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Grilled pineapple transforms fresh pineapple slices into your new favorite grilling side dish or dessert! The simple, sweet glaze becomes caramelized on the grill. You’re left with beautiful grill marks, juicy pineapple, and a sweet glaze.
I love pairing grilled pineapple with Grilled Chicken Kabobs or BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. You can even add the pineapple slices to these juicy Turkey Burgers.
Grilling pineapple couldn’t be any easier! It takes less than 10 minutes and the glaze is only 3 pantry staple ingredients.
Ingredients and Variations
You only need 4 ingredients and about 15 minutes. Here’s what you need, including substitution ideas:
- Fresh pineapple – You’ll peel and core the pineapple before cutting for the grill. You can also buy a peeled and cored pineapple in most produce departments.
- Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter.
- Brown sugar – Dark or light brown sugar works. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use regular white sugar but the brown sugar adds a richer flavor. You can also swap in honey for a different spin.
- Ground cinnamon
How to Grill Pineapple
Preheat the Grill – Preheat your grill to medium heat for direct grilling (meaning you’re going to put the pineapple over the flame).
Prep the Pineapple – Slice the peeled and cored pineapple into even slices. Melt the butter in the microwave then stir in the cinnamon and brown sugar. Drizzle the butter sugar mixture over both sides of the pineapple slices.
Grill – Grill the pineapple slices for about 3-4 minutes per side. The pineapple is done when there are nice grill marks on both sides and the sugar mixture has caramelized.
Expert Tips and FAQs
- The caramelization will enhance the recipes you use it, like Pineapple Cobbler or Fresh Pineapple Salsa.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy them cold, chop them up in salads, or heat them up for a few seconds in the microwave.
Choosing a pineapple can seem daunting unless you know what to look for. The fruit should have a bright green stem and be golden in color. The more yellow in color, the sweeter the fruit. Give it a sniff, Does it smell aromatic and sweet? That’s a good sign that it’s ripe!
Pineapple is already a sweet and juicy treat, so cooking it on the grill just brings out it’s sweetness. You get gorgeous grill marks with an incredible caramelization that sweetens it even more, and it pairs beautifully with savory or sweet.
Serving Suggestions
Add this super versatile side dish to the menu and serve with your other favorite grilled recipes. It’s the perfect addition when you’re already firing up the grill, and for topping a Juicy Grilled Hamburger or Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
Grilled fruit is also amazing as dessert! Drizzle with some homemade caramel sauce and top with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice-cream.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep for a couple of days.
To freeze, allow to cool completely and them lay on a baking sheet and pop it in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until pineapple is firm. Store in a freezer bag for up to 4 months.
More Ways to Use Pineapple
- Pineapple Beef Stir Fry
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Fresh Pineapple Salsa
- Cinnamon Pineapple Bread
- Bacon & Pineapple Fried Rice
Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple peeled and cored
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the grill for medium direct heat.
- Slice pineapple into 6 even slices.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter and stir in the cinnamon and brown sugar until fully incorporated. Drizzle the cinnamon sugar butter over both sides of the pineapple.
- Grill for 6-8 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. Remove from the grill and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy them cold, chop them up in salads, or heat them up for a few seconds in the microwave.
- Be sure to read the tips in this post on how to choose and cut a pineapple.
Trying to eliminate white carbs and wanted something different. Made this with BBQ chicken and steamed broccli. Delicious!