Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
I still remember the first time I had grilled pineapple. It was at a friend’s backyard barbecue, one of those perfect summer evenings where the air smells like charcoal and freshly cut grass.
Everyone was bringing out their signature dishes. Complicated salads, slow-cooked ribs, all the usual suspects. Then, my friend walked out with a platter of what looked like simple pineapple spears.
He tossed them on the grill for a few minutes, and the whole yard started to smell like a tropical vacation. The sweet, smoky aroma was incredible. What came off that grill was pure magic.
Each bite was a burst of warm, caramelized sugar and tangy, juicy pineapple. It completely stole the show. I knew right then I had to figure out how to make it myself.
It turns out, the most impressive-tasting dessert is often the simplest to create. This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is that recipe. It’s my go-to for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that feels special without any of the stress.
Let’s get into it. You’re about to become the star of your next cookout.
What You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create something truly spectacular. No need for a long, complicated shopping list here.
- A Fresh Pineapple: Look for one that’s golden-yellow at the base and smells sweet. This is your star player.
- Brown Sugar: I prefer dark brown sugar for its rich, molasses flavor, but light brown works great too.
- Unsalted Butter: This helps create that rich, buttery caramel glaze.
- Cinnamon: A little bit of warm spice perfectly complements the sweet pineapple.
- A Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny bit to balance all the sweetness and make the flavors pop.
Tools Required
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this one. Just your standard grilling setup will do the trick.
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Saucepan or Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Basting Brush
- Tongs
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Pineapple
Over the years, I’ve grilled hundreds of pineapples. Here are a few hard-earned tips that make a big difference between good and great results.
1. Pick the Perfect Pineapple.
Don’t just grab the first one you see. A ripe pineapple is key. It should have a sweet, fragrant smell at the base. If it smells fermented or like nothing at all, skip it. The leaves on top should be green and fresh, and the body should feel firm with a little give.
2. Don’t Cut the Core Out First.
Many recipes tell you to core the pineapple before slicing. I recommend leaving the core in when you cut it into spears or rings. The core provides stability, making the pineapple pieces much easier to flip on the grill without falling apart.
3. Get Those Grill Marks.
The secret to beautiful, dark grill marks is a hot, clean grill. Make sure your grates are preheated well and scraped clean. Once you place the pineapple on the grill, leave it alone! Don’t be tempted to move it around. Let it sit for 3-4 minutes per side to develop that perfect char.
4. Two-Step Caramelization.
For the best texture and flavor, grill the pineapple slices plain first for a couple of minutes on each side. This initial sear cooks the fruit slightly. Then, brush on the brown sugar glaze and grill for another minute or so per side. This method prevents the sugar from burning before the pineapple is perfectly tender and warm.
How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
Ready to make some magic? Follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Get your grill going to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Clean the grates well with a grill brush so your pineapple doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple
Lay the pineapple on its side and slice off the top and bottom. Stand it up and carefully slice away the tough outer skin from top to bottom. Cut the pineapple into 1-inch thick rings or long spears, leaving the core intact for now.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Set it aside.
Step 4: The First Grill
Place the pineapple slices directly on the hot grill grates. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until you see light grill marks starting to form. This initial step warms the fruit through.
Step 5: Glaze and Finish
Brush one side of the pineapple slices generously with the brown sugar mixture. Flip them over (glaze-side down) and brush the other side. Grill for another 1-2 minutes per side, just until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized. Watch it closely, as the sugar can burn quickly!
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Use tongs to remove the pineapple from the grill and place it on a platter. It’s best served warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Substitutions and Variations
Part of the fun of cooking is making a recipe your own. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
| Ingredient | Substitution | Variation Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | Maple Syrup, Honey, or Coconut Sugar | Create a maple-cinnamon glaze. |
| Cinnamon | Nutmeg or Cardamom | Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick. |
| Butter | Coconut Oil or Vegan Butter | Use coconut oil and a splash of rum. |
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re planning for a party, you can do some of the prep work ahead of time to make things easier.
You can cut the pineapple a day in advance and store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The brown sugar glaze can also be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir before using.
Nutrition, Pairings, and More
Let’s talk about how this delicious treat fits into your life.
Estimated Nutritional Information
This is a dessert, but it’s one you can feel pretty good about. The values are an estimate per serving, assuming the recipe serves 6.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Fat | 6g |
Disclaimer: These values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient size and specific products used.
Dietary Swaps
- For a Vegan Version: Simply swap the butter for your favorite vegan butter or use coconut oil.
- For a Lower Sugar Version: Use a brown sugar substitute like Swerve or Monkfruit. You can also just use less glaze. The natural sweetness of the pineapple does a lot of the work!
Delicious Meal Pairings
This isn’t just a dessert! Grilled pineapple is incredibly versatile.
- With Savory Dishes: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, teriyaki steak, or pulled pork sandwiches. The sweetness cuts through the richness of the meat perfectly.
- As a Dessert: The classic pairing is a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the warm, caramelized pineapple and the cold, creamy ice cream is unbeatable. A dollop of coconut cream is also fantastic.
- In a Salad: Chop it up and toss it into a summer salad with greens, red onion, and a light vinaigrette.
Leftovers and Storage
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), storing them is simple. Let the pineapple cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 4 days.
You can enjoy the leftovers cold, straight from the fridge. They’re also great chopped up and mixed into yogurt or cottage cheese. To reheat, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or briefly warm them in a pan on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Ans: You can, but I highly recommend using fresh pineapple if possible. The texture and flavor of fresh are far superior. If you must use canned, get rings packed in their own juice, not heavy syrup. Drain them very well and pat them dry before grilling.
Q2. My brown sugar glaze burned on the grill. What went wrong?
Ans: This usually happens for two reasons. Either your grill was too hot, or you left the pineapple on for too long after applying the glaze. Sugar burns very quickly! That’s why I recommend the two-step grilling method. Grill the pineapple first, then add the glaze for just a minute or two at the end.
Q3. I don’t have an outdoor grill. Can I still make this?
Ans: Absolutely! You can use a cast-iron grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Follow the same instructions. You can also make it in the oven using the broiler. Place the pineapple on a baking sheet, broil for a few minutes, then glaze and broil again, watching it carefully.
Q4. What is the easiest way to cut a fresh pineapple?
Ans: It’s simple! First, chop off the leafy crown and the flat bottom. Stand the pineapple up and slice off the spiky skin in strips, moving from top to bottom. Once it’s peeled, you can cut it into rings or spears for this recipe.
Wrapping Up
There you have it. A dessert that looks and tastes like a million bucks but only takes a few minutes and a handful of ingredients to prepare. It’s a recipe that builds confidence and always gets rave reviews.
The smoky-sweet flavor of caramelized pineapple is a true taste of summer, and now you have all the tips you need to master it.
I hope you give this Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple a try at your next gathering. When you do, come back and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
