When the summer sun begins to set, there's nothing quite like the intoxicating aroma of sweet pineapple sizzling on the grill. This Easy Grilled Pineapple recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and refreshing, turning an ordinary fruit into a star attraction for your next barbecue. Picture this: juicy slices drizzled with dark rum and a sprinkle of brown sugar, caramelized into a golden delight that practically melts in your mouth. Not only does this dish serve as a showstopper at parties, but it's also a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal option for both seasoned chefs and kitchen newcomers alike. Whether you enjoy it warm as a savory side or chilled with a dollop of ice cream for dessert, grilled pineapple is sure to elevate your summer gatherings and satisfy your cravings for something deliciously homemade. Let’s dive into this simple yet crowd-pleasing recipe!
Why is Grilled Pineapple a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: This recipe elevates the humble pineapple, transforming it into a caramelized masterpiece that exudes sweet and smoky notes.
Quick Preparation: With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can impress friends and family effortlessly.
Versatile Delight: Enjoy it solo, as a snack, or enhance savory dishes like tacos for a unique twist!
Perfect for Entertaining: This dish is a guaranteed conversation starter at summer gatherings.
Customizable Options: Personalize your grilled pineapple with spices or alternative sweeteners, like maple syrup or agave, to suit your taste.
You’ll love how easy it is to achieve gourmet results! For more sweet grilling ideas, check out my easy grilling recipes.
Grilled Pineapple Ingredients
• Gather these simple ingredients to create a deliciously grilled pineapple that's sure to please!
For the Pineapple
- Fresh Pineapple – Opt for ripe, fresh pineapple to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
- Brown Sugar – This adds sweetness and helps with caramelization; for a twist, try using coconut sugar.
- Dark Rum – Enhances the flavor depth; if avoiding alcohol, substitute with vanilla extract.
- Flaky Sea Salt – A sprinkle of this balances out the sweetness perfectly.
For Garnishing
- Mint Leaves – Adds a refreshing burst of flavor and a vibrant touch to your dish.
Cook up this delightful dish that showcases the magic of grilled pineapple and leaves everyone craving more!
How to Make Grilled Pineapple
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Preheat the Grill: Start by heating your grill to medium-high. A clean grate, lightly oiled, will ensure your pineapple doesn't stick and gets those beautiful grill marks.
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Slice the Pineapple: Cut your fresh pineapple into thick rings, about ¾ inch in thickness. Make sure to remove the core if necessary, so you get tender bites throughout.
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Prepare the Marinade: Generously rub each pineapple slice with brown sugar, then drizzle dark rum on top. Let these sit for 10 minutes—this helps the sugar caramelize beautifully during grilling.
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Grill the Pineapple: Place the marinated slices on the hot grill. Cook for 2-4 minutes per side, until you see lovely golden brown grill marks, and the pineapple looks tender yet firm.
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Finish and Serve: Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill. Drizzle with any remaining marinade and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a delightful hint of freshness before serving warm.
Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Grilled Pineapple is a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy summer nights! You can slice the fresh pineapple and prepare the brown sugar and rum marinade up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the ungrilled pineapple rings in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. When you're ready to impress your guests, take the marinated pineapple out, grill for 2-4 minutes on each side until beautifully caramelized, and serve warm. This prep-ahead method ensures your Grilled Pineapple maintains its juicy texture and delightful flavor, making it a stress-free option for summer gatherings!
What to Serve with Easy Grilled Pineapple with Rum and Brown Sugar?
Transform your summer gathering into a tropical paradise with the delightful pairing of flavors and textures that perfectly complement this sweet treat.
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Coconut Rice: Offers a creamy texture with a hint of sweetness, balancing the smoky flavors of grilled pineapple beautifully.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smoky and savory shrimp add a wonderful depth, making each bite a stunning combination of sweet and salty.
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Tropical Salsa: A refreshing mix of mango, avocado, and lime that brings a zesty brightness and contrasts perfectly with the caramelized fruit.
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Crispy Pork Belly: This indulgent dish provides a rich, crunchy element that pairs harmoniously with the tender sweetness of the grilled pineapple.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice, served alongside warm pineapple for that delightful contrast between creamy and warm, sweet and smoky.
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Mint Mojito: This refreshing cocktail can enhance your meal, with its crisp mint and citrus complementing the flavors of the grilled pineapple.
Indulge in these pairs to elevate your plate and create unforgettable memories at your next summer soirée!
Expert Tips for Grilled Pineapple
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Choose Fresh: Always select fresh pineapple for grilling, as it provides the best texture and flavor. Avoid canned varieties; they tend to be mushy.
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Uniform Slices: Cut your pineapple into even ¾ inch thick slices. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly, preventing some parts from burning while others are raw.
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Oiling the Grate: Before placing the pineapple on the grill, oil the grates lightly. This helps achieve those beautiful char marks and ensures the pineapple won’t stick.
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Marinate Longer: If you have time, let the pineapple marinate with sugar and rum beyond 10 minutes. This allows flavors to penetrate deeper for an enhanced grilled pineapple experience.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix in spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper with the sugar for a unique twist. Personalizing your grilled pineapple can elevate the dish to new levels!
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Serve Fresh: Grilled pineapple is best enjoyed fresh off the grill. While leftovers can be refrigerated, the taste and texture are truly optimal right after grilling.
How to Store and Freeze Grilled Pineapple
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Room Temperature: Enjoy your grilled pineapple right after grilling for the best flavor. If you need to leave it out, keep it at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
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Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the grilled pineapple fresh and ready to enjoy later.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the grilled pineapple in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, keeping it good for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm on the grill or stovetop for a few minutes until heated through. This keeps your leftover grilled pineapple as delicious as the day you made it!
Grilled Pineapple Variations
Get creative and elevate your grilled pineapple dish with these delightful twists!
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Citrus Splash: Add a splash of lime or orange juice to the marinade for a zesty kick. The bright acidity complements the sweetness beautifully!
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Honey-Brown Sugar Blend: Swap brown sugar for honey for a floral note. Drizzle it on the pineapple before grilling for a unique flavor profile.
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Spice It Up: Mix cayenne or chili powder into your sugar for a spicy surprise. This adds an exciting heat that enhances the tropical sweetness!
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Maple Magic: For a different sweetness, substitute brown sugar with maple syrup. It's a delightful way to add depth and a rich, caramel-like flavor!
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Savory Pairing: Serve grilled pineapple atop savory dishes, like grilled pork or fish tacos. The sweet-savory combo is a crowd-pleaser!
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Ice Cream Delight: Top grilled pineapple with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. The contrast of warm fruit and cold cream is simply heavenly!
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or rosemary into the marinade for a fragrant twist. This adds complexity and interesting flavor notes!
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Tropical Blend: Pair grilled pineapple with coconut flakes for a tropical vibe. This combination is sure to transport your taste buds straight to paradise!
Grilled Pineapple Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the perfect pineapple for grilling?
Absolutely! When selecting a pineapple, look for one that has a sweet aroma at the base and a vibrant color. The skin should be firm but slightly yielding to pressure. Avoid pineapples with dark spots or wrinkled leaves, as these indicate overripeness. For grilling, fresh and ripe fruit is essential, as canned versions can turn mushy.
How should I store leftover grilled pineapple?
To keep grilled pineapple fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its sweetness and flavor. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze grilled pineapple for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
What’s the best way to freeze grilled pineapple?
To freeze grilled pineapple, first, allow it to cool completely. Arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, typically about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. This method will prevent them from sticking together, allowing you to easily grab a slice whenever you want!
Can I make grilled pineapple for my pets?
While pineapple can be a fun treat for pets, including dogs, it's essential to serve it plain without sugar, rum, or any other added ingredients. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new fruits into your pet's diet, especially if they have any health concerns or dietary restrictions.
What to do if my grilled pineapple is too mushy?
If your grilled pineapple turns out mushy, it may have been overripe before cooking. To avoid this in the future, ensure you select a fresh pineapple and cut it into thicker slices (¾ inch works best). Additionally, keeping the marinating time shorter can help reduce mushiness, focusing on quick caramelization during grilling rather than prolonged soaking.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Very! You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile. If avoiding alcohol, feel free to use vanilla extract in place of dark rum. Mixing spices, such as cinnamon or cayenne, with sugar while marinating can add unique flavors tailored to your preferences. Experiment to find your perfect combination!
These Grilled Pineapple Recipe FAQs should help you navigate your delicious grilling adventure! Enjoy experimenting and savoring every bite!
Irresistibly Easy Grilled Pineapple with Rum & Brown Sugar
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
- Slice the Pineapple: Cut your fresh pineapple into thick rings, about ¾ inch in thickness, removing the core as necessary.
- Prepare the Marinade: Rub each pineapple slice with brown sugar and drizzle with dark rum. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place marinated slices on the grill and cook for 2-4 minutes per side until golden brown and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the grill, drizzle with remaining marinade, sprinkle with sea salt, and garnish with mint leaves.
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