This grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple is a fun and tasty treat! With sweet pineapple coated in brown sugar, it turns golden and delicious on the grill.
You can serve it as dessert or a fun topping for ice cream. Who doesn’t love warm, sweet fruit? I often make it when I have friends over, and it always impresses! 🍍✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is essential for the best flavor. Look for one that’s firm and slightly soft at the bottom. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you could use canned pineapple slices, but grilling will be less effective.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and a rich flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a little molasses for a similar taste. Maple syrup or honey can also work, but they might caramelize differently.
Cinnamon: While optional, cinnamon complements the sweetness of the pineapple beautifully. If you don’t have it, try other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor twist.
Butter: Melted butter enhances the richness of the dish. You can skip it to keep it lighter. Alternatively, use coconut oil for a tropical vibe.
Mint Leaves: Fresh mint adds a nice burst of freshness. If not available, try using basil or leaving it out altogether; the pineapple will still shine!
How Do I Get Perfectly Caramelized Pineapple?
To achieve that beautifully caramelized finish, the coating and grilling process is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to pat the pineapple slices dry; this prevents steaming on the grill.
- Coat the slices evenly with the brown sugar mixture. This ensures even caramelization.
- Grill over medium-high heat and watch them closely. Flip them as soon as grill marks appear—about 3-4 minutes.
- If using butter, brush it on just before flipping for maximum flavor without burning.
- Let the grilled pineapple sit after cooking; this helps deepen the flavors before serving.
How to Make Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional)
- Dash of salt
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to grill, for a total time of about 20 minutes. A quick, sweet, and satisfying option for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple:
Start by peeling the pineapple and removing the core. Slice the pineapple into thick rounds or rectangles, about 1-inch thick. These thicker slices will hold up better on the grill. Pat the slices dry with some paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps them caramelize nicely.
2. Mix the Sugar Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, a dash of salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir everything together well to make sure the cinnamon is mixed evenly in the sugar. This mixture will create that lovely caramelized layer when grilled.
3. Coat the Pineapple:
Take each pineapple slice and press it into the brown sugar mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Make sure each piece is generously covered, as this will create a nice sweet crust when grilled.
4. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill hot by preheating it to medium-high. If you are using a grill pan, make sure to heat that up as well to ensure an even cooking surface.
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Once the grill is hot, place the pineapple slices on it. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for nice grill marks and a gorgeous caramel color on the sugar. If you like, you can brush the slices with melted butter while they grill for extra flavor and richness!
6. Remove and Rest:
When the pineapple has caramelized to your liking, take it off the grill and let it sit for a minute or two. This short rest time allows the juices to settle and makes it easier to serve.
7. Serve:
Arrange the beautifully grilled pineapple on a serving platter. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on top for a lovely touch. This grilled pineapple is perfect as a refreshing dessert or a tasty side dish with grilled meats. Enjoy your deliciously caramelized grilled pineapple!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
While fresh pineapple is best for grilling due to its texture and flavor, you can use canned pineapple slices in a pinch! Just make sure to drain them thoroughly and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent proper caramelization.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. Use 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses to achieve a similar flavor. Alternatively, you could use coconut sugar or honey for a different, but tasty, twist!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold in salads or reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds, though the texture might change slightly.
Can I Add Other Spices or Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding spices like nutmeg or ginger to the sugar mixture for extra depth. You can also drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the pineapple before grilling for additional sweetness!
