Grilled Pineapple

If you’re looking for a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth, let me introduce you to my favorite dessert: Grilled Pineapple. This treat is bursting with flavor and is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The caramelized edges and juicy sweetness of the pineapple are just heavenly, especially when paired with a scoop of ice cream. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home!

I love how versatile and simple this dish is—whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just need a quick dessert after dinner, Grilled Pineapple fits the bill beautifully. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh fruit in a whole new light!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious dessert ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet, caramelized flavor. It’s a hit for everyone!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can marinate the pineapple ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it plain or topped with ice cream; either way, it’s sure to impress.
• Healthy Sweet Treat: Enjoy the natural sweetness of pineapple without any guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for this delightful dish! You might already have these in your kitchen.

For the Grilled Pineapple

• 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 things about Grilled Pineapple is its flexibility! You can easily switch things up to match your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Some Spice: Sprinkle some cayenne pepper for an unexpected kick.
• Try Different Fruits: Substitute or mix in peaches or mangoes for a tropical twist.
• Coconut Cream Drizzle: Top with coconut cream instead of ice cream for a dairy-free option.
• Herb Infusion: Add chopped mint or basil to the marinade for a refreshing flavor boost.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Start by using a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the pineapple and remove its tough rind. This step is important because it ensures that only the sweet fruit remains. After that, cut the pineapple into 3/4-1-inch spears or rings. If you’re using rings, don’t forget to remove the core with a small cutter! Once that’s done, pop those beautiful pieces into a large zip-top bag.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, optional vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and pinch of salt until everything is well combined. This marinade not only adds sweetness but also enhances the natural flavors of the pineapple. Pour this luscious mixture into your zip-top bag with the pineapple and give it a gentle toss to coat each piece evenly. Let it chill in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes—this will allow all those flavors to meld beautifully!

Step 3: Grill It Up

Now comes the fun part! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat until it reaches around 375-400°F. Carefully place your marinated pineapple on the grill and cook each side for about 4-6 minutes. Don’t forget to brush each side with any leftover marinade while grilling; this will help create those gorgeous caramelized marks and enhance that sweet flavor even more.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your grilled pineapple is beautifully charred and caramelized, transfer it onto a platter and serve immediately. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh off the grill! Whether you choose to savor it alone or add that scoop of ice cream on top, I guarantee you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Happy grilling!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Pineapple

Grilling pineapple is a delightful way to enhance its natural sweetness, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Choose a ripe pineapple – A ripe pineapple will have a sweet aroma and slightly soft feel around the base. This ensures your grilled pineapple is juicy and flavorful.
• Marinate for maximum flavor – Letting the pineapple soak in the marinade for at least 20-30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more delicious dish.
• Preheat your grill properly – Ensuring your grill or grill pan is at the right temperature (375-400°F) helps create beautiful grill marks and caramelizes the sugars in the pineapple.
• Do not overcrowd the grill – Give each piece space on the grill; this prevents steaming and helps achieve that perfect charred exterior while keeping the inside tender.
• Experiment with spices – While cinnamon is a classic choice, feel free to try other spices like nutmeg or even a bit of chili powder for an unexpected kick!

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple can be served in various creative ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to indulge in a simple dessert or impress guests at your next gathering, here are some ideas!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves – A sprinkle of chopped mint adds a refreshing touch that complements the sweetness of the grilled pineapple.
• Coconut flakes – Toasted coconut flakes provide a delightful crunch and tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
• Chopped nuts – Sprinkle some chopped pecans or almonds for an extra layer of texture and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, caramelized pineapple. This classic pairing is sure to please!
• Greek yogurt with honey – For a lighter option, serve grilled pineapple with a dollop of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. It adds tanginess and balances out the sweetness.
• Quinoa salad – A light quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and herbs can serve as a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet grilled fruit. The nuttiness of quinoa complements the dish nicely.
• Grilled chicken or shrimp skewers – For those looking for something savory, pairing grilled pineapple with skewers of chicken or shrimp infuses your meal with tropical flavors.

Now that you’re armed with these pro tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your deliciously grilled pineapple! Happy grilling!

Make Ahead and Storage

This grilled pineapple recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time for gatherings or just to enjoy throughout the week. Here are some simple storage tips to keep your grilled pineapple fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftover grilled pineapple to cool completely.
• Place it in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• If you’d like to freeze your grilled pineapple, make sure it’s cooled down.
• Lay the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat grilled pineapple in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through (about 2-3 minutes).
• Alternatively, you can pop it into the microwave for about 30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making grilled pineapple.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for grilled pineapple?

While fresh pineapple yields the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple rings. Just be sure to drain them well before marinating.

How do I know when my grilled pineapple is done?

Your grilled pineapple should have nice grill marks and feel tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking time typically ranges from 4-6 minutes per side depending on the thickness.

Can I add other flavors to my grilled pineapple?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices or citrus juices. Adding lime zest or chili powder can create an exciting twist on classic grilled pineapple.

How should I serve grilled pineapple?

Grilled pineapple is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with ice cream, yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes or waffles. You could also use it as an ingredient in fruit salads!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this grilled pineapple recipe as delightful as I do! It’s a wonderful way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying fresh fruit. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this dish is bound to be a hit. Enjoy every juicy bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings and accompaniments. Happy grilling!