Grilled Pineapple

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s both easy to prepare and impressively tasty, this Grilled Pineapple recipe is just what you need! There’s something magical about taking a simple fruit and elevating it over the grill. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully, creating a warm and sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish will have everyone raving!

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, paired with ice cream, or even as a topping for pancakes or yogurt. Trust me; once you’ve had this grilled pineapple, your sweet cravings will be fully satisfied!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dessert ready to go!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the sweet, caramelized flavor of grilled pineapple.
• Perfectly Versatile: Serve it as a dessert, breakfast topping, or snack; it fits any occasion!
• Make-Ahead Option: Marinate the pineapple ahead of time for an even more flavorful result when you’re ready to grill.
• Naturally Sweet Delight: Enjoy the health benefits of fresh fruit without any added fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this delicious Grilled Pineapple! You probably have most of these items at home already.

• 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

This Grilled Pineapple recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Add Some Spice: Toss in a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
• Change Up the Sweetness: Swap dark brown sugar with coconut sugar or honey for different flavor profiles.
• Try Different Fruits: Experiment with peaches or mangoes alongside pineapple for a tropical fruit medley.
• Garnish Creatively: Top with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of honey after grilling for an extra touch!

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

To start off, take your sharp knife and carefully cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Removing the rind is crucial to getting that sweet flesh exposed. Slice the fruit into 3/4-1-inch spears or rings, removing the core if using rings. Placing them in a large zip-top bag helps keep everything contained while they marinate.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, dark brown sugar, dark vanilla extract (if you’re using it), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This marinade not only enhances the flavor but also adds that lovely caramelization during grilling!

Step 3: Marinate the Fruit

Pour your delicious marinade into the bag with the pineapple. Gently toss everything together to ensure each piece is coated. Let it sit in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes; this allows all those flavors to soak in beautifully.

Step 4: Grill It Up

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat (375-400°F). Place your marinated pineapple on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side. Be sure to brush on some of that excess marinade while cooking—this step maximizes flavor and gives you that gorgeous charred look.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your grilled pineapple has those lovely grill marks and is fragrant, transfer it to a platter right away. Serve it hot with ice cream or on its own—either way, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Pineapple

Making grilled pineapple is a breeze, and with these pro tips, you’ll take your dessert to the next level!

• Choose a ripe pineapple: A ripe pineapple will be sweeter and juicier, making your dish even more delicious. Look for a pineapple with a sweet aroma at the base and vibrant, green leaves.

• Let it marinate: Allowing the pineapple to soak in the marinade enhances its flavor and caramelizes better on the grill. Even 20-30 minutes can make a big difference!

• Preheat your grill: Ensuring your grill is hot enough helps achieve those beautiful grill marks while locking in the sweetness of the fruit. Aim for a temperature of 375-400°F for perfect grilling.

• Use a grill basket or skewers: If you’re worried about losing pieces of pineapple through the grill grates, consider using a grill basket or skewering them on sticks. This makes flipping easier and reduces cleanup!

• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices or herbs to the marinade. A pinch of nutmeg or some fresh mint can give your grilled pineapple an exciting twist!

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is not just delicious on its own but can also be creatively served to impress your family and friends! Here are some ideas to elevate this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprinkle of freshly chopped mint adds a refreshing burst of flavor and brightens up the presentation.
• Coconut flakes: Toasted coconut flakes provide a tropical crunch that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of grilled pineapple.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and nuttiness that complements the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the warmth of grilled pineapple with cool creaminess.

• Coconut whipped cream: For a dairy-free alternative, coconut whipped cream provides a light, fluffy topping that enhances the tropical vibe.

• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with lime dressing offers a refreshing contrast, making it an ideal side to accompany your sweet dessert.

• Berry compote: Drizzling some homemade berry compote over grilled pineapple adds an extra layer of flavor and vibrant color that’s hard to resist!

With these serving suggestions, you can make grilled pineapple not just a treat but an experience! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This grilled pineapple recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy sweet, caramelized fruit whenever the craving strikes. You can easily store leftovers or even prepare them in advance for parties or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the grilled pineapple to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best freshness.

Freezing

• Cut the grilled pineapple into smaller pieces if desired.
• Place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen pineapple to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• Use within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the pineapple on a grill or grill pan over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, use a microwave: place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds) until desired warmth is reached.
• Enjoy warm for a delicious dessert experience!

FAQs

If you’re curious about grilled pineapple, here are some common questions that might help you out.

How do I make grilled pineapple taste better?

To enhance your grilled pineapple, consider adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. A sprinkle of lime juice after grilling can also brighten the flavors beautifully!

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for grilling?

While fresh pineapple yields the best results due to its natural sugars and texture, canned pineapple can be used. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture on the grill.

What are some good pairings with grilled pineapple?

Grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with coconut ice cream, yogurt, or even as a topping on pancakes! You can also serve it alongside savory dishes like grilled chicken or shrimp.

What makes this recipe special?

This grilled pineapple recipe stands out because of its easy preparation and delightful caramelization that brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness. It’s an ideal treat that feels indulgent yet simple!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delicious grilled pineapple! It’s such a versatile dessert that can be savored alone or paired with your favorite treats. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is bound to impress. Happy grilling!