This Grilled Pineapple recipe is a simple and mouth-watering way to enjoy fresh fruit with a delightful caramelized twist. The grilling process intensifies the natural sweetness of the pineapple, while the brown sugar and cinnamon glaze add depth and warmth. Perfect as a dessert on its own, or paired with ice cream, grilled pineapple is a versatile and impressive treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 fresh pineapple

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar

• 1/4 cup dark rum (optional)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Pineapple:

   • Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple, then remove the rind. Slice the pineapple into 3/4 to 1-inch thick spears or rings. If using rings, remove the core using a small cutter.

2. Make the Marinade:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, dark rum (if using), cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

3. Marinate the Pineapple:

   • Place the pineapple slices in a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the pineapple, seal the bag, and toss gently to coat. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

4. Grill the Pineapple:

   • Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat (around 375–400°F). Place the marinated pineapple slices on the grill and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, brushing with any remaining marinade while grilling.

5. Serve:

   • Once the pineapple is golden brown with grill marks and the sugar is caramelized, remove from the grill and serve immediately. For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

Note: Nutritional values are estimated per serving, based on a total of 4 servings.

• Calories: 130 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 33g

  • Sugar: 30g

• Fat: 7g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g

• Protein: 1g

• Cholesterol: 20mg

• Sodium: 15mg

• Potassium: 180mg

• Vitamin A: 400 IU

• Vitamin C: 40mg

• Calcium: 20mg

• Iron: 0.5mg

The Magic of Grilling Pineapple

Grilling pineapple is a wonderful way to bring out its natural sugars and create a smoky, caramelized crust. The heat from the grill enhances the pineapple’s flavor, making it sweeter and more intense. The process of caramelization, where the natural sugars in the fruit brown and form a rich, golden glaze, gives the pineapple a deeper flavor that you can’t get from raw pineapple. This grilling method brings out the tangy-sweet nature of the fruit while adding a warm, slightly smoky flavor that perfectly complements the natural tropical taste.

The Sweet Glaze: Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

The glaze for the grilled pineapple is made with simple yet flavorful ingredients. Dark brown sugar adds a deep sweetness with a hint of molasses, which caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Ground cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness of the pineapple. The melted butter in the glaze gives the fruit a silky finish and helps the sugar melt, ensuring a smooth coating. A pinch of salt in the glaze enhances the overall flavor and helps balance the sweetness, giving the pineapple an irresistible depth.

For an extra indulgence, dark rum is added to the marinade in this recipe. The rum not only enhances the caramelization process but also adds a touch of complexity and warmth to the flavor. While the rum is optional, it certainly elevates the dish, making it perfect for special occasions or a flavorful treat.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Making Grilled Pineapple is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Prepare the Pineapple: Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the pineapple, then carefully remove the rind. Slice the pineapple into 3/4 to 1-inch thick spears or rings. If you prefer rings, remove the core using a small cutter to create a clean, circular shape.

2. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, dark rum (if using), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This mixture creates a sweet and flavorful glaze that will caramelize on the grill.

3. Marinate the Pineapple: Place the pineapple slices in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the fruit. Seal the bag or cover the dish and gently toss to coat the pineapple in the marinade. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the fruit.

4. Grill the Pineapple: Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Place the marinated pineapple slices on the grill, cooking for 4–6 minutes per side. As the pineapple cooks, brush it with any remaining marinade to help enhance the caramelization. The grill marks and golden-brown color will signal that the pineapple is ready.

5. Serve: Once the pineapple is caramelized and beautifully golden brown, remove it from the grill and serve immediately. For an extra indulgent touch, serve the grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the creamy richness to balance the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Nutritional Benefits of Grilled Pineapple

Grilled Pineapple is not only delicious but also provides several health benefits. Each serving contains approximately 130 calories, making it a light yet satisfying dessert. The pineapple provides 30 grams of sugar, most of which comes naturally from the fruit, and 33 grams of carbohydrates, giving you a quick source of energy. The 7 grams of fat are primarily from the butter in the marinade, adding richness to the dish, while 4 grams of saturated fat come from the butter as well. This dessert provides 1 gram of protein and is rich in potassium (180 mg), helping with muscle function and hydration. Additionally, pineapple is an excellent source of Vitamin C, offering 40 mg per serving, which supports immune health and skin function.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled Pineapple is perfect on its own, but it can also be served alongside a variety of other dishes to create a more complete meal. Here are some ideas for serving this tropical treat:

• With Ice Cream: For a truly indulgent dessert, serve the grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, caramelized pineapple beautifully.

• In a Fruit Salad: Toss grilled pineapple with other tropical fruits, such as mango, papaya, and kiwi, for a vibrant and refreshing fruit salad.

• As a Topping: Grilled pineapple makes a great topping for pancakes, waffles, or even yogurt. Its sweetness and caramelization elevate these simple dishes into something special.

• With Grilled Meats: Grilled pineapple also pairs well with savory dishes, especially grilled meats like pork, chicken, or beef. The sweetness of the pineapple helps balance the smoky flavors of the meat.

Conclusion

Grilled Pineapple is a simple yet delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of smoky, caramelized pineapple with a rich, flavorful glaze of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter creates a tropical treat that’s both sweet and satisfying. Whether served on its own or paired with ice cream or fruit salad, this dessert is versatile and easy to prepare. Its vibrant color and rich flavor make it an excellent choice for summer cookouts, barbecues, or any time you want a quick, delicious treat. Grilled Pineapple is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!