Grilled pineapple is a simple and tasty treat that’s perfect for summer or any time you want something sweet and warm. The heat from the grill brings out the natural sugars in the pineapple, making it even sweeter and juicier.
A quick brush of butter, brown sugar, lime juice, and cinnamon gives it extra flavor and helps it caramelize. You don’t need a lot of ingredients or time to make it. Grilled pineapple can be a fun side dish, a fresh dessert, or even part of a main meal. It’s easy, fast, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because grilling the pineapple brings out its natural sweetness and adds a little smoky flavor that makes it extra delicious. The mix of brown sugar and cinnamon gives it a warm, caramel-like coating, while the lime juice adds a bit of tang to balance the sweetness. The butter helps everything stick and creates golden grill marks that look great and taste even better.
Another reason this recipe is so good is how flexible it is. You can serve grilled pineapple in many ways—on its own, with ice cream, or with savory dishes like grilled chicken or pork. It takes just minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for busy days, cookouts, or last-minute desserts. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free if needed.
Ingredients
Fresh Pineapple-Sweet, juicy pineapple is the star—grilling makes it even sweeter.
Substitute: Canned pineapple rings (but fresh is best).
Brown Sugar-Adds a caramel flavor and helps with browning.
Substitute: Coconut sugar or white sugar if needed.
Cinnamon-Gives a warm, cozyflavor that pairs well with pineapple.
Substitute: Nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different twist.
Lime Juice-Adds a little tang to balance the sweetness.
Substitute: Lemon juice if limes aren’t available.
Melted Butter-Helps the sugar and spices stick and adds richness.
Substitute: Coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Tips
- Use ripe pineapple for the best flavor.
- Slice evenly so pieces grill at the same speed.
- Don’t skip the butter—it helps caramelize the surface.
- Grill over medium heat to avoid burning the sugar.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve
Grilled pineapple is sweet, juicy, and full of flavor with a slight smoky touch from the grill. It’s a simple dish that feels special and works well as a side, snack, or dessert. The caramelized edges and soft, warm center make it hard to resist.
- With vanilla ice cream as a quick dessert.
- Alongside grilled meat like chicken or pork for a tropical side.
- Chopped into salads or tacos for a sweet surprise.
Similar Recipes
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Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, lime juice, and melted butter.
- Brush the pineapple pieces with the mixture on all sides.
- Heat the grill to medium.
- Place pineapple on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and edges caramelize.
- Remove from grill and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
• Slice evenly so pieces grill at the same speed.
• Don’t skip the butter—it helps caramelize the surface.
• Grill over medium heat to avoid burning the sugar.
• Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
It’s easy, fast, and always a crowd-pleaser.