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There is something truly magical about the way fresh pineapple transforms when kissed by the heat of a grill and coated with a luscious caramelized glaze. This Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar Recipe is an absolute showstopper, balancing sweet, smoky, and buttery notes with every tender bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a backyard barbecue or simply craving a sweet and satisfying treat, this dish brings vibrant tropical flavors to life with incredible simplicity and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a few essential ingredients, each playing a key role in creating that perfect harmony of sweetness, caramel richness, and juicy texture.
- Ripe pineapple: Choose a fresh, golden pineapple for the best sweetness and juiciness that forms the base of this recipe.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes that caramelize beautifully when combined with butter.
- Butter: Creates a rich, velvety coating that helps the brown sugar caramelize and stick to the pineapple slices while grilling.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Start by peeling your ripe pineapple carefully, removing the eyes and tough core. Slice it into 1-inch thick rings or wedges—thick enough to hold their shape on the grill but thin enough to cook through easily and soak up that caramel glaze.
Step 2: Make the Caramelized Brown Sugar Mixture
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until it’s softly bubbling but not browned. Sprinkle in the brown sugar and stir continuously. The sugar will dissolve into the butter creating a rich, sticky caramel sauce that’s both sweet and buttery—a perfect partner for the pineapple.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
Set your grill to medium heat. A moderate temperature allows the pineapple to caramelize slowly without burning—giving those classic grill marks and a smoky touch that elevate the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Glaze and Grill the Pineapple
Brush each pineapple slice generously with the caramelized brown sugar mixture on both sides. This glaze will create that irresistible caramel crust. Place the slices on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch closely for those golden grill marks and a bubbling glaze—that’s your cue they’re ready.
Step 5: Serve Immediately and Enjoy
Once grilled to perfection, transfer your pineapple slices onto a serving platter. Serve them hot to savor the full burst of warm caramelized goodness. This final moment of sweetness is the perfect payoff for all your careful grilling.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a handful of chopped fresh mint leaves adds a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor. You can also drizzle a little honey or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This grilled pineapple shines as a standalone dessert but also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or pork, complementing smoky, savory profiles with its bright tropical sweetness. Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of creamy yogurt for a balanced treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by skewering the pineapple slices with chunks of other tropical fruits like mango and papaya for a vibrant fruit kebab. Or layer grilled pineapple slices over a fresh green salad with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to bring exciting sweet-savory contrasts to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the pineapple slices in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay delicious for up to 2 days but are always best enjoyed fresh off the grill.
Freezing
Frozen grilled pineapple generally loses some of its fresh texture, so it’s not recommended to freeze this treat. Freshness is truly key to enjoying the full impact of the caramelized brown sugar topping.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pineapple slices in a skillet over low heat or use a toaster oven to revive the caramel glaze without drying the fruit. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for this recipe?
Fresh pineapple is highly recommended because it holds up better during grilling and offers a vibrant, juicy flavor. Canned pineapple tends to be softer and may not caramelize as well on the grill.
What kind of grill works best for this recipe?
A gas or charcoal grill both work beautifully. Charcoal adds a lovely smoky aroma, but a gas grill is convenient because it provides consistent heat control for perfect caramelization.
Can I make the caramelized brown sugar mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the caramel mixture ahead and gently rewarm it before brushing on the pineapple. However, it’s best to do the grilling step fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Is there a substitute for brown sugar in this recipe?
Light brown sugar is ideal for its molasses content, but if you don’t have any, you can use white granulated sugar with a splash of molasses or honey to approximate the flavor.
How do I know when the pineapple is done grilling?
The pineapple is ready when it develops beautiful grill marks, the caramel coating starts to bubble, and the fruit softens slightly but still holds its shape. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar Recipe has a way of turning ordinary moments into something special. The sweet, smoky, and buttery profile delights every time and is so quick to prepare that you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, once you taste that caramel-drizzled, juicy fruit, this recipe will become one of your warm-weather favorites too.
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Print
Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 20m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet and smoky grilled pineapple slices coated with a luscious caramelized brown sugar and butter glaze. This easy 20-minute recipe brings out the natural flavors of fresh pineapple, enhanced by a rich caramelized topping, perfect for a summer dessert or a tasty side dish.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 1 ripe pineapple
Caramelized Glaze
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Peel the ripe pineapple and cut it into 1-inch thick slices, ensuring each slice is uniform for even grilling.
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Brown Sugar: Stir the brown sugar into the melted butter continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium temperature to prepare for cooking the pineapple slices.
- Glaze Pineapple: Brush both sides of the pineapple slices generously with the caramelized brown sugar mixture to add flavor and help with caramelization.
- Grill Pineapple: Place the coated pineapple slices onto the preheated grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks form and the pineapple softens slightly.
- Serve: Remove the grilled pineapple slices from the grill carefully and serve warm to enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness.
- Enjoy: Savor your delicious Grilled Pineapple with Caramelized Brown Sugar as a delightful dessert or side dish.
Notes
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler as an alternative.
- Use fresh ripe pineapple for the best sweetness and flavor.
- You can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder on the pineapple before grilling for a twist.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert variation.
- Make sure to monitor the sugar glaze while melting to prevent burning.
