Grilled Pineapple: A Delicious Recipe for Summer BBQs and Desserts

Grilled pineapple is a delightful treat that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Imagine biting into a perfectly caramelized slice of pineapple, where the natural sugars have intensified, creating a sweet and smoky flavor that dances on your palate. This tropical fruit has a rich history, often associated with summer barbecues and festive gatherings, making it a beloved addition to many cuisines around the world. People adore grilled pineapple not only for its vibrant taste and juicy texture but also for its versatility; it can be served as a side dish, a dessert, or even a topping for savory dishes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, grilled pineapple is sure to impress and satisfy. Join me as we explore the simple yet delicious ways to prepare this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe pineapple
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime (optional)

Preparing the Pineapple

1. **Select a Ripe Pineapple**: Start by choosing a ripe pineapple. Look for one that has a sweet aroma at the base, is slightly soft to the touch, and has vibrant green leaves. A ripe pineapple will yield the best flavor when grilled. 2. **Peel the Pineapple**: Place the pineapple on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice off the top and bottom of the pineapple to create a stable base. Stand the pineapple upright and carefully slice down the sides to remove the tough outer skin. Make sure to cut deep enough to remove the “eyes” (the small brown spots) but not so deep that you waste too much fruit. 3. **Core the Pineapple**: Once the skin is removed, cut the pineapple into quarters lengthwise. Use a paring knife to cut out the core from each quarter, as it is tough and not pleasant to eat. 4. **Cut into Rings or Spears**: Depending on your preference, you can either slice the pineapple into rings or cut it into spears. For rings, slice the pineapple crosswise into 1-inch thick rounds. For spears, cut the quarters into long, triangular pieces.

Preparing the Marinade

5. **Mix the Sugar and Cinnamon**: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will add a delightful sweetness and a hint of spice to the pineapple as it grills. 6. **Optional Butter and Honey**: If you want to enhance the flavor even more, melt the butter and mix it with honey in a separate bowl. This will create a glaze that you can brush onto the pineapple before grilling.

Grilling the Pineapple

7. **Preheat the Grill**: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and glowing. For a gas grill, simply turn on the burners and let it heat up for about 10-15 minutes. 8. **Prepare the Grill Grates**: To prevent sticking, brush the grill grates with a little oil using a paper towel or a grill brush. This step is crucial for ensuring that your pineapple comes off the grill easily. 9. **Coat the Pineapple**: Take the pineapple pieces and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over both sides. If you’re using the butter and honey mixture, brush it onto the pineapple pieces as well. This will caramelize beautifully on the grill. 10. **Grill the Pineapple**: Place the pineapple on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until you see nice grill marks and the pineapple is heated through. The sugars will caramelize, creating a deliciously sweet and smoky flavor. 11. **Check for Doneness**: The pineapple is done when it is tender and has a golden-brown color. You can test it by piercing it with a fork; it should be soft but not mushy.

Assembling and Serving

12. **Remove from Grill**: Carefully take the grilled pineapple off the grill using tongs. Place it on a serving platter. 13. **Optional Lime Juice**: For an extra zing, squeeze fresh lime juice over the grilled pineapple. This adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. 14. **Garnish**: If you like, chop some fresh mint leaves and sprinkle them over the top for a pop of color and flavor. The mint will complement the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully. 15. **Serve Warm**: Grilled pineapple is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or even as a topping for burgers or tacos for a unique twist.

Storage and Reheating

16. **Storing Leftovers**: If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), let the grilled pineapple cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 17. **Reheating**: To reheat, you can place the pineapple in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat

Conclusion:

In summary, this grilled pineapple recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their summer barbecues or simply add a burst of tropical flavor to their meals. The caramelization of the natural sugars in the pineapple creates a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory dishes, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you serve it as a refreshing side dish, a topping for burgers, or even as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, grilled pineapple is sure to impress your family and friends. For those looking to mix things up, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey before grilling for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with different marinades, such as coconut rum or lime juice, to give your grilled pineapple a unique twist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how you enjoyed your grilled pineapple and any variations you came up with. So fire up that grill, and let’s make some delicious memories together! Print