Why You’ll Love Grilled Pineapple Recipe

The heat of the grill caramelizes the pineapple’s natural sugars, intensifying sweetness and adding smoky depth.
It’s versatile: serve as dessert, mix into salsas or salads, top grilled meats or even pizzas.
The presentation is eye‑catching: grill marks and glossy glaze elevate simple fruit.
It’s fast and requires minimal effort—just a little prep and a few minutes on the grill.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh pineapple (ripe, juicy, firm but slightly giving)
Butter, melted
Dark brown sugar
Dark rum (optional, for added flavor)
Ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Directions

Prepare the pineapple: Cut off the top and bottom, peel away the rind, and remove any “eyes.” Slice into spears or ¾–1‑inch rings. If using rings, remove the core.
Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, dark brown sugar, rum (if using), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Marinate: Place the pineapple pieces in a zip‑top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over them and gently toss or press to coat. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to let flavors infuse.
Preheat grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium (about 375–400 °F) and oil/clean the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill: Place pineapple pieces on the hot grill. Cook for about 4–6 minutes per side, brushing with leftover marinade as they cook. You’re aiming for grill marks and caramelization without overcooking.
Serve: Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately—ideally warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside grilled meats.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 6
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cooking time: ~12 minutes
Total time: ~22 minutes

Variations

Skip the rum if you prefer non‑alcoholic flavor—pineapple still caramelizes beautifully.
Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
Dip finished pineapple in cinnamon sugar before serving.
Try grilling pineapple slices on skewers for easier handling.
Serve over pound cake, into salsas, or as a topping for grilled chicken, pork, or burgers.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Let grilled pineapple cool slightly, then place in an airtight container (or zip‑top bag), without extra liquid. Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave on reduced power for 15–30 seconds.
- Or warm in a pan with a bit of butter over low heat.
- Or use an air fryer—3 to 4 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

What type of pineapple is best?

Choose a ripe, juicy pineapple that gives slightly under pressure but is still firm. Avoid overly soft or brown fruit.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

You can, but canned pineapple won’t have the same texture and may be overly sweet. Fresh produces better caramelization and structure.

Do I have to use rum?

No, the rum is optional. It adds a tropical depth of flavor, but the recipe works well without it.

How thick should the pineapple slices be?

Slices or spears about ¾ to 1 inch thick work best. Thinner pieces may cook too fast and lose moisture; thicker ones may not caramelize fully.

How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill?

Make sure to preheat the grill and oil the grates. Also, brush the fruit with marinade and turn gently.

Can I grill pineapple indoors?

Yes—use a grill pan or stovetop grill plate, and follow the same grilling times and technique.

What’s a good serving suggestion?

Serve warm by itself or with vanilla ice cream. You can also chop it into salsa, top meats, or serve over desserts.

Does the marinade sugar burn?

If heat is too high, the sugar can burn. Use medium heat and baste carefully to avoid scorching the glaze.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool the pineapple and store in an airtight container in the fridge (up to 4 days). Don’t leave it sitting in extra liquid.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can marinate ahead, but grill just before serving to preserve texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Grilled pineapple is a deceptively simple recipe that delivers big on flavor and presentation. With minimal prep and just a few minutes on the grill, you can transform fresh fruit into a caramelized tropical treat. Whether served on its own or paired with ice cream, grilled meats, or salsa, this recipe is a wonderful addition to any menu. Enjoy!