The perfect fusion of tropical freshness and smoky caramel flavor, this grilled pineapple recipe brings summer right to your plate. The brown sugar and butter marinade caramelizes beautifully, creating a golden, glossy finish with just a hint of cinnamon spice. The subtle kick from dark rum makes it even more irresistible.
Ideal for backyard cookouts, BBQs, or even a quick weeknight dessert, this dish is as versatile as it is beautiful. Pair it with vanilla ice cream, serve it alongside grilled meats, or chop it up into a vibrant summer salsa. One bite and you’ll be hooked on this juicy, sweet, and slightly spiced treat.
Full Recipe:
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1 fresh pineapple
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1/4 cup butter, melted
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1/4 cup dark brown sugar
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1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple and remove the outer rind. Cut into thick spears or rings. If using rings, remove the core with a small round cutter.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, rum (if using), cinnamon, and salt.
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Place the pineapple in a large zip-top bag and pour in the marinade. Seal and gently toss to coat. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
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Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat (around 375-400°F).
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Place the marinated pineapple on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, brushing with leftover marinade as you go, until golden and caramelized.
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Remove from heat and serve immediately. For extra indulgence, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 4
The Irresistible Allure of Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple is one of those dishes that bridges the gap between simplicity and gourmet flair. What begins as a humble tropical fruit is quickly transformed into a showstopping dessert or side dish with the help of a hot grill and a touch of sweetness. The natural sugars in pineapple caramelize when grilled, creating a rich, golden-brown exterior that adds a smoky depth to the fruit’s already vibrant flavor. When paired with a glaze of brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and optionally dark rum, grilled pineapple becomes an indulgent treat that’s both exotic and comforting.
Why Grilled Pineapple Works So Well
Pineapple has a naturally high sugar content, making it ideal for grilling. When exposed to direct heat, these sugars begin to caramelize, giving the fruit a complex flavor profile that’s simultaneously sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky. Unlike many desserts that require complex techniques or hours of preparation, grilled pineapple is fast, forgiving, and flexible. The balance between the fruit’s acidity and the deep sweetness of brown sugar and cinnamon creates an exciting contrast that pleases nearly every palate.
In particular, the use of dark rum introduces a subtle warmth and complexity that elevates the dish even further. Though optional, this addition gives the pineapple a boozy tropical note that pairs perfectly with summer cookouts, festive gatherings, or relaxed evenings by the fire pit. Cinnamon complements the rum beautifully, adding a whisper of spice that lingers after every bite.
The Cultural Appeal of Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple isn’t tied to one specific culture, which is part of its universal charm. It appears in cuisines across the globe—from Brazilian churrasco, where it’s dusted with cinnamon and served alongside grilled meats, to Southeast Asian street food stalls, where pineapple might be grilled over charcoal and topped with chili salt.
In American cooking, it’s often paired with summer favorites such as barbecued ribs or chicken, while also holding its own as a standalone dessert. Its versatility allows it to shift seamlessly between savory and sweet applications, making it a staple for creative home cooks and chefs alike. As the culinary world continues to embrace global fusion, grilled pineapple has found its way onto fine dining menus, backyard BBQ spreads, and everything in between.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Grilled Pineapple
While grilled pineapple is delicious on its own, the beauty of this dish lies in its pairing potential. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant, effortless dessert. The contrast between the cool, creamy ice cream and the warm, caramelized fruit is nothing short of magical.
You can also use grilled pineapple in savory dishes. Slice it and top a juicy burger or sandwich for a sweet and smoky surprise. Dice it into chunks for a unique salsa, pairing it with red onion, cilantro, lime, and jalapeño to serve over grilled chicken or fish. Alternatively, serve it with pork chops or teriyaki-glazed tofu to give a bold, tropical edge to your meal.
Some people even enjoy grilled pineapple on pizza, where its caramelized edges offer a richer, more developed sweetness than raw fruit ever could. It’s also amazing as a topping for pound cake or angel food cake, giving a burst of acidity and brightness to contrast with dense or sugary desserts.
Tips for Making the Best Grilled Pineapple
While grilled pineapple is quite straightforward, there are a few tricks to getting it just right. First, always start with ripe, fresh pineapple. Look for one that smells fragrant at the base, feels heavy for its size, and has a slight give when squeezed. Avoid pineapples that are overly soft or have brown spots, as these may be overripe or spoiled.
Marinating the pineapple before grilling helps intensify the flavor. Just 20 to 30 minutes in a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and rum allows the glaze to soak into the fruit and coat each piece evenly. Don’t skip brushing on extra glaze during grilling—it enhances the caramelization and ensures each bite is rich and flavorful.
Another important tip is to preheat your grill and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. Medium-high heat is ideal; it’s hot enough to achieve char marks and caramelization without burning the glaze. Be sure to monitor the pineapple closely—once it starts to char and the glaze bubbles, it’s done. Overcooking can cause the fruit to become mushy and overly sweet.
Customizing the Recipe to Fit Your Tastes
One of the great things about grilled pineapple is how easily it can be adapted to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. If you’re avoiding alcohol, simply leave out the rum and add a dash of vanilla extract for added depth. Want something a bit spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the marinade for a sweet-heat combo.
For a richer flavor, try substituting honey or maple syrup for brown sugar, or add a splash of citrus juice (like lime or orange) for a tangy twist. You can even play around with different spices—nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger all bring unique warmth that pairs well with the fruit’s brightness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Although grilled pineapple is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, it stores surprisingly well. Once cooled, transfer the fruit to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Note that it may lose some of its crisp caramelized edges, but it will still taste delicious.
To reheat, use a microwave at reduced power for about 15-30 seconds, or warm in a skillet with a bit of butter. For a crispier texture, you can also reheat it in an air fryer or on a stovetop grill pan. Leftover grilled pineapple is perfect for breakfast—try it chopped into oatmeal, added to yogurt bowls, or blended into a tropical smoothie.
Health Benefits of Pineapple
Beyond its delightful flavor, pineapple offers a variety of health benefits. It’s packed with vitamin C, which supports immune function, and it contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. Pineapple is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
When paired with minimal added sugar and grilled rather than fried or baked into high-fat desserts, grilled pineapple remains a relatively healthy indulgence. Using fresh fruit, moderate sweeteners, and optional alcohol keeps the recipe balanced and allows the natural fruit flavor to shine.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Repeating
Whether you’re new to grilling fruit or a seasoned BBQ enthusiast, grilled pineapple is one of those dishes that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. It’s fast, delicious, and infinitely customizable. With its rich caramel glaze, warm spices, and bold tropical flavor, it’s a hit at cookouts, dinner parties, or quiet nights at home.
From its global cultural ties to its creative versatility, grilled pineapple exemplifies how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can become something extraordinary. Add this recipe to your rotation, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to summer dessert—or even a year-round favorite.