This grilled pineapple recipe is a summertime showstopper!
Spears of pineapple are brushed with a butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon glaze and grilled just until the sugar is caramelized.
It’s a tropical treat that can be served as a tasty side dish or a tangy dessert!
Perfectly Grilled Pineapple
- Grilled pineapple is a must-have for BBQs, and picnics, and can even be made ahead and enjoyed cold as a healthy snack on road trips!
- Versatile pineapple can be cut into spears, slices, or threaded onto skewers to create a new recipe every time!
- Sweet and tart grilled pineapple goes with anything from pork chops to chicken and shrimp to salmon!
Ingredients and Variations
Pineapple – Look for firm, ripe, sweet-smelling pineapples. Frozen or canned pineapple works, but will likely come in chunks or slices. If using canned, drain it thoroughly (save the juice for smoothies or cocktails).
Butter – Butter can be switched out for olive, coconut, or avocado oil if desired.
Sugar – Brown sugar caramelizes fruit well because it helps retain moisture and adds a smoky, toffee-like flavor. Maple syrup or honey can be used to get the same result.
Variations – Mix in a little cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or some gingerbread spice for an extra aromatic option. A splash of Malibu Rum and a sprinkle of coconut will add even more layers of flavor!
How to Cut Pineapple For Grilling
- Cut the top and bottom off of the pineapple.
- Stand the pineapple up on the bottom end on a cutting board. Slice off the outside skin, rotating the pineapple around. (Placing the pineapple on a clean towel will keep it from sliding around on the cutting board.)
- Cut the pineapple vertically in half, then cut each half again into 4 quarters.
- Trim away the hard core from each of the quarters and then cut each quarter in half to make 8 spears.
If pineapple spears are threaded onto wooden skewers, soak the skewers in water for about 15-30 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill.
How to Grill Pineapple
- Combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl, as described in the recipe below. Brush sauce over all sides of each spear.
- Grill for 3-5 minutes or until grill marks appear.
- Serve warm with remaining sauce, if any.
Leftovers?
- Keep leftover grilled pineapple in a zippered bag in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy it cold or reheat it under the broiler with a sprinkle of brown sugar, if desired.
- Serve it with homemade no-churn ice cream or whipped cream.
- Make kabobs using leftover meat, pineapple, bell peppers, and a brush of teriyaki or sweet and sour sauce.
- Leftover pineapple can also be chopped up and added to salsa or even as a flavorful garnish on a blue Hawaiian cocktail.
- Freeze chunks of pineapple for smoothies or to enjoy as a refreshing snack!
Grilled Side Dishes
Have you tried this Grilled Pineapple recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
Grilled Pineapple
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat grill to high heat, about 375-400F˚.
Cut Pineapple into Spears
- Cut off both ends of the pineapple.
- Place the pineapple on one end and slice off the outside skin, rotating the pineapple on the cutting board.
- Cut the pineapple in half lengthways, and cut each half in half again to make 4 quarters.
- Trim the hard center core of the pineapple on each of the quarters.
- Cut each quarter in half lengthways to create 8 spears.
Grill Pineapple
- Melt butter in a small bowl in the microwave. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt and mix to combine.
- Use a silicone brush or pastry brush to cover all sides of the spears with the glaze.
- Place basted pineapple spears on grill for 3-5 minutes per side or until grill marks appear and pineapple is slightly tender.
- Place grilled spears on a plate. Brush with remaining sauce if any. Serve warm.
Notes
- If you choose to use skewers for your grilled pineapple, be sure to soak skewers in water for at least 15 minutes before threading the pineapple on.
- Place cooled grilled pineapple into a zippered bag and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat grilled pineapple under the broiler with a sprinkle of brown sugar, for a minute.
- Use leftover grilled pineapple to make kabobs, chop it up and add it to salsa or to a fruit smoothie.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
©Our Zesty Life. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!
REPIN this Grilled Pineapple Recipe
