Grilled Pineapple

The next time you get a sweet craving, try this fantastic grilled pineapple. This dessert is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a delightful treat any day of the week, grilled pineapple adds a unique twist to your dessert table. Serve it warm with ice cream, and you’ll want to lick the bowl clean!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 22 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Deliciously Sweet: The caramelization from grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple, creating a mouthwatering treat.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy grilled pineapple on its own, with ice cream, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
• Healthy Dessert Alternative: Packed with vitamins and low in calories, grilled pineapple is a guilt-free indulgence.
• Great for Gatherings: Impress your guests with this unique dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your delicious grilled pineapple, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Sharp knife
• Large zip-top bag
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks and caramelized flavor on the pineapple.
• Sharp knife: A must-have for cutting the pineapple safely and efficiently.
• Large zip-top bag: Perfect for marinating the pineapple without mess; it helps the flavors soak in.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth marinade.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Pineapple

• 1 fresh pineapple
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup dark Vanilla Extract (water-Free), optional
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch salt

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Remove the rind carefully. Cut into 3/4-1-inch spears or rings. If using rings, use a small cutter to remove the core. Place the prepared pineapple into a large zip-top bag and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, dark Vanilla Extract (if using), ground cinnamon, and pinch of salt until well combined. Pour this mixture into the zip-top bag with the pineapple. Gently toss to coat all pieces evenly. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Heat Up Your Grill

Warm your grill or grill pan over medium heat until it reaches 375-400°F. This temperature is ideal for grilling fruit without burning.

Step 4: Grill the Pineapple

Place the marinated pineapple on the grill. Cook each side for about 4-6 minutes or until they have nice grill marks. Brush each side with any excess marinade as they cook for added flavor.

Step 5: Serve Your Grilled Pineapple

Transfer the grilled pineapple pieces to a serving platter and enjoy immediately while warm!

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your grilled pineapple experience.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic combination of grilled pineapple and creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast of warm and cold.
• Coconut Ice Cream: For a tropical twist, serve the grilled pineapple with coconut ice cream for extra flavor.

Add to Fruit Salad

• Tropical Fruit Salad: Chop the grilled pineapple into bite-sized pieces and mix it with other tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, and banana for a refreshing salad.
• Berry Medley: Combine the grilled pineapple with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and vibrant fruit salad.

Create a Grilled Pineapple Sundae

• Layered Delight: Stack grilled pineapple slices, ice cream, and your favorite toppings like chocolate syrup or whipped cream for an indulgent sundae.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for an extra crunch in your sundae.

How to Perfect Grilled Pineapple

To achieve the best flavor and texture when grilling pineapple, following some simple tips can make all the difference.

• Choose a ripe pineapple: A ripe pineapple will be sweeter and juicier. Look for ones with a golden color and a sweet aroma.
• Cut evenly: For even cooking, cut the pineapple into uniform spears or rings. This ensures that they cook at the same rate.
• Marinate longer: If you have time, marinate the pineapple for longer than 30 minutes to enhance its flavor. Overnight is ideal!
• Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill or grill pan is hot before adding the pineapple. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and caramelization.
• Watch cooking time: Avoid overcooking by monitoring the grilling time closely. Aim for 4-6 minutes per side until you see nice grill marks.
• Serve immediately: Grilled pineapple tastes best when served right off the grill while it’s still warm.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple pairs beautifully with various side dishes that can complement its sweetness. Here are some excellent options to consider when planning your meal.

1. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy shrimp marinated in garlic and lemon perfectly balance the sweetness of grilled pineapple.
2. Coconut Rice: This subtly sweet rice dish enhances tropical flavors and provides a delightful contrast to grilled pineapple.
3. Hibachi Vegetables: A medley of colorful vegetables sautéed on high heat brings out their natural sweetness, making it a great sidekick.
4. Pork Tenderloin: The savory notes of grilled pork tenderloin pair well with sweet grilled pineapple slices.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh herbs complements the rich flavors of grilled fruit while keeping it healthy.
6. Black Bean Tacos: Stuff black bean tacos with fresh toppings alongside grilled pineapple for a fun twist on traditional tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making grilled pineapple, small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the marination: Not allowing the pineapple to marinate can result in bland flavors. Take the time to let it soak in the marinade for 20-30 minutes.
• Using unripe pineapple: An unripe pineapple won’t have the sweet flavor you want. Choose a ripe pineapple for the best taste; look for a sweet smell and slight give when pressed.
• Overcooking the fruit: Cooking the pineapple too long can make it mushy. Monitor cooking times closely, aiming for 4-6 minutes per side for optimal texture.
• Not preheating the grill: A cold grill will stick and unevenly cook your pineapple. Always preheat to 375-400°F for perfect grilling.
• Ignoring presentation: Serving grilled pineapple on a plain plate takes away from its appeal. Enhance your dish by garnishing with mint or serving with ice cream.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled pineapple in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Grilled Pineapple

• Place cooled grilled pineapple in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Pineapple

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place the pineapple on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place pieces on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second increments until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best pineapple for grilling?

Choose a ripe pineapple that has a sweet aroma at the base and slightly yields when pressed. This ensures maximum sweetness when grilled.

Can I add spices or toppings to my grilled pineapple?

Absolutely! Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cayenne pepper. You can also top it with shredded coconut or serve it drizzled with chocolate.

Is grilled pineapple healthy?

Yes! Grilled pineapple is low in calories and rich in vitamins like C and B6, making it a healthy dessert option.

How can I use leftover grilled pineapple?

Leftover grilled pineapple can be used in smoothies, salads, or as a topping on yogurt or pancakes.

Final Thoughts

Grilled pineapple is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with ice cream, this recipe offers endless customization options. Feel free to experiment with different marinades or toppings to make it uniquely yours. Give this delightful dessert a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Grilled Pineapple

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Grilled pineapple is a delightful dessert that transforms a simple fruit into an extraordinary sweet treat. With its natural sugars caramelized on the grill, each bite bursts with flavor that perfectly balances warm and cool when paired with ice cream. This recipe is not only quick and easy, taking just 22 minutes from start to finish, but it’s also a healthier dessert option packed with vitamins. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or craving something sweet any day of the week, grilled pineapple is sure to impress. Enjoy it as a stand-alone dessert or elevate your meals by using it as a topping for pancakes or in vibrant fruit salads.

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 fresh pineapple
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup dark vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Cut the top and bottom off the pineapple, remove the rind, and slice into 3/4-inch spears or rings.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract (if using), ground cinnamon, and salt.
3. Place prepared pineapple in a large zip-top bag and pour marinade over it. Toss to coat evenly and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to 375-400°F.
5. Grill the marinated pineapple for 4-6 minutes per side until nicely marked and caramelized.
6. Serve warm on a platter.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Tropical

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with spices like nutmeg or cayenne pepper in the marinade. Grilled pineapple pairs beautifully with vanilla or coconut ice cream for an indulgent dessert.