This easy grilled pineapple recipe adds a sweet twist to your summer cookouts! Juicy pineapple slices are brushed with caramelized brown sugar for a tasty treat that everyone will love.
Honestly, who can resist that sweet, gooey goodness? I love serving this as a dessert, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Simple and delicious, just the way I like it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is key for this recipe because it caramelizes beautifully on the grill. You can also use canned pineapple rings if fresh isn’t available, but fresh will give you the best flavor and texture.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds richness due to its molasses content. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar with a little molasses (1 tbsp of molasses per cup of sugar) or coconut sugar for a different twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the flavors balanced. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to swap with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a similar result.
Cinnamon: While optional, cinnamon adds a warm spice. If you’re looking for something different, nutmeg or allspice could be great alternatives!
How Do I Grill Pineapple Without Burning It?
Grilling pineapple rings can be tricky, but a few tips can help you avoid burns and achieve those lovely grill marks. Start by preheating your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking. Cut the rings thick—about 1 inch to prevent them from falling apart on the grill.
- Clean the grill grates to avoid sticking.
- For easy flipping, use tongs to handle the rings carefully.
- Monitor closely and don’t walk away; 3-4 minutes per side is perfect!
- Brush the caramelized mixture on during the last minute to prevent it from burning.
How to Make Easy Grilled Pineapple With Caramelized Brown Sugar?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll need about 25-30 minutes to make this scrumptious dessert from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help ensure that your pineapple cooks evenly and gets nice grill marks.
2. Making the Caramelized Brown Sugar Mixture:
While the grill is heating up, take a small saucepan and melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, add the brown sugar and, if you like, the optional cinnamon. Stir everything together until it’s fully combined and smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside for later.
3. Grilling the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple rings on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to see those beautiful grill marks and ensure the fruit softens up a bit.
4. Adding the Brown Sugar Coating:
During the last minute of grilling, take your caramelized brown sugar mixture and gently brush it over the grilled pineapple rings. Watch as it bubbles and thickens, creating a sweet glaze!
5. Serving Your Grilled Pineapple:
Once grilled, take the pineapple rings off the grill and arrange them on a serving plate. Serve them warm, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle any leftover caramelized brown sugar over the top and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a lovely touch!
Enjoy this delightful dessert that beautifully combines the sweetness of caramelized pineapple with creamy vanilla ice cream!
Can I Use a Different Sweetener Instead of Brown Sugar?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup, though the flavor may change slightly. If using liquid sweeteners like maple syrup, adjust the amount of butter to maintain the right consistency for the caramelization process.
How Do I Select the Ripest Pineapple?
Look for a pineapple that has a sweet aroma at the base, a golden color, and is slightly soft when pressed. Avoid any that have dark spots or are overly soft, as they may be overripe.
Can I Prepare the Pineapple Rings Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can slice the pineapple up to a day in advance! Store the rings in an airtight container in the fridge. Just be sure to pat them dry before grilling to get the best caramelization.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Pineapple? Can I Use a Grill Pan?
Grilling over direct heat on an outdoor grill imparts the best flavor. However, you can definitely use a grill pan on the stovetop! Just make sure it’s hot enough before placing the rings on it, and adjust the cooking time as needed for even caramelization.
