This grilled pineapple is a sweet treat that’s perfect for any gathering! The juicy fruit is caramelized with a yummy brown sugar rum glaze that adds a tasty twist.
It makes a lovely dessert or a fun topping for ice cream. Trust me, once you start grilling, the whole yard will smell divine, and your friends will be lining up for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Use a ripe pineapple for the sweetest flavor. Look for one with a sweet aroma and slightly soft at the bottom. If pineapple isn’t available, mango or peaches could be a great substitute.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds rich flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can use white sugar with a bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of white sugar) to mimic that flavor.
Rum: Dark rum is preferred for a deeper flavor, but white rum or even pineapple juice can work well if you’re avoiding alcohol. Just adjust the sweetness if using juice.
Cinnamon: If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can replace it with nutmeg or omit it altogether. It’s great to personalize the taste to your liking!
How Do I Prepare the Pineapple So It Grills Perfectly?
Preparing the pineapple correctly is crucial so that it grills nicely and holds its shape. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut off both ends of the pineapple to create a stable base.
- Stand it upright and carefully slice off the skin, ensuring no “eyes” (little brown spots) remain.
- Cut the fruit into thick rings or wedges, about 1 inch each. This thickness helps the pineapple maintain juice and texture while grilling.
Make sure your cuts are uniform to ensure even cooking across all pieces—this not only helps with look but also taste!
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
For the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rum (preferably dark rum)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful grilled pineapple dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to grill. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick and tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple:
Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the pineapple so it can stand firmly. Now, carefully slice away the skin while ensuring you remove any eyes (the little brown spots). Once that’s done, cut the pineapple into thick rings or wedges that are about 1-inch thick. This will help them grill nicely!
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, rum, butter, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Heat this mixture over medium-low heat while stirring. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Now it’s time to get your grill ready! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot so the pineapple can caramelize well.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple rings directly on the grill grates. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for nice grill marks and a warm, caramelized look. Mmm, it’s going to smell fantastic!
5. Glaze the Pineapple:
During the last minute of grilling, brush the brown sugar rum glaze over the pineapple pieces. This will give it a delicious, sticky finish as it caramelizes slightly. Just make sure to watch it closely—you don’t want it to burn!
6. Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, remove the pineapple from the grill. Serve it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with any remaining glaze. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your amazing grilled pineapple dessert! Yum!
Can I Use Fresh or Canned Pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is best for grilling due to its firm texture and natural sweetness. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use canned pineapple rings. Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture on the grill.
What Can I Substitute for Rum?
If you prefer not to use rum, you can substitute it with coconut water or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. For added depth, consider using a splash of vanilla extract in place of the rum for flavor.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, brushing with extra glaze if desired to enhance the flavor.
Can I Grill Pineapple on a Gas Grill?
Absolutely! A gas grill works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure it’s preheated to medium heat before adding the pineapple to achieve those beautiful grill marks and a lovely caramelization.
