Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: Grilling enhances the pineapple’s natural sugars, adding a subtle smoky taste and intensifying its sweetness.
Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it on its own, pair it with grilled meats, use it as a pizza topping, chop it into salsa or salad, or serve it with tender grilled pound cake.
Impressive Presentation: Golden brown grill marks and a glossy sheen make grilled pineapple rings or spears a showstopping addition to any plate or platter
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just a few minutes on the grill, you can transform fresh pineapple into a restaurant-worthy treat at home.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh Pineapple: For maximum flavor, pick ripe, juicy fruit. It should be firm but give slightly when gently squeezed.
Butter: Melted butter helps the sugars adhere and adds rich flavor to the grilled pineapple. Use salted if you like, but skip the extra salt below.
Dark Brown Sugar: It’s deeper and more complex than light brown sugar, creating the most flavorful caramel-like glaze on the pineapple.
Dark Rum (optional): Adds a kick of tropical flavor that complements the pineapple perfectly. Use a good aged rum for best results.
Ground Cinnamon: Provides a hint of warm spice to the fruit.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Directions

Prepare the Pineapple: Use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple and the rind. Cut into 3/4-1-inch spears or rings. Use a small cutter to remove the core of the rings. Place the pineapple into a large zip-top bag and set aside.
Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, rum (if using), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Marinate the Pineapple: Add the marinade to the bag with the pineapple, gently toss to coat the fruit, then place in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.Preheat the Grill: Warm the grill or a grill pan over medium heat to 375-400°F (190-200°C)Grill the Pineapple: Place the fruit on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, brushing each side with the excess marinade as it cooks.
Serve: Transfer the grilled pineapple to a platter and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Calories: 179 kcal per serving

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the marinade for a spicy-sweet flavor.
Coconut Twist: Replace butter with coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
Herbal Infusion: Sprinkle fresh mint or basil over the grilled pineapple before serving for an aromatic touch.
Dessert Delight: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Place cooled grilled pineapple in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not store the pineapple in liquid.
Reheating: Reheat grilled pineapple in the microwave at reduced power for 15-30 seconds. Alternatively, reheat it in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes or warm it in a pan with some butter over low heat until hot.

FAQs

How do I know if a pineapple is ripe?

A ripe pineapple will have a sweet aroma at the base, feel slightly soft to the touch, and its leaves will be easy to pull from the crown.

Can I use canned pineapple for grilling?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple rings, but fresh pineapple provides better texture and flavor.

Do I need to core the pineapple before grilling?

It’s recommended to core the pineapple to remove the tough center, especially if serving as rings.

Can I grill pineapple without a marinade?

Yes, grilling plain pineapple will still enhance its natural sweetness, but a marinade adds extra flavor.

How long should I marinate the pineapple?

Marinate the pineapple for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse without making the fruit too soft.

What type of grill is best for this recipe?

Both outdoor grills and indoor grill pans work well for grilling pineapple.

Is grilled pineapple suitable for savory dishes?

Absolutely! Grilled pineapple pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, and salads.

How can I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill?

Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the pineapple on them

Can I prepare grilled pineapple in advance?

Grilled pineapple is best served immediately but