Oh my goodness, have you ever tried grilled pineapple? It’s seriously one of my favorite summer desserts! The combination of sweet, juicy pineapple with that smoky char from the grill is simply divine. It’s so easy to whip up, too! Just imagine biting into those caramelized edges, with the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of cinnamon. I love serving it at backyard barbecues, where it adds a fun twist to the usual desserts. Trust me, once you taste grilled pineapple, you’ll want to make it every chance you get! It’s a game-changer for any summer gathering.
Ingredients List
- 1 ripe pineapple: Make sure it’s golden and fragrant—this indicates it’s sweet and ready for grilling!
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: This will add a lovely caramel flavor and enhance the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: It helps the sugar stick and creates that delicious caramelized crust.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Just a pinch of this spice brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile, making everything taste even better.
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of preparing your grilled pineapple! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a tasty treat that’ll impress everyone.
Preheat Your Grill
First things first, preheating your grill is crucial! This ensures that your pineapple gets that beautiful char and caramelization. Aim for a medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). Just give it about 10 minutes to heat up before you place your pineapple on. Trust me, the sizzling sound when it hits the grill is music to your ears!
Prepare the Pineapple
Now, grab your ripe pineapple and slice it into rings or wedges—whatever floats your boat! Make sure to cut them about ¾ inch thick. Thicker slices hold up better on the grill and get those amazing grill marks, which are perfect for presentation. Don’t forget to remove the core if you’re using wedges for a smoother bite!
Make the Grilling Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until it’s nice and combined. The butter helps the sugar adhere to the pineapple, while the cinnamon adds that warm, inviting flavor. This mixture is the secret to creating that irresistible caramelized crust—yum!
Grill the Pineapple
Time to hit the grill! Brush your pineapple pieces generously with the sugar mixture and place them on the hot grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully caramelized and have those lovely grill marks. If you want, you can brush on a bit more of the mixture halfway through for an extra kick of sweetness!
Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re done, remove the pineapple from the grill and serve it warm! I love to pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt for a delightful contrast. For a fancy touch, drizzle some honey or sprinkle toasted coconut on top. Get ready for some serious compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: You can whip up this delicious dessert in just about 18 minutes—perfect for those last-minute summer gatherings!
- Simple ingredients: All you need are a few pantry staples and a ripe pineapple, making it easy to prepare anytime.
- Adds a unique flavor: The sweet and smoky combination elevates your dishes, impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Great for summer gatherings: It’s a fun and unexpected treat that’s sure to steal the spotlight at barbecues and picnics.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to grill up some pineapple goodness, let me share a few of my top tips to ensure your grilled pineapple turns out perfectly every time!
- Choose the right pineapple: Look for a pineapple that’s firm but yields slightly to pressure. It should smell sweet at the base—this is a great indicator of ripeness. Trust me, a ripe pineapple makes all the difference in flavor!
- Be mindful of the grill temperature: Keeping your grill at a consistent medium heat is key. Too high, and you risk burning the sugar; too low, and it won’t caramelize properly. A good test is to hold your hand about six inches above the grill grate—if you can hold it there for 5 seconds, you’re good to go!
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Try adding a splash of rum or a sprinkle of chili powder to the sugar mixture for a fun twist. You could also swap cinnamon for nutmeg or cardamom for something different!
- Serve it right: Presentation matters! Serve your grilled pineapple warm, and don’t forget those delightful toppings—ice cream, yogurt, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkle of mint leaves adds a pop of color and freshness, too!
- Leftovers are a bonus: If you happen to have any leftover grilled pineapple (which is rare!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s fantastic in smoothies or on top of breakfast oatmeal the next day!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be grilling up pineapple like a pro and impressing everyone at your next summer gathering!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutritional values for each serving of this delicious grilled pineapple. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the size of your pineapple and how much sugar you decide to use.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
This sweet treat is not only a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth but also packs a good amount of fiber from the fresh pineapple. So, enjoy your grilled pineapple guilt-free—it’s a tasty indulgence that won’t break the calorie bank!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned pineapple?
Ah, the age-old question! While you *can* use canned pineapple, I’ve got to be honest—fresh pineapple is where it’s at! Canned pineapple tends to be softer and can get mushy when grilled, which means you miss out on that lovely caramelization and texture you get with fresh. Plus, fresh pineapple has that vibrant flavor that just can’t be beat! If you’re in a pinch, though, go for it, but be prepared for a different experience!
What can I pair with grilled pineapple?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Grilled pineapple is fantastic on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, I totally recommend serving it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt—it’s a match made in dessert heaven! You could also drizzle it with a bit of honey or add it to a fruit salad for some extra flair. And don’t forget about using it in savory dishes—grilled shrimp or chicken tacos with a side of grilled pineapple? Yes, please!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftover grilled pineapple (which is pretty rare in my house!), here’s how you can store it. Let it cool completely, then place the pieces in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days—just make sure to enjoy them soon! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can toss them into smoothies or top your oatmeal the next morning for a delicious twist. Just remember, reheating is simple; a quick zap in the microwave or a few seconds on a hot skillet will bring them back to life!
For more information on the health benefits of pineapple, you can check out this Healthline article.
Print
Grilled Pineapple: 5 Steps to a Sweet Summer Treat
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled pineapple adds a sweet and smoky flavor to your dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Cut the pineapple into rings or wedges.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon.
- Brush the mixture onto the pineapple pieces.
- Place the pineapple on the grill.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until caramelized.
- Remove from grill and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for best results.
- Adjust sugar based on your taste.
- Pair with ice cream or yogurt for dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: grilled pineapple, pineapple dessert, summer grilling
