Grilled Pineapple: The Ultimate Guide to Sweet & Smoky Perfection

Grilled pineapple: just the words conjure up images of sun-drenched beaches, sizzling barbecues, and the sweet, tangy aroma that fills the air. Have you ever tasted something so simple, yet so utterly transformative? This isn’t just fruit; it’s sunshine on a plate!

While grilling fruit might seem like a modern culinary trend, the practice of cooking over an open flame has roots stretching back centuries. In many tropical cultures, pineapple has long been revered not only for its delicious flavor but also for its medicinal properties and symbolic significance. It represents hospitality and warmth, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

But what is it about grilled pineapple that makes it so irresistible? It’s the magic that happens when the natural sugars caramelize over the heat, creating a delightful contrast between the smoky char and the juicy, tender flesh. The grilling process intensifies the sweetness, adding a depth of flavor that raw pineapple simply can’t match. People adore it because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and offers a healthy and satisfying treat that’s perfect as a dessert, a side dish, or even a topping for your favorite savory dishes. Get ready to experience a taste of paradise with this simple yet sensational recipe!

Ingredients:

1 large, ripe pineapple
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons melted butter (unsalted)
1/4 cup dark rum (optional, but highly recommended!)
Pinch of sea salt
Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Chopped fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
Caramel sauce, for drizzling (optional)

Preparing the Pineapple:

Okay, let’s get started! The key to amazing grilled pineapple is starting with a perfectly ripe one. Look for a pineapple that’s fragrant at the base and gives slightly when you squeeze it. Avoid pineapples that are too hard or have a fermented smell.

Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Use a large, sharp knife to slice off the crown (the leafy top) and the bottom of the pineapple. Make sure you have a stable base to work with.
Remove the rind. Stand the pineapple upright and carefully slice off the rind from top to bottom, following the curve of the fruit. Try to remove as little of the flesh as possible. You’ll likely have some “eyes” (the brown spots) remaining.
Remove the “eyes”. There are a few ways to do this. You can use a paring knife to carefully cut out each eye individually, or you can use a pineapple corer to spiral-cut them out. I prefer the paring knife method for a cleaner look, but the corer is faster. If using a paring knife, angle the blade to create a shallow V-shaped groove around each eye and remove it.
Slice the pineapple. Now, you have a few options for how to slice the pineapple for grilling. You can cut it into rings (about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick), spears, or chunks. Rings are great for presentation, spears are easy to handle on the grill, and chunks are perfect for skewers. For this recipe, I’m going with rings. If you choose rings, use a pineapple corer to remove the core from each ring. If you don’t have a corer, you can use a small cookie cutter or a paring knife to carefully cut out the core.
Pat the pineapple dry. Use paper towels to gently pat the pineapple slices dry. This will help them caramelize better on the grill.

Making the Spice Mixture:

This spice mixture is what takes the grilled pineapple from good to AMAZING! It adds warmth, sweetness, and a hint of rum that complements the pineapple perfectly.

Combine the dry ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar.
Add the wet ingredients. Pour the melted butter and rum (if using) into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined and forms a smooth paste. The rum will add a delicious depth of flavor, but if you prefer to skip it, you can substitute it with pineapple juice or apple juice.

Grilling the Pineapple:

Now for the fun part! Grilling the pineapple brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky char that’s irresistible.

Preheat the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and have a light coating of ash. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it with the lid closed for about 10-15 minutes.
Prepare the grill grates. Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a grill brush. This will prevent the pineapple from sticking. You can also lightly oil the grates with cooking oil to further prevent sticking. Use a high-heat oil like canola or vegetable oil.
Brush the pineapple with the spice mixture. Use a pastry brush to generously brush both sides of each pineapple slice with the spice mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly. Don’t be shy! The more spice mixture, the more flavorful the pineapple will be.
Grill the pineapple. Place the pineapple slices on the preheated grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they have nice grill marks and are slightly softened. Keep a close eye on them, as the sugar in the spice mixture can burn easily. If the pineapple starts to burn, reduce the heat or move it to a cooler part of the grill.
Check for doneness. The pineapple is done when it’s slightly softened, has beautiful grill marks, and is heated through. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork into the pineapple. It should be tender but not mushy.

Serving Suggestions:

Grilled pineapple is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some toppings! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

With vanilla ice cream. A classic combination! The cold, creamy ice cream perfectly complements the warm, caramelized pineapple.
With chopped fresh mint. The mint adds a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
With caramel sauce. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds extra sweetness and richness.
As part of a dessert pizza. Top a grilled pizza crust with mascarpone cheese, grilled pineapple, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
In a tropical salsa. Dice the grilled pineapple and combine it with red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and lime juice for a delicious salsa that’s perfect with grilled fish or chicken.
As a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. Add a few slices of grilled pineapple to your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a tropical twist.
In cocktails. Muddle grilled pineapple into your favorite cocktails for a smoky, sweet flavor. It’s especially good in margaritas and mojitos.

Enjoy your delicious grilled pineapple! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, parties, or just a simple weeknight dessert. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and toppings to create your own unique version. Happy grilling!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This grilled pineapple recipe is truly a game-changer, transforming a simple fruit into a smoky, caramelized delight that will tantalize your taste buds. I genuinely believe this is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game or simply seeking a healthy and incredibly satisfying dessert. The combination of the natural sweetness of the pineapple with the char from the grill creates a flavor profile that’s both complex and utterly addictive.

But why is this recipe so special? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s the sheer versatility that makes it a winner. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your friends and family at your next barbecue. Trust me, they’ll be begging you for the recipe!

And the possibilities don’t stop there! Think of this grilled pineapple as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. For a simple yet elegant dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey. The contrast between the warm pineapple and the cold ice cream is simply divine. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try topping it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

If you’re looking for savory applications, this grilled pineapple shines just as brightly. Dice it up and add it to your favorite salsa recipe for a sweet and tangy kick. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, pork, or fish, adding a burst of flavor and moisture to your main course. You could even use it as a topping for tacos or burgers for an unexpected and delicious twist.

For a truly decadent treat, try grilling pineapple rings and then using them to make a pineapple upside-down cake. The caramelized pineapple will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to this classic dessert. Or, if you’re watching your sugar intake, simply enjoy the grilled pineapple on its own as a healthy and satisfying snack.

I’ve even experimented with marinating the pineapple in different sauces before grilling. A teriyaki marinade adds a savory and slightly salty flavor, while a chili-lime marinade gives it a spicy and tangy kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite flavor combinations!

I truly believe that this grilled pineapple recipe is a winner. It’s simple enough for beginners, yet versatile enough for experienced cooks to experiment with. It’s healthy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your grill and give this recipe a try! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And when you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] and let me know what variations you tried. Did you add a special marinade? Did you serve it with a unique topping? I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy this amazing fruit.

Happy grilling, and I can’t wait to see what culinary masterpieces you create with this simple yet incredibly versatile grilled pineapple recipe! Let me know how it goes!