Grilling isn’t just for meats and vegetables; fruits like pineapple transform into caramelized delights when kissed by the flames. Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is a simple yet indulgent treat that combines the natural sweetness of pineapple with the rich flavors of brown sugar and spices. Whether served as a side dish or a dessert, this recipe is sure to impress.
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple – peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears
- ¼ cup light brown sugar – for that rich caramel sweetness
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – adds a gentle heat that balances the sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – boosts the natural sweetness
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt – just enough to enhance all the flavors
- Vegetable oil spray – helps prevent sticking on the grill
Choosing the Right Pineapple
Fresh Whole Pineapple
This is your best bet. Look for one that feels firm, smells fragrant, and has a golden tint at the base. It holds up well on the grill and caramelizes beautifully.
Pre-Cut Pineapple (Fresh)
A decent alternative if you’re short on time — just make sure it’s not overly ripe or mushy, or it might fall apart during grilling.
Canned Pineapple
Not recommended. It’s usually too soft and waterlogged, which makes it hard to grill and prevents that nice char and texture you’re aiming for.
How To Make This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Making this sweet, smoky treat is incredibly simple — and the payoff? Totally worth it. Here’s a step-by-step guide that’s easy to follow, even if you’re new to grilling.
Step 1: Prep the Pineapple
Start by peeling and coring a whole fresh pineapple. Then slice it into rings or spears, depending on how you plan to serve it. If you’re going for presentation, rings look beautiful on the plate. For snacking or skewering, spears are easier to manage.
Step 2: Mix the Brown Sugar Coating
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the following:
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp kosher salt
This mixture creates the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. If you want to add a bit more flair, a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of dark rum wouldn’t hurt either.
Step 3: Coat the Pineapple
Place your pineapple slices in a large bowl or on a tray. Generously sprinkle the brown sugar mix over both sides of each slice, pressing it in gently so it sticks. Let the slices rest for about 10–15 minutes. This gives the sugar a chance to soak in and start the caramelization process before hitting the heat.
Step 4: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly coat the grates with vegetable oil spray or brush them with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the pineapple slices directly on the grill. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until you see those gorgeous caramelized grill marks. Watch closely — the sugar can go from golden to burnt fast!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the heat and serve warm. It’s incredible on its own but also pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or as a tropical side to your favorite grilled meats.
Marinade & Syrup Notes
The brown sugar blend in this recipe does more than just season the pineapple — it acts like a flavor booster and a glaze all in one. The combination of brown sugar, vanilla, cayenne, and a pinch of salt draws out the natural juices, creating a rich coating that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
And here’s a bonus tip: don’t toss that leftover mixture! Pop it in the microwave for a few seconds until it thickens into a syrupy drizzle. Pour it over the freshly grilled pineapple for an extra glossy finish and an extra punch of sweet, spicy flavor. It’s a simple touch, but it really takes things up a notch.
How To Serve These Grilled Pineapple Slices
So, you’ve got your beautifully grilled pineapple slices—juicy, golden, and caramelized to perfection. Now what? Let’s talk about the best ways to serve them and make the most out of their sweet, smoky goodness.
Straight Off the Grill
Honestly, these are amazing just as they are. Warm, sticky, and full of flavor—serve them as a side dish or a quick dessert right off the grill. Add a little sprinkle of sea salt or fresh mint if you’re feeling fancy.
Over Ice Cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with hot grilled pineapple? That’s a game-changer. The heat from the fruit melts the ice cream slightly, creating a creamy-sweet combo that feels indulgent but still kind of tropical and light.
On a Dessert Platter
Add grilled pineapple slices to a summer dessert board. Pair them with cookies, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even chocolate drizzle for a colorful and flavorful spread.
With Savory Dishes
Grilled pineapple isn’t just for dessert. It pairs incredibly well with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even spicy shrimp. The sweetness helps balance out savory and spicy flavors, making it a standout side dish.
Storing Caramelized Pineapple
Grilled too much pineapple (if that’s even a thing)? Don’t worry — those golden slices store surprisingly well, and you’ll be glad to have leftovers.
Let It Cool First
Before storing, let the caramelized pineapple cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the slices soggy.
Refrigerator Storage
Place the cooled pineapple slices in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Try to store them in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned pineapple for grilled pineapple?
Canned pineapple is usually too soft and watery for grilling. Fresh pineapple with firm texture is best because it holds up on the grill and caramelizes beautifully.
How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill?
Make sure to spray or brush the grill grates with vegetable oil before cooking. Also, lightly coating the pineapple slices with oil helps reduce sticking and promotes even caramelization.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the brown sugar, vanilla, cayenne, and salt a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just coat the pineapple shortly before grilling for the freshest flavor.
How long should I grill pineapple slices?
Grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes over medium-high heat, or until you see nice caramelized grill marks. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
What are some creative ways to serve grilled pineapple?
Try serving it with vanilla ice cream, as a topping for salads, alongside grilled meats, or chopped up in tacos and burgers for a sweet and smoky twist.
Print
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
Sweet and smoky brown sugar grilled pineapple features caramelized fresh pineapple slices coated with a flavorful blend of brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of spice. Perfect as a dessert, side dish, or a unique topping for salads and grilled meals.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into 8 spears)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- vegetable oil spray, for the grill
Instructions
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Place the pineapple in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the brown sugar, cayenne, vanilla extract, and salt. Toss to combine.
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Cover the pineapple with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. You can also place the pineapple in the refrigerator to marinate overnight. You will have a few tablespoons of liquid in the bottom of your bowl. Do not discard it.
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Preheat your grill pan over high heat and spray with cooking spray just before adding the pineapple.
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Grill the pineapple for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
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While the pineapple is grilling, place the excess marinade liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 90 seconds or until bubbly and syrupy. Set aside.
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Remove the grilled pineapple to the serving platter and drizzle it with the excess marinade syrup just before serving.
Notes
- You can buy a pre-peeled and cored whole ripe pineapple from your grocery store’s produce department. This will significantly reduce your prep time as the pineapple prep takes a lot of time in this recipe.
- You can cut the pineapple into rings instead of spears. Be sure not to cut the slices of pineapple too thinly, or they will fall apart when grilling.
- If you don’t have an indoor grill pan, you can grill this outdoors. Use grill plates if your grill grates are too far apart for the small pineapple spears.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 84kcal
Keywords: Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
