers or even prepare them in advance for gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the grilled pineapple to cool completely.
Place it in an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap each piece of grilled pineapple in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

Thaw frozen pineapple in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat on the grill or a grill pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking to avoid overheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about grilled pineapple that might help you out!

Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

While fresh pineapple offers the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple if needed. Just make sure it’s packed in juice, not syrup, and drain well before grilling.

What dishes pair well with grilled pineapple?

Grilled pineapple makes a fantastic topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream or yogurt. It also complements savory dishes like grilled chicken or shrimp tacos beautifully.

How do I achieve the best char on my grilled pineapple?

To get that perfect char, make sure your grill is preheated properly and use medium heat. Also, avoid moving the fruit too much on the grill; let it sit until it caramelizes before flipping.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes! You can substitute coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative to keep it dairy-free while still achieving a delicious result.

What should I do with leftover marinade?

You can drizzle leftover marinade over your grilled fruit or use it as a sweet glaze for other dishes. Just ensure it’s cooked if reused!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful grilled pineapple! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it solo, this recipe is bound to bring smiles all around. Happy grilling, and don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends!