This easy grilled pineapple is a sweet treat that’s hard to resist! The delicious caramelized brown sugar gives it a lovely golden color and a rich flavor.
I love how quick it is—just grill, sprinkle, and serve! Perfect for summer barbecues or a fun dessert. You might even want to eat it right off the grill! 🍍🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is the star here! It’s sweet and juicy when grilled. If you can’t find fresh, canned pineapple rings also work, but they may be softer and less caramelized.
Brown Sugar: This gives a lovely sweetness and helps with caramelization. You can use white sugar or coconut sugar as substitutes, but brown sugar adds that unique flavor you’re looking for.
Unsalted Butter: Butter enhances the richness of the caramel. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Just note that it may change the flavor slightly.
Cooking Spray or Oil: This prevents sticking on the grill. If you prefer not to use spray, any neutral oil will do, like canola or grapeseed oil.
Vanilla Ice Cream: To serve, this ice cream adds a creamy contrast. For a lighter option, serve with yogurt or dairy-free ice cream. Both taste great!
How Do I Grill Pineapple Without It Sticking?
Grilling can sometimes lead to sticking if not done right. Here are some tips to grill pineapple without it tearing:
- Preheat the grill or grill pan well. A hot grill creates a nice sear, which prevents sticking.
- Make sure to lightly oil the grill grates before placing the pineapple. This creates a non-stick surface.
- Avoid flipping the pineapple too soon. Let it grill for about 3-4 minutes per side until you see those lovely grill marks.
By following these steps, you’ll have beautifully grilled pineapple that’s easy to serve and enjoy! Happy grilling!
Easy Grilled Pineapple With Caramelized Brown Sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch thick rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Cooking spray or oil for grilling
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 8-10 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll need about 20 minutes to create this sweet and delightful dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. If you’re using a grill pan on the stove, put it over medium heat as well. This will ensure that your pineapple gets those gorgeous grill marks and a nice smoky flavor!
2. Make The Caramelized Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium-low heat. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Once it’s ready, take it off the heat and set it aside. This will be the sweet glaze for your pineapple.
3. Prepare The Grill:
Before grilling, lightly spray the grill grates with cooking spray or brush them with a little oil. This step helps prevent the pineapple rings from sticking to the grill, making flipping them much easier.
4. Grill The Pineapple:
Place the pineapple rings on the hot grill. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you see beautiful grill marks and they become tender. The aroma will be incredible!
5. Brush With The Sauce:
While your pineapple is grilling, don’t forget to brush the caramelized brown sugar mixture generously over the rings. This will make them sweet and sticky. Yum!
6. Serve And Enjoy:
After grilling, take the pineapple off the grill and let it cool slightly. Serve the warm pineapple rings on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle any leftover caramelized sauce over the ice cream, and garnish with fresh mint leaves if you like. Enjoy your delicious dessert!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple, but fresh pineapple is recommended for the best texture and flavor. If using canned, make sure to drain it well and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture that can interfere with grilling.
How to Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just keep in mind that the caramelization may be less pronounced with these substitutes.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes to bring back the warmth before serving again.
Can I Grill Other Fruits Too?
Absolutely! Other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or watermelon also grill beautifully. Just slice them into similar thickness as the pineapple and adjust grilling time as needed, generally around 2-3 minutes per side.
