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Love pineapple? Then take it to the next level by putting it on the grill! Grilled pineapple is delicious for breakfast or dessert and can be served in so many different ways.
I told you earlier this week that we’re keeping things simple when it comes to recipes this week. And we’re still leaning into summer flavors!
After all, it’s still hot here in Ohio. It’s not pumpkin weather at all yet!
Today we’re talking about one of my favorite grilling tricks: grilled pineapple! This is one that you’ve got to try – it’s simple and so delicious.
WHY GRILL PINEAPPLE?
If you’ve never tried putting fruit on the grill, this is your sign to give it a go.
You might think that your grill is just for foods like burgers and brats and grilled chicken, maybe the occasional marshmallow for toasted hazelnut s’mores, but you’d be wrong.
Fruit is one of the best things to grill! The sugars in the fruit caramelize, sort of like the topping on creme brulee, and it’s so delicious.
Today we’re talking about grilled pineapple, but you can make grilled peaches, grilled cantaloupe, grilled watermelon…there are so many options.
Once you grill the pineapple, there are so many options for how to enjoy it, whether it be for dessert, breakfast, or an afternoon snack.
HOW TO GRILL PINEAPPLE
Grilled pineapple is so easy and so flavorful, you’re going to wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.
What you’ll need
You could just slap some slices of pineapple on the grill and call it a day, but I like to take the opportunity to get as much flavor into the pineapple as possible with a few simple ingredients.
To make this recipe, you will need:
- 1 large, fresh pineapple
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
While you can grill canned pineapple rings, I prefer to reach for fresh pineapple. I think the flavor is just so much sharper and the texture is perfect for grilling.
The brown sugar, lime juice, and butter will be used to create a little marinade for the pineapple before grilling.
If you’re out of brown sugar, I’ve got instructions on how to make a simple brown sugar substitute you can use instead. I also have details on how to soften brown sugar if yours has hardened.
You will also need a grill or a grill pan. If you already have your outdoor grill going for dinner, keep it warm for making this dessert. But a grill pan works great if you don’t have a grill or don’t want to fire it up!
Making this recipe
Before you can grill your pineapple, you have to prep your pineapple.
Use a large, sharp knife to slice off the top and bottom of the pineapple – I usually take off about an inch from each. Then carefully slice off the rind.
I like to grill my pineapple in rings, so turn the peeled pineapple on its side and cut it into ½-inch-thick slices.
I use a small, round cookie cutter to remove the core from each slice. If you have a pineapple corer, you can use that to core the pineapple before slicing it.
Place the slices in a zip-top bag.
In a small bowl, stir the brown sugar into the lime juice and add it to the pineapple, along with the melted butter. Seal up the bag and gently toss to coat the pineapple, massaging the marinade into the slices.
Let the pineapple rest for 20-30 minutes. This is a great step to do right before you sit down to eat dinner – simply let the pineapple marinate while you eat.
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium heat, then place the pineapple slices on the grill. Depending on the size of your grill or grill pan, you may need to work in batches.
They will need to cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and soft on each side.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
There are so many ways to enjoy this grilled pineapple. It makes an amazing dessert on its own with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream. As a bonus, it’s naturally gluten free!
You can also serve them alongside grilled pound cake, classic angel food cake or pineapple angel food cake, or whipping cream cake.
But don’t think that grilled pineapple is just a dessert. It would be incredible for breakfast, too!
Cut up the grilled slices and try it on top of yogurt, bisquick waffles, or buttermilk pancakes.
Whether you give grilled pineapple a try as a dinner party dessert or for a casual night at home, it’s one recipe you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 large, fresh pineapple
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Using a large, sharp knife, cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple, followed by the rind.
- Cut the pineapple into ½-inch-thick slices. Use a round cookie cutter to remove the core from each slice. Place the slices in a zip-top bag and set aside.
- Stir the brown sugar into the lime juice. Add this to the bag with the pineapple, along with the melted butter. Close the bag and gently toss to fully coat the pineapple, massaging the ingredients into slices. Let rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. When ready, place the pineapple slices on the grill. Cook for about 3 minutes per side, until the pineapple is caramelized and soft.
- Serve warm with ice cream, grilled pound cake, angel food cake, yogurt, etc.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I grow pineapples and have tried many recipes for grilling. This one is by far the best. It’s simple yet the lime brings out something that the recipes with cinnamon mask. Thank you!