This grilled pineapple is a super tasty treat! The sweet fruit gets a nice char from the grill, making it deliciously caramelized with a brown sugar and rum glaze that takes it up a notch!
Honestly, it’s like a tropical vacation on a plate. I love to serve it warm, sometimes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one handy for summer barbecues! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key for sweetness. Look for one that’s golden-yellow and gives slightly when pressed. If fresh is hard to find, canned pineapple rings work, but be sure to drain and pat them dry!
Brown Sugar: This recipe calls for brown sugar for its delicious caramel flavor. You could use coconut sugar for a healthier option or white sugar if that’s all you have, but it won’t give the same richness.
Dark Rum: Dark rum adds a deep flavor to the glaze. If you want to avoid alcohol, consider using apple juice or pineapple juice for a fruity twist.
Ground Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon enhances the warm flavors. If you’re not a fan, you could skip it or swap in nutmeg for a different kind of warmth.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Pineapple?
Grilling pineapple is all about timing to achieve those lovely caramelized grill marks without turning them mushy. Start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. Make sure your pineapple rings are well-brushed with melted butter to keep them from sticking!
- Place pineapple rings on the grill and let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. This allows those great grill marks to form.
- Flip them gently using tongs and grill for another 3-4 minutes. Watch closely, as cooking times may vary based on your grill’s heat.
- In the last minute, brush on that brown sugar rum glaze for an extra caramelizing effect. It’s going to be delicious!
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch thick rings
For the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take around 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook on the grill. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes to enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the pineapple cooks evenly and gets those nice grill marks.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
In a small saucepan, mix together the brown sugar, dark rum, ground cinnamon, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once it’s ready, remove it from heat and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Pineapple:
Brush the pineapple rings lightly with a little melted butter. This helps them grill nicely and prevents them from sticking to the grill grates.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple rings on the grill. Grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until you see lovely grill marks and the pineapple starts to caramelize. This adds so much flavor!
5. Add the Glaze:
When your pineapple rings are almost done, brush the brown sugar rum glaze generously over the rings during the last minute of grilling. This will give them an extra sweet and delicious finish!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and serve it warm. Top each ring with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Enjoy your sweet, tropical treat!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Just make sure to choose a ripe pineapple, which should be slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma at the base.
What Can I Substitute for Dark Rum?
If you don’t have dark rum, try using light rum or even a splash of pure vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version. Keep in mind that the flavor will be different but still delicious!
How Long Does Grilled Pineapple Last in the Fridge?
Grilled pineapple can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Just reheat it in a skillet or the microwave for a few seconds before serving again!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Sugar?
Yes! You can use a sugar substitute like agave syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that alternative sweeteners may slightly alter the flavor and texture, so adjust according to your taste!