This Honey Glazed Grilled Pineapple is a sweet treat that’s simple yet amazing! Grilling brings out the pineapples’ natural juices, making them extra delicious with a sticky honey coating.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just slice, brush with honey, grill for a few minutes, and voilà! Perfect for summer BBQs or a fun dessert. Who can resist tasty grilled fruit? 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key for sweetness. Look for one that’s fragrant and gives slightly when pressed. If you can’t find fresh, you can use canned pineapple slices, but fresh really gives a better texture and flavor.
Honey: I love using a floral honey like clover or wildflower for this recipe. If you’re avoiding sugar, try agave syrup or maple syrup. They also add a unique flavor twist!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness, but if you’re looking for a lighter flavor, you can use a neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil. Just keep in mind, the olive oil adds a bit of its own taste!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives a warm spice to the dish. Nutmeg can be a nice substitute if you’re out of cinnamon, but use it sparingly as it has a stronger flavor.
Vanilla Extract: This adds depth to the honey mixture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use a dash of almond extract. Just a little goes a long way!
How Do I Grill Pineapple Perfectly?
Grilling pineapple requires some simple steps to achieve that sweet, caramelized goodness. Here’s what to focus on:
- Preheat your grill properly. Medium-high heat is ideal for getting those grill marks and caramelization.
- Cut the pineapple into even 1/2-inch thick slices. This ensures they cook through without burning.
- Brush the honey mixture generously. Don’t be shy! It caramelizes beautifully.
- Keep an eye on the time. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes—just until you see nice grill marks and the pineapple gets golden.
- Let them cool slightly after grilling. This helps maintain their juiciness before serving.
With these tips, your grilled pineapple will turn out delicious every time! Enjoy your sweet, smoky treat!
How to Make Honey Glazed Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 medium ripe pineapple
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious honey glazed grilled pineapple recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 8-10 minutes for grilling. In total, you’re looking at around 20 minutes to make a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as a side dish or dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your pineapple gets nice and caramelized with those tasty grill marks.
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
Take your ripe pineapple and slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Make sure to carefully remove the skin and the hard core from the middle of each slice. This way, you’ll have tender, juicy pieces ready for grilling!
3. Make the Honey Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the honey, olive oil, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This sweet glaze is what will give your pineapple that delicious flavor!
4. Glaze the Pineapple:
Now, take a brush and generously coat both sides of each pineapple slice with the honey mixture. Make sure each slice is covered well so you get all that lovely sweetness when you grill them!
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Carefully place the glazed pineapple slices on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for those lovely grill marks and a nice golden color. The pineapple should become slightly caramelized at the edges; yum!
6. Cool and Serve:
When the pineapple is nicely grilled, take it off the grill and allow it to cool for just a few minutes. This will help set the flavors! Then, arrange the grilled slices on a plate.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on top before serving. Enjoy your honey glazed grilled pineapple warm—it’s perfect as a side dish with savory meals or as a sweet dessert on its own!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
While fresh pineapple is preferred for grilling, you can use canned pineapple slices if needed. Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture. Keep in mind that canned pineapple might not get the same caramelization as fresh.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can quickly warm it on the grill or in a pan for a minute or two, just until heated through.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Glaze?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons or substitute part of it with maple syrup for a different flavor. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
What Are Some Variations to This Recipe?
You can get creative by adding other spices like nutmeg or ginger to the glaze. Additionally, try adding a splash of lime juice for a tangy twist. Grilled pineapple also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert!
