If you are craving a dessert that feels like a mini tropical getaway, then this Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe is absolutely the ticket. Sweet, juicy pineapple is elevated with a luscious coating of brown sugar, warm cinnamon, and melted butter, then kissed over smoky grill marks that caramelize the sugars to perfection. This recipe is wonderfully simple yet packed with vibrant flavors that will brighten any meal or summer gathering. Whether you serve it as a refreshing dessert or a delightful side, this Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe is guaranteed to become one of your sunny favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients, but each one plays an essential role. The fresh pineapple provides juicy tartness, brown sugar sweetens as it caramelizes, cinnamon adds aromatic warmth, and the melted butter helps achieve that beautifully glazed finish with a slight richness.
- Fresh pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple that is sweet and fragrant for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Brown sugar: This ingredient creates a caramelized glaze bursting with molasses notes.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy undertone that highlights the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
- Melted butter: Helps bind the sugar and spices for an irresistible shiny coating and deeper flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- Optional lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a lively tang that complements the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your fresh pineapple into rings or spears. The shape you choose depends on your personal preference or presentation style, but either works wonderfully for grilling. Having uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly, so keep an eye on size and thickness.
Step 2: Mix the Brown Sugar Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt to create a thick paste. Stir thoroughly to make sure you get a smooth, spreadable consistency that will coat the pineapple evenly.
Step 3: Coat the Pineapple with the Glaze
Brush the brown sugar mixture generously over all sides of each pineapple piece. This step is key because the sugary glaze caramelizes on the grill, giving the pineapple its deliciously sticky, golden crust.
Step 4: Grill the Pineapple
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the glazed pineapple slices directly onto the grill grates. Grill for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, watching carefully for beautiful grill marks and the sugar caramelizing. The smell will be intoxicating as that sweet glaze turns bubbly and rich.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the pineapple to a platter and serve immediately. For an extra zing, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top to brighten the flavors. This simple step takes the Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe to a whole new level.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a dollop of whipped coconut cream pairs beautifully with the rich, caramelized pineapple. Fresh mint leaves also add a perfect pop of color and refreshing aroma that will make your presentation even more enticing.
Side Dishes
This grilled pineapple is stunning alongside grilled meats like chicken or pork, offering a sweet counterpoint to savory flavors. It’s also fantastic as part of a tropical-themed salad or served with vanilla ice cream for a quick, lush dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the pineapple rings into a small tower on a dessert plate with layers of ice cream or yogurt between the slices. Alternatively, skewer the pineapple pieces and serve as part of a vibrant fruit kabob platter to wow guests at your next barbecue or party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but best enjoy it while the caramelized exterior is still somewhat intact.
Freezing
While pineapple freezes well, the glazed sugar coating can become sticky or watery after thawing, so freezing is not recommended if you want to keep the perfect texture from this recipe.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pineapple slices briefly on a hot grill or under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. This refreshes the caramelization and adds that wonderful smoky warmth back to the fruit without overcooking it.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Fresh pineapple is definitely preferred for the best texture and flavor, but if using canned, choose slices packed in juice (not syrup) and pat them dry before grilling to avoid excess moisture diluting the glaze.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can broil the pineapple in your oven on a high rack for just a few minutes per side until caramelized. Watch carefully as it can burn quickly under the broiler.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
It is, provided you use a plant-based butter alternative instead of regular butter. The natural sweetness and caramelization remain just as delicious.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
You can prep the pineapple and glaze ahead of time, but grill just before serving for best flavor and texture. If preparing earlier, keep the glazed pineapple covered in the fridge and grill within a few hours.
What drinks pair well with Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe?
This dessert pairs amazingly with tropical cocktails like piña coladas or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with fresh lime or ginger beer complements the sweet and smoky notes beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe is a fantastic, easy way to bring a touch of tropical magic to any meal. Its blend of sweet caramelized sugars, warm cinnamon, and juicy pineapple makes it irresistible and satisfying. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, invite some friends over, and watch it disappear in minutes. You’ll find it’s one of those simple but unforgettable dishes that keeps everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Tropical
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe offers a sweet and smoky tropical treat that’s perfect for summer. Fresh pineapple slices are brushed with a flavorful blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt, then grilled to caramelized perfection. Served warm and optionally with lime wedges, this easy-to-make dessert bursts with vibrant flavors and can be paired wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Begin by heating your grill to medium-high temperature, ensuring it is properly prepared for direct cooking of the pineapple slices.
- Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until a thick paste forms. This sweet-spicy mixture will enhance the pineapple’s natural flavors.
- Brush Pineapple with Mixture: Generously brush each pineapple slice on all sides with the prepared brown sugar paste, ensuring an even coating to promote caramelization during grilling.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the coated pineapple slices directly onto the hot grill grates. Grill them for 2–3 minutes on each side, watching closely as grill marks develop and the sugar caramelizes, creating a delicious glaze.
- Serve Warm: Remove the pineapple from the grill carefully and serve immediately while warm. Optionally, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top to add a bright citrus note that complements the sweet caramelization.
Notes
- If a grill is not available, broil the pineapple slices in the oven as an alternative cooking method.
- For an indulgent dessert, serve the grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
