Grilled pineapple is a great way to wow your guests. While a freshly prepared pineapple is the best, you can get them peeled with the core loosened and even the fruit pre-cut. (Don’t use canned pineapple rings, though.)
The butter and brown sugar bring out the sweetness of the pineapple and balance the crisp brown glaze that magically chars on the hot grill.
Pro Tip: Use a greased grill pan or rack and only turn the pineapple rings ONCE.
How to Grill Pineapple
Get the perfect char on grilled fresh pineapple slices! This simple recipe elevates yummy pineapple into a spectacular appetizer or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 whole fresh pineapple or pre-cut fresh pineapple rings (not canned)
- 4 T melted butter
- 1 T brown sugar
- 1 t cinnamon
- 1 t lime juice (optional)
Instructions
- Oil a grilling pan liberally with vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray. Note: We used a grill pan so that if a ring broke we wouldn't lose it through the grates, but if you have thick slices, this should be less of an issue.
- Preheat grill to medium high heat, about two minutes for a gas grill. Set the pan onto the grill so it preheats.
- If not already pre-cut, slice pineapple into ¾” to 1" rings as evenly as possible. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a microwave.
- Combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lime in a small shallow bowl
- Dredge both sides of the pineapple slices in the butter mixture or use a pastry brush to really drench each slice.
- With grill tongs, add each slice to the hot grill pan. Set the timer for 7 minutes. Turn heat to high.
- Leave the lid open while it grills. Turn the slices once and let grill for another 4 to 5 minutes. As it finishes cooking, dab any leftover butter mixture onto this side.
- Remove pineapple to a clean plate with a spatula or grill tongs. Serve warm.
Notes
- Depending upon the size of your pineapple you may end up with fewer or more pineapple slices.
- Cutting your pineapple slices at ¾” will make it easier to flip them on the grill.
- The amount of time needed on the grill will vary based on your grill. Use this time as a guide but check on your pineapple after 4 minutes to gauge how the grilling process is going.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 68Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 46mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 0g
To pick a ripe pineapple, start with the color. A good one will have a bit of golden yellow, especially at the base. Give it a gentle squeeze—if it’s slightly soft, it’s ready. You can also check the leaves; they should be vibrant green and easy to pull out. Finally, give it a sniff near the base. If it smells sweet, you’ve got a winner.
Of course, this is what sometimes makes the extra expense of pre-cut rings of fresh pineapple worth it: There is no detective work needed on a whole pineapple. It will still be amazing on the grill.