The smoky-sweet flavor of grilled pineapple is one of summer’s simplest pleasures. Lightly charred on the grill and glazed with a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, these caramelized slices are bursting with juicy, tropical goodness.
Whether you’re serving them as a light dessert, a barbecue side, or even topping a savory burger, this grilled pineapple recipe is an easy way to impress your guests. The prep is minimal, but the taste is anything but. Enjoy the taste of island vibes right from your backyard grill!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 ripe pineapple
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional: honey or lime juice for drizzling
Directions:
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Preheat your grill to medium heat.
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Peel and core the pineapple, then slice it into 1/2-inch thick rings.
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In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Brush each side of the pineapple slices generously with the mixture.
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Place the pineapple slices directly on the grill and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the sugars are caramelized.
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Remove from grill and optionally drizzle with honey or a squeeze of lime juice.
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Serve warm as a dessert, side dish, or topping for ice cream or burgers.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 18 minutes
Kcal: 110 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Perfect Tropical Treat: Grilled Pineapple Slices
Grilled pineapple is the kind of recipe that turns ordinary into unforgettable. Simple in preparation but packed with flavor, it brings out the best in fresh fruit using the magic of caramelization and open flames. While most people associate grilling with meats and veggies, fruit—especially pineapple—is one of the most underrated items you can toss on the grill.
Pineapple is already naturally sweet and juicy, but when it’s grilled, the sugars caramelize, forming a smoky, slightly crisp coating while the inside remains tender and juicy. The addition of a brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon glaze makes this recipe an irresistible dessert, snack, or side dish that can stand alone or elevate other meals.
Why Grilled Pineapple Works So Well
The appeal of grilled pineapple lies in its perfect balance of sweet and smoky. When grilled, the high natural sugar content in pineapple caramelizes, creating an irresistible golden-brown crust. This adds depth to its sweetness and a hint of savory char from the grill.
Pineapple’s firm texture holds up beautifully over heat, allowing it to be grilled without becoming mushy. It doesn’t need long on the grill—just enough time to sear both sides and warm the fruit through. As a bonus, the pineapple absorbs any flavors added to it, whether it’s a sweet glaze or a splash of citrus or rum.
This dish is also flexible and easy to prepare, which means it suits a wide range of cooking skill levels and dietary preferences. It can be vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-fat, depending on your choice of glaze ingredients.
Nutritional Benefits of Pineapple
Beyond flavor, grilled pineapple comes with a handful of health perks. Pineapple is a nutrient-dense fruit rich in vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. It’s also known for containing bromelain, an enzyme that helps with digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Because the base of this dish is fresh fruit, it’s naturally low in fat and cholesterol. Depending on the glaze, it can remain relatively light in calories while still feeling indulgent. When using natural sweeteners or minimizing added sugar, grilled pineapple becomes an excellent choice for those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth in a wholesome way.
Versatile Serving Options
What makes grilled pineapple especially exciting is how versatile it is. It’s delicious on its own, served warm right off the grill. But it can also complement a variety of dishes and cuisines.
As a dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut sorbet for a tropical sundae. Drizzle with a bit of honey or agave nectar, or sprinkle on some toasted coconut or chopped nuts for texture.
As a side dish, grilled pineapple works well with savory meals, especially grilled meats like pork, chicken, or steak. The sweetness pairs beautifully with smoky, spicy, or salty flavors. In Hawaiian-inspired plates, it’s often served alongside BBQ ribs or teriyaki chicken.
You can even use grilled pineapple as a topping—on burgers, tacos, flatbreads, or grilled sandwiches. It adds brightness and contrast to hearty ingredients, particularly in pulled pork or spicy chicken sliders.
Flavor Pairings and Customizations
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. The classic glaze includes brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. But if you’re feeling creative, there are countless ways to make it your own.
For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the glaze. The heat cuts through the sweetness and creates a perfect balance.
For a boozy twist, soak the pineapple slices in rum or brush them with a spiced rum glaze before grilling. This works especially well if you’re using them in cocktails or serving them as a dessert at a summer party.
For a vegan version, swap out the butter for coconut oil or plant-based margarine. You’ll still get that delicious richness, plus a bonus layer of tropical flavor.
You can even experiment with herbs and aromatics. Try a pinch of ground ginger, a sprinkle of fresh mint, or even a few grinds of sea salt and black pepper to bring out complexity.
Grilled Pineapple in Global Cuisines
Pineapple plays an important role in many world cuisines, especially in tropical regions. In Hawaiian cooking, pineapple is often incorporated into savory and sweet dishes alike. The combination of grilled pineapple with salty meats like spam, ham, or teriyaki is classic island fare.
In Latin American and Caribbean dishes, pineapple is used to balance spicy ingredients. It’s not uncommon to see grilled pineapple served with jerk chicken, tacos al pastor, or over rice with beans and plantains.
Asian cuisines often feature pineapple in sauces or stir-fries, but it’s just as good when grilled. Try pairing it with soy-ginger marinades or sweet chili sauce for a Southeast Asian vibe.
Adding grilled pineapple to your menu is an easy way to bring global flavor into your home cooking.
Ideal Occasions for Grilled Pineapple
This dish is tailor-made for summer and outdoor events. Think backyard barbecues, beach parties, or family cookouts. But it’s also simple enough to enjoy on a weeknight at home with minimal cleanup.
It’s kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing, making it a smart choice for potlucks or buffet-style meals. You can even cut the pineapple into chunks and skewer them for easy serving at parties or pair with grilled vegetables on a fruit kebab.
If you’re entertaining guests or hosting a dinner party, grilled pineapple adds a gourmet touch without requiring advanced cooking techniques. Pair it with grilled pound cake or serve with a caramel drizzle for an elevated dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Grilled pineapple stores well for a few days in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Just allow the slices to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or pop them back on the grill or in the oven. They’re also tasty cold, straight from the fridge, and can be added to salads, yogurt bowls, or smoothies.
You can even freeze grilled pineapple for later use. Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before storing in a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together and can be reheated or used in blended drinks anytime.
Conclusion
Grilled pineapple is more than just a summer side dish—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients, bold flavors, and creative cooking. From its natural sweetness and nutritional benefits to its ability to shine in both sweet and savory dishes, grilled pineapple is a kitchen staple with surprising range.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, planning a tropical-themed dinner, or simply looking for a fresh way to enjoy fruit, this recipe delivers. Easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable, grilled pineapple slices are proof that sometimes the best dishes are the simplest ones.
So fire up your grill, grab a ripe pineapple, and let the flames work their magic. One bite of this caramelized tropical treat, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite for cooks around the world.