Grilled Pineapple

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s both simple and impressive, you’ve come to the right place! This Grilled Pineapple recipe is one of my favorites because it perfectly marries sweetness and a touch of smoky flavor. Imagine biting into juicy, caramelized pineapple that’s warm from the grill, with a scoop of ice cream melting on top. It’s the kind of treat that makes any occasion feel special, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cheerful family gathering.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You can have it ready in just 22 minutes! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh fruit in a fun and delicious way. Trust me, once you try this grilled pineapple, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can prepare this tasty dessert in no time!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet, smoky flavors of grilled pineapple.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the pineapple ahead of time for an even quicker dessert when you’re ready to grill.
• Versatile Delight: Serve it alone or with your favorite toppings like ice cream or yogurt for an extra indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious grilled pineapple, you only need a handful of wholesome ingredients that are easy to find in your kitchen or local grocery store. Let’s gather what we need!

Ingredients:
– 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

One of the best parts about this Grilled Pineapple recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:

• Add some spice: Sprinkle some cayenne pepper for an unexpected kick!
• Try different fruits: Mangoes or peaches also grill beautifully and add their own unique flavors.
• Switch up the sweetness: Use honey or agave syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Top it off: Consider serving with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that’s equally delicious!

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple and slice away the rind. This step not only removes the tough outer skin but also gives you beautifully cut pieces that will grill evenly. Cut into 3/4-1-inch spears or rings, then use a small cutter to remove the core from the rings. Place your pineapple into a large zip-top bag and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, dark brown sugar, dark vanilla extract (if using), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This marinade is what gives our grilled pineapple its luscious flavor! Pour this mixture over your pineapple in the bag, gently tossing to coat each piece. Let it sit in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes; this allows those wonderful flavors to soak in.

Step 3: Grill Time!

Warm your grill or grill pan over medium heat until it’s between 375-400°F. Carefully place your marinated pineapple on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side. As they cook, brush each side with any excess marinade; this adds even more flavor and helps create those beautiful grill marks!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your pineapple has those gorgeous caramelized lines and is warm throughout, transfer it to a platter. Serve immediately while it’s still warm—perhaps with a scoop of ice cream on top! Enjoy every bite of your delicious grilled pineapple!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Pineapple

Grilling pineapple can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your dish to the next level!

• Choose a ripe pineapple: Selecting a ripe pineapple ensures maximum sweetness and juiciness. Look for a fruit that gives slightly when pressed and has a fragrant aroma.

• Marinate longer for more flavor: If time allows, marinating the pineapple for up to an hour can enhance the flavors. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more delicious it will taste once grilled.

• Use skewers for easier handling: Threading the pineapple pieces onto skewers makes flipping them on the grill much easier. Plus, it creates a fun presentation!

• Don’t rush the grilling process: Cooking at medium heat allows the sugars in the fruit to caramelize beautifully without burning. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown color.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon adds warmth, you can also experiment with nutmeg or even cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. These spices can add depth to the flavor profile of your grilled pineapple.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Serving grilled pineapple is all about creativity and presentation! Here are some delightful ideas to make your dish shine.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a vibrant touch and refreshing flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Toasted coconut flakes: Adding toasted coconut brings a tropical flair and an extra crunch that elevates both texture and taste.

Side Dishes

• Coconut rice: This creamy side dish pairs beautifully with grilled pineapple, bringing out its tropical notes. The subtle sweetness of coconut rice enhances the overall experience.

• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon dressing makes for a refreshing contrast to the sweet pineapple.

• Grilled shrimp skewers: For those who enjoy seafood, juicy grilled shrimp drizzled with lime juice offer a savory complement to the sweet notes of grilled pineapple.

• Spinach salad: A simple spinach salad tossed with walnuts and feta cheese (or a vegan alternative) balances the sweetness of the fruit while adding crunch and creaminess.

Enjoy experimenting with these serving suggestions as you share your delicious grilled pineapple creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Grilled Pineapple recipe is perfect for meal prep! It’s easy to prepare in advance, making it an ideal sweet treat for gatherings or just a delightful dessert at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the grilled pineapple to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cut grilled pineapple into smaller pieces or leave as is.
• Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, storing for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
• Grill the pineapple for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through.
• Alternatively, warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, but be cautious as this can make them soft.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Grilled Pineapple that might help you out!

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

While fresh pineapple yields the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple as a substitute. Just be sure to drain it well and adjust grilling time accordingly since canned pineapple is already cooked.

What goes well with Grilled Pineapple?

Grilled Pineapple pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or even as a topping for pancakes and waffles. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats for a sweet-savory combo!

How long does Grilled Pineapple last in the fridge?

Grilled Pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when placed in an airtight container.

Is Grilled Pineapple healthy?

Yes! Grilled Pineapple is not only delicious but also low in calories and packed with vitamins. It makes a great dessert option that satisfies your sweet tooth without excessive guilt!

Can I add spices to my Grilled Pineapple?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as nutmeg or chili powder for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Grilled Pineapple! It’s not just a dish; it’s a special way to celebrate sweet flavors and create memories with loved ones. Whether enjoyed solo or shared at gatherings, it’s bound to become a favorite. Happy grilling, and don’t forget to share how yours turned out!