Juicy Sweet Grilled Pineapple Recipe: A Tropical Summer Treat
Tropical sunshine bursts through every bite of this sweet grilled pineapple dessert that turns ordinary fruit into a caramelized delight.
Charred edges and golden-brown surfaces promise an explosion of natural sugars and intense flavor.
Summer barbecues and backyard gatherings reach new heights with this simple yet spectacular treat.
Each slice transforms from fresh fruit to a smoky-sweet sensation when kissed by grill flames.
The robust combination of heat and natural pineapple sweetness creates a sensational accompaniment to ice cream or enjoyed on its own.
You’ll find this recipe so simple that even novice grillers can master it with ease.
Prepare to savor a dessert that dances between rustic charm and elegant simplicity.
Serve This Dish as Dessert, Side, or Topper
Sweet Summer Sundae Topper: Nestle warm grilled pineapple slices over vanilla ice cream for a delightful tropical dessert that combines caramelized sweetness with cool creaminess.
Breakfast Bliss Companion: Slice grilled pineapple alongside crispy bacon and fluffy pancakes to elevate your morning meal with a vibrant, tangy twist.
Cocktail Hour Garnish: Perch a charred pineapple slice on the rim of rum-based drinks like mojitos or piña coladas for an elegant and flavorful presentation that adds a smoky-sweet dimension.
Protein Partner: Top grilled chicken, pork, or fish with these caramelized pineapple slices to infuse your main course with a bright, summery flavor that complements savory proteins perfectly.
How to Store Grilled Pineapple and Keep It Juicy
Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cool environment helps maintain its sweet, caramelized flavor and prevents bacterial growth.
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen grilled pineapple keeps well for 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying for best texture and taste.
Slice chilled pineapple into yogurt parfaits, blend into smoothies, or chop into morning oatmeal. These slices also make fantastic toppings for ice cream or grilled meats.
Warm refrigerated slices quickly in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. This method restores the caramelized edges and brings back the fresh-off-the-grill warmth and flavor.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Calories: 100 kcal
Servings: 5
Grilled Pineapple Ingredient Lineup for Sweet Perfection
For Sweet Coating:
Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and helps create a golden glaze on the pineapple.
Melted Butter: Enhances richness and helps sugar coating stick to the fruit.
Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that complements pineapple's tropical flavor.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall taste.
For Fruit Base:
Pineapple: Select ripe, golden-yellow fruit with a fragrant aroma and slight give when pressed.
Lime Juice: Optional bright, citrusy finish that cuts through sweetness.
Fresh Mint: Optional garnish that adds refreshing herbal note.
For Grilling:
Cooking Oil: Prevents sticking and helps achieve beautiful grill marks (if using instead of butter).
Tools for Slicing, Grilling, and Caramelizing Pineapple
Grill: Essential for creating those beautiful caramelized marks and adding smoky flavor.
Grill tongs: Perfect for safely flipping pineapple slices without burning yourself.
Small bowl: Needed for mixing the brown sugar, butter, and spice glaze.
Pastry brush: Great for evenly coating pineapple slices with the delicious mixture.
Cutting board: Useful for preparing and slicing fresh pineapple before grilling.
Sharp knife: Required for cutting pineapple into even, grill-friendly slices.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple with a Golden Finish
Fire Up the Grill Crank your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature that'll make everything taste amazing.
Create a Sweet Glaze Whip together a magical blend of rich brown sugar, smooth melted butter, warm cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt that'll make your pineapple sing with flavor.
Coat the Tropical Treasure Lovingly brush every inch of your pineapple slices with the delectable glaze, ensuring they're completely covered in deliciousness.
Grill to Golden Perfection Lay those glossy pineapple slices directly on the grill grates, letting them dance over the flames for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop gorgeous caramelized grill marks and turn a gorgeous golden color.
Serve and Celebrate Pull those gorgeous grilled pineapple slices off the grill and serve them up while they're hot. For an extra flavor boost, consider a zesty squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of chopped mint to elevate the tropical experience.
Flavor Variations to Try on Grilled Pineapple
Maintain a consistent medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the pineapple slices.
Cut pineapple rings about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick for optimal grilling results that keep the fruit juicy and tender.
Replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil to create a delicious plant-based version that's equally mouthwatering.
Experiment with additional flavor boosters like cayenne pepper, cardamom, or vanilla extract to add unexpected depth to the grilled fruit.
Turn grilled pineapple into a stunning dessert by serving with vanilla ice cream, drizzling with rum sauce, or topping with toasted coconut flakes.
Sweet Hawaiian Grilled Pineapple caramelizes natural sugars into a tantalizing dessert that dances between tropical warmth and smoky charred edges. Juicy golden rings drizzled with honey promise an irresistible summer treat you’ll savor with pure tropical delight.
Ingredients
Scale
1 whole fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for caramelization)
1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1 pinch salt
Optional garnish: fresh mint, lime juice, or honey drizzle
Instructions
Prep Grill: Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, targeting 400°F for optimal caramelization.
Create Glaze: Whisk brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt into a harmonious, fragrant coating that will enhance the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
Coat and Grill: Generously brush pineapple slices with the prepared glaze, ensuring even coverage, then place directly on heated grill grates. Rotate slices halfway through cooking to achieve beautiful crosshatch grill marks and deep golden color, grilling approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
Finish and Garnish: Transfer grilled pineapple to serving platter, adding a zesty splash of fresh lime juice or delicate mint leaves for a bright, refreshing finish. Serve immediately while warm to maximize flavor and texture.
Notes
Choose a pineapple with golden-yellow color and sweet aroma, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness when grilling.
Maintain medium-high heat to caramelize sugars without burning, creating perfect grill marks and preserving fruit’s juiciness.
Apply sugar-butter mixture thoroughly on both sides to guarantee consistent caramelization and prevent uneven grilling.
Experiment with toppings like vanilla ice cream, coconut flakes, or rum drizzle to elevate the grilled pineapple’s taste and presentation.
Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Education
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.
Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care.
After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.
Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.
Michael Thompson
Founder & Culinary Director
Expertise
Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Education
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care.
After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.
Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.