Grilled pineapple is a versatile, easy, homemade treat you can serve as a dessert, side dish, or part of the main course.
Grilled pineapple’s caramelized and smoky flavor complements many dishes, including dreamy desserts, savory grilled meats, pizzas, tacos, and refreshing salads. Whether an experienced grill master or novice cook, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for using grilled pineapple. Fire up your grill and savor all this tropical fruit has to offer!
Should you use fresh or canned pineapple for grilled pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is the best choice for grilled pineapple. While canned pineapple slices will work in a pinch, they will have a different texture. Canned pineapple may be sweeter and softer than fresh pineapple, so it is best to adjust the grilling time and toppings accordingly.
How can you tell if a pineapple is ripe?
There are several ways to find the perfect pineapple for grilling. Here are a few tips to help you select the right one.
- Smell: If it has a sweet, tropical aroma, it’s probably ripe!
- Color: The peel should have a vibrant yellow color to it. Any pineapple that is mostly brown or green is not quite ripe yet.
- Texture: A pineapple should be firm but slightly soft when squeezed. If it’s too soft, it’s too ripe.
- Leaves: Gently grasp and wiggle the leaves on top of the pineapple. If they come off easily, the pineapple is too ripe.
- Weight: A perfectly ripe pineapple will be a bit heavy for its size.
Grilled pineapple ingredients
- 1 whole pineapple
- Dark brown sugar
- Fresh lime juice
- Ground cinnamon
- Allspice
- Salt
- Optional toppings like vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream
How do you peel and core a pineapple?
- Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple using a sharp knife.
- Stand the pineapple upright on one of the cut ends.
- Slice off the tough outer skin in strips, working from top to bottom, removing all the prickly eyes.
- Once you have removed all the skin, lay the pineapple down and cut it into 1/2″- 3/4″ rings.
Grilling pineapple slices – step by step
- Preheat your grill to 350 degrees F or, medium-high heat.
- Slice the peeled and cored pineapple into 3/4″ thick rings.
- Combine the brown sugar, lime juice, spices, and salt in a small bowl.
- Brush the pineapple slices, on both sides, with the sugar mixture.
- Once your grill is up to temp, place the slices on the grill grates and cook for 3 -3 1/2 minutes per side until they take on a golden brown color and are nicely caramelized.
- Remove the slices from the grill and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and your favorite topping.
What alternative ingredients can I use on grilled pineapple?
There are easy ways that you can tweak the flavor profile of grilled pineapple. These swap-outs are convenient, and you’ll get a different dessert each time. Try one or try them all and see which one makes your tastebuds sing.
- Honey – Instead of brown sugar, use honey to add a mellow sweetness to the pineapple.
- Rum – Want a delicious boozy dessert? Substitute 1 tablespoon of the lime juice with dark rum.
- Balsamic glaze: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over grilled slices, then top with creamy mascarpone cheese.
- Coconut flakes: Add some sweetened toasted coconut to your pineapple dessert. This topping is perfect on vanilla ice cream.
Can you make grilled pineapple savory?
Yes, you can! While grilled pineapple is often served as a delicious dessert, it can also be a great addition to savory dishes. Simply omit the sweetener and add spices like chili powder, cayenne pepper, a pinch of salt, or a splash of lime juice before grilling. Chop and use it in pizza, salsa, or whatever your heart desires.
- Grilled pineapple salsa: Combine grilled pineapple, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt to make a sweet and spicy salsa. This is a great topping for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp.
- Grilled pineapple skewers: Alternate grilled pineapple small cubes with pork, chicken, or shrimp on skewers for a quick and easy meal.
- Grilled pineapple and ham pizza: Use grilled pineapple and ham as toppings on a homemade pizza for a sweet and savory flavor combination. Try it using our pellet grill pizza technique. Easy, smoky, and oh-so-delicious!
Now that you have all the basics for grilling this easy recipe, it’s time to gather your friends for cocktails, good food, and this delectable dessert. Enjoy!
Like this recipe? We know you’ll love these too!
- 1 whole pineapple peeled and cored
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream caramel sauce, or whipped cream
Preheat your grill to 350 degrees F or medium-high heat.
Slice the peeled and cored pineapple into 3/4-inch thick rings.
Combine the brown sugar, lime juice, cinnamon, allspice, and salt in a small bowl.
Brush the pineapple slices, on both sides, with the sugar mixture.
Once your grill is up to temp, place the pineapple slices on the grill grates and cook for 3 -3 1/2 minutes per side until they take on a golden brown color and are nicely caramelized.
Remove the pineapple slices from the grill and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and your favorite toppings.
Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days, and enjoy as you’d like!
Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 177mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.5mg
