Grilled Brown Sugar Pineapple: The Ultimate Summer Dessert Recipe

Grilled Brown Sugar Pineapple: Prepare to unlock a taste of pure tropical bliss! Imagine biting into warm, caramelized pineapple, its natural sweetness intensified by a smoky char and the rich, comforting flavor of brown sugar. This isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience, a mini-vacation for your taste buds.

Pineapple, a symbol of hospitality and luxury for centuries, has a fascinating history. Originating in South America, it was once so rare and prized in Europe that it was often rented out as a centerpiece for lavish parties! While thankfully more accessible today, pineapple still retains a certain celebratory air, making it the perfect ingredient to elevate any meal.

What makes grilled brown sugar pineapple so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The slight tanginess of the pineapple is beautifully balanced by the deep, molasses-like notes of brown sugar. Grilling adds a smoky depth that takes it to another level. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a light dessert, a topping for grilled meats, or even as a sweet and savory addition to salads, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to fire up the grill and experience the magic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large, ripe pineapple
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1/4 cup dark rum or pineapple juice (for soaking)
• Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
• Optional: Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Preparing the Pineapple:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to tackle that pineapple. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than it looks. I promise!

1. Choosing the Right Pineapple: The key to amazing grilled pineapple is starting with a ripe one. Look for a pineapple that’s golden yellow in color, especially near the base. It should have a sweet, fragrant smell. Give it a gentle squeeze; it should have a little give but not be mushy. Avoid pineapples that are green, have brown spots, or smell fermented.
2. Cutting the Pineapple: There are a few ways to cut a pineapple, but I find this method the easiest:
   • Lay the pineapple on its side on a cutting board.
   • Using a large, sharp knife, cut off the top (the leafy crown) and the bottom.
   • Stand the pineapple upright. Carefully slice off the peel, working from top to bottom, following the curve of the pineapple. Try to remove as little of the flesh as possible.
   • Once the peel is removed, you’ll see little “eyes” (brown spots) remaining. You can remove these with a paring knife by cutting small V-shaped notches around the pineapple. This step is optional, but it makes for a prettier presentation.
3. Slicing the Pineapple: Now, for the fun part! You have a few options here:
   • Rings: Cut the pineapple into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick rings. This is great for grilling because it gives you nice grill marks and is easy to handle. Use a small cookie cutter or knife to remove the tough core from the center of each ring.
   • Spears: Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into wedges or spears. This is a good option if you want to serve the pineapple as part of a fruit platter or with a dipping sauce.
   • Chunks: Cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks. This is perfect for skewers or for adding to salads.

   For this recipe, I recommend rings or spears. I’m going with rings today!

4. Optional Soaking (Rum or Pineapple Juice): If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can soak the pineapple slices in dark rum or pineapple juice for about 15-30 minutes. This is totally optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re using rum, be careful when grilling, as it can cause flare-ups. If you’re serving this to kids, definitely skip the rum and stick with pineapple juice or just go without soaking.
5. Patting Dry: After soaking (if you choose to soak), gently pat the pineapple slices dry with paper towels. This will help them caramelize better on the grill.

Making the Brown Sugar Glaze:

This glaze is what takes our grilled pineapple from good to AMAZING! It’s super simple to make, and the combination of brown sugar, butter, and spices is just heavenly.

1. Melting the Butter: In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or you can melt it in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Combining the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.

Grilling the Pineapple:

Now for the main event! Grilling the pineapple is quick and easy, and it’s what gives it that smoky, caramelized flavor that we all love.

1. Preheating the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean. You can lightly oil the grates with cooking oil or spray them with cooking spray to prevent the pineapple from sticking.
2. Brushing with Glaze: Generously brush both sides of the pineapple slices with the brown sugar glaze. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
3. Grilling the Pineapple: Place the pineapple slices on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are nicely caramelized and have grill marks. Keep a close eye on them, as the sugar can burn easily. If you’re using rum-soaked pineapple, be extra careful of flare-ups.
4. Checking for Doneness: The pineapple is done when it’s tender and has beautiful grill marks. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork into the pineapple; it should be easy to pierce.
5. Second Glaze (Optional): For an extra layer of flavor, you can brush the grilled pineapple with a little more of the brown sugar glaze during the last minute of grilling.

Serving and Enjoying:

The best part! There are so many ways to enjoy this grilled brown sugar pineapple. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Serving Suggestions:
   • As a Dessert: Serve the grilled pineapple warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce would also be delicious.
   • As a Side Dish: Serve the grilled pineapple alongside grilled chicken, pork, or fish. The sweetness of the pineapple complements savory dishes perfectly.
   • In Salads: Add grilled pineapple chunks to salads for a tropical twist. It pairs well with greens, grilled chicken or shrimp, and a light vinaigrette.
   • On Skewers: Thread grilled pineapple chunks onto skewers with other fruits and vegetables for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
   • In Tacos: Use grilled pineapple as a topping for tacos. It adds a sweet and tangy element that’s irresistible.
2. Garnishing: Garnish the grilled pineapple with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Storage: Leftover grilled pineapple can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

And there you have it! Grilled brown sugar pineapple that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Grilled Brown Sugar Pineapple recipe isn’t just another dessert; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The combination of the smoky char from the grill, the caramelized sweetness of the brown sugar, and the natural tang of the pineapple creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it all summer long. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum impact. What more could you ask for?

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it warm, straight off the grill, as a delightful standalone dessert. The warm, juicy pineapple is fantastic on its own. Or, take it to the next level by pairing it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm pineapple and cold ice cream is simply divine.

Looking for more ways to enjoy this grilled goodness? Try dicing it up and adding it to your favorite salsa recipe for a sweet and smoky twist. It’s amazing with grilled chicken or fish! You can also use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal for a tropical breakfast treat. For a truly decadent experience, try grilling the pineapple and then using it as a topping for a grilled pizza with ham and mozzarella. The possibilities are truly endless!

If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different spices. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of cayenne pepper can add a unique depth of flavor. You could also try using different types of sugar, such as coconut sugar or maple syrup, for a slightly different taste profile. Get creative and make it your own!

I’ve made this Grilled Brown Sugar Pineapple for countless barbecues and gatherings, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist its sweet and smoky charm. It’s the perfect way to end a summer meal on a high note.

Serving Suggestions:

* Classic Dessert: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
* Tropical Salsa: Dice and add to your favorite salsa recipe.
* Grilled Pizza Topping: Combine with ham and mozzarella for a sweet and savory pizza.
* Breakfast Boost: Top yogurt or oatmeal for a tropical twist.
* Cocktail Garnish: Use a grilled pineapple wedge as a garnish for your favorite tropical cocktails.

Variations:

* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper.
* Different Sugars: Experiment with coconut sugar or maple syrup.
* Add a Glaze: Brush with a rum-based glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.
* Grill with Bacon: Wrap pineapple wedges in bacon before grilling for a sweet and savory treat.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your grill and give this recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see how you’re enjoying your Grilled Brown Sugar Pineapple. Tag me in your photos on social media and let me know what variations you’ve tried. Happy grilling! I can’t wait to hear about your delicious adventures!