This grilled pineapple is a sweet treat everyone loves! With a delicious brown sugar rum glaze, it becomes a perfect side or dessert for any meal. Who knew fruit could be this fun?
I can’t resist a slice of this juicy goodness. It’s so easy to make; just grill it up and let that glaze work its magic. Perfect for summer BBQs or any day when you need a touch of sweetness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key for the best flavor. Choose one that’s firm and fragrant. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you could try canned pineapple rings, but aim for those in juice, not syrup, for a lighter option.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can easily substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses or honey. For a healthier option, consider coconut sugar.
Dark Rum: The rum adds a unique flavor. You can swap it out with coconut rum for a tropical twist or use apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness since juice can be sweeter than rum.
Ground Cinnamon: This spice enhances the warmth of the dish. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice can be good alternatives. Just a pinch goes a long way!
Vanilla Extract: This gives a lovely flavor boost. Pure vanilla is best, but if it’s too pricey, imitation vanilla extract works too. You could also use vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.
How Do I Grill Pineapple Perfectly?
Grilling pineapple can be simple, but getting it just right is important. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This helps to get nice grill marks without burning.
- Grease the grill grates well with olive oil to prevent sticking. A kitchen brush can help you get an even coat.
- Grill the pineapple for 3-4 minutes on one side until you see caramelized grill marks. Avoid moving it too much.
- Brush the glaze on the grilled side before flipping—this caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Keep an eye on the second side while grilling, brushing more glaze as needed for extra flavor.
Remember to let the grilled pineapple cool slightly before serving; this allows the flavors to settle in. Enjoy your delicious creation with that scoop of ice cream!
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Olive oil (for grilling)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled pineapple dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. To keep your pineapple from sticking, take a paper towel and dip it in olive oil. Lightly grease the grill grates with it. This will help your pineapple grill beautifully!
2. Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, dark rum, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar is completely dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Once ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Grill the Pineapple Rings:
Now, it’s time to grill! Place the sliced pineapple rings on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on one side until you see lovely grill marks. Flip the rings carefully!
4. Brush with Glaze:
Once you’ve flipped the pineapple rings, use a brush to spread some of the brown sugar rum glaze over the grilled side. Grill the second side for another 3-4 minutes, brushing on more glaze as needed until they look perfectly caramelized and delicious.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
After grilling, remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool slightly. Serve the warm grilled pineapple topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. Enjoy your sweet and tropical treat!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple is recommended for this recipe because of its vibrant flavor and texture. Just make sure to choose a ripe pineapple. It should feel slightly tender when pressed and have a sweet smell. Follow the peeling and coring instructions carefully for the best grilling experience!
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No problem! You can substitute dark rum with light rum or even coconut rum for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, if you want a non-alcoholic version, use pineapple juice mixed with a tablespoon of vanilla extract for a tasty glaze.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop the grilled pineapple in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat on the grill for a couple of minutes until warmed through. This way, you can still enjoy that delicious glaze!
Can I Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm it up slightly before brushing it on the grilled pineapple to help it spread easily. Enjoy the convenience of having it ready to go!
