Grilled Pineapple Recipe

The next time you get a sweet craving, try this incredible grilled pineapple recipe.

It’s fresh, fruity, and deliciously juicy. Better yet, the light char and caramelized sugars help dial the pineapple flavor to eleven.

Serve it with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ll want to lick the bowl clean!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pineapple

This recipe is guaranteed to become your go-to summer staple. In fact, it’s so good, you’ll probably crave it in the winter, too.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

Flavor Explosion: Grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in any fruit, intensifying the sweetness and adding a subtle smoky flavor.

Versatile Dessert: Grilled pineapple is incredible on its own. But you can also pair it with grilled meats, use it as a pizza topping, chop it into salsa or salad, or serve it with tender grilled pound cake.

Impressive Presentation: Golden brown grill marks and a glossy sheen make grilled pineapple rings or spears a showstopping addition to any plate or platter.

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just a few minutes on the grill, you can transform fresh pineapple into a restaurant-worthy treat at home.

Ingredients

Take your summer grilling to the next level with this fantastic grilled pineapple recipe!

You only need five ingredients, and it comes together in minutes.

Here’s the list:

• Fresh Pineapple: For maximum flavor, pick ripe, juicy fruit. It should be firm but give slightly when gently squeezed.

• Butter: Melted butter helps the sugars adhere and adds rich flavor to the grilled pineapple. Use salted if you like, but skip the extra salt below.

• Dark Brown Sugar: It’s deeper and more complex than light brown sugar, creating the most flavorful caramel-like glaze on the pineapple.

• Dark Rum: Adds a kick of tropical flavor that complements the pineapple perfectly. Use a good aged rum for best results.

• Cinnamon and Salt: Provides a hint of warm spice and balance to the fruit. 

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

The hardest part of this recipe is prepping the fruit. And that’s a breeze!

You’ll find the complete list of steps at the bottom of the post. Until then, here’s a quick overview:

1. CUT. Chop the ends off the pineapple and cut off the rind. Slice the fruit into spears or rings.

2. MARINADE. Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the liquid and fruit to a zip-top bag and chill for 20-30 minutes. 

3. GRILL. Heat the grill or a grill pan and cook the fruit for 4-6 minutes per side.

4. SERVE. When the fruit has grill marks and the sugar is caramelized, remove it from the grill. Serve with a scoop of ice cream, and enjoy!

Tips For the Best Grilled Pineapple

If you’ve never grilled fruit, you’re in for a real treat! But before you start, read these tips and tricks:

• Cut the fruit properly. Slice off the top and bottom, cut off the outer peel, and remove any remaining ‘eyes’. Then, cut it into thick slices or spears.

• Marinate first. It only takes about 30 minutes, but it’s the best way to infuse the fruit with flavor. 

• Preheat the grill. Heat your grill to medium-high heat and make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.

• Grill quickly. Cook the pineapple for just 4-6 minutes per side, until lightly charred and caramelized but not overcooked. If the pieces are thin, they may only need 2-3 minutes per side.

• Baste constantly. Brush on any remaining marinade while grilling. This ensures the best taste and keeps the initial layer from burning. 

• Recipe Variations. Dip the fruit in cinnamon sugar, drizzle it with honey, or add some cayenne or chili powder for a spicy kick. You can also use canned fruit if that’s all you have. Just know it won’t have the same texture and will likely be sweeter.

• Serving Suggestions. Serve the grilled pineapple warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chopped and added to salsa, or as a topping for burgers, chicken, or pork.

How to Store

Grilled pineapple is best eaten right away. The longer it sits, the more the juices will seep out. 

Plus, the caramelized edges will soften as it cools.

Having said that, you can keep leftovers for later. Here’s how:

To Store: Place cooled grilled pineapple in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not store the pineapple in liquid.

To Reheat: Reheat grilled pineapple in the microwave at reduced power for 15-30 seconds. Alternatively, reheat it in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes or warm it in a pan with some butter over low heat until hot.

More Pineapple Recipes to Try

Pineapple Sorbet
Fresh Pineapple Salsa
Air Fryer Pineapple
Pineapple Pie