Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is a yummy and easy dessert thats all about tropical taste. It mixes the natural sweetness of ripe pineapple with the deep caramel flavor of brown sugar making it look great and taste even better. You can eat it by itself as a sweet treat, put it on top of ice cream, or serve it with grilled meat. Either way its gonna be a hit at your next get together.
Grilled pineapple has been a part of lots of food traditions everywhere, from Hawaiian luaus to backyard barbecues. Its smoky, slightly charred outside is the perfect match for the soft, juicy inside. Grilling fruit brings out its sugars and makes it taste richer while changing the texture so its more interesting in different dishes.
The two main players here are brown sugar and pineapple. Brown sugar has molasses in it so it adds a deep, rich flavor to the pineapple’s sweet juice. When it hits the heat of the grill the sugar melts and caramelizes making a sticky glaze thats mouthwatering. The tangy pineapple mixed with warm sweet sugar is refreshing and a little bit indulgent.
What is Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple?
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is a simple dessert where slices of fresh pineapple are coated lightly in brown sugar and then grilled. The heat makes the sugar caramelize and gives the fruit a bit of char and a smoky note you dont get from regular fruit dishes.
People have been grilling pineapple for years especially in Hawaii at luaus and big celebrations. Today it shows up at summer barbecues and outdoor parties since everyone loves the sweet and smoky combo. You can also use it in salads, on tacos, with ice cream, or on top of chicken for a new twist.
Pineapple itself is full of good stuff like vitamin C, manganese, and an enzyme called bromelain thats said to help with inflammation. Grilling it doesnt take away all the nutrition so you still get a healthy dessert thats fun and different.
Why Use Brown Sugar?
Picking the right sugar is key to making grilled pineapple taste amazing. Brown sugar is better than white sugar here because its got molasses which gives it a deeper flavor. This makes every bite more interesting and memorable.
Also brown sugar has more moisture than white sugar so when you grill it on the pineapple it melts nicely and forms a sticky glaze. That caramel layer is what makes this dish feel kinda fancy. Plus brown sugar has tiny bits of iron, calcium, and potassium so it’s just a bit more nutritious than plain white sugar.
Using the grill and letting the brown sugar caramelize turns two simple ingredients into a taste sensation thats perfect for dessert or as a side with savory dishes.
Ingredients Needed
To make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple you will need:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark, whichever you like)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Choose a pineapple thats firm but smells sweet at the base. The skin should be yellow with no big brown spots and the leaves still green. Light or dark brown sugar both work well but dark gives a stronger molasses taste.
Equipment Required
You’ll need a few tools:
- A grill (charcoal or gas)
- A grill brush to clean the grates
- Tongs to flip the pineapple
- Cutting board and a sharp knife
- Optional: a grill basket to make turning pieces easier
No grill? You can use a griddle or even the oven broiler just watch it closely so it doesnt burn.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Preparation
First cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple so it stands flat. Then slice away the skin and remove any little “eyes” left. Cut the pineapple into rings or spears, whatever you prefer.
In a bowl mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. If you want extra richness, pour melted butter over the pineapple slices and toss so theyre covered. Then sprinkle the sugar mix on both sides of each slice. Let them sit for 15–30 minutes so the flavors sink in.
Grilling Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high, about 350°F–400°F.
- Oil the grates so the pineapple wont stick. You can rub them with a paper towel dipped in oil using tongs.
- Place the coated pineapple on the grill. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until you see grill marks and the sugar glaze is bubbly.
- Flip once and watch for the edges to brown. When theyre tender and caramelized remove them from the heat.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple lots of ways. Put it on vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a sweet dessert. Add it to a summer salad, or skewer it with other fruits. Stainless steel skewers work well for easy handling.
Flavor Variations
If you want to mix it up try:
- Adding nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon for a warm spice note
- Splashing lime or orange juice over the pineapple before grilling for extra zing
- Brushing with coconut milk or rum-infused glaze for more tropical flair
Health Benefits of Grilled Pineapple
Pineapple is packed with good stuff:
- Vitamin C: Boosts your immune system and keeps skin healthy
- Manganese: Helps with energy and fights free radicals
- Bromelain: An enzyme that aids digestion and can reduce swelling
Grilling pineapple may make it easier to digest and it still keeps most of its nutrients so you get a guilt-free treat that feels special.
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Pineapple
For best results:
- Pick ripe pineapple thats sweet but not mushy
- Watch it closely so it chars nicely without burning
- Adjust the brown sugar to make it as sweet as you like
FAQ Section
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
You can but it won’t taste as fresh and the texture is softer. Drain and pat dry, and grill less time so they dont turn mushy.
Does grilling pineapple make it less nutritious?
Not really. You might lose a bit of vitamin C but most benefits remain and the flavor gets way better.
What can I serve with grilled pineapple?
It goes great with ice cream, yogurt, grilled meats, or in salads for a twist of sweetness.
How can I store leftover grilled pineapple?
Put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the grill or in the microwave for a few seconds.
Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes this recipe is vegan as long as you use unrefined brown sugar. No animal products here.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple isnt just a dessert, its a versatile treat that fits any meal. You can keep it simple or add fun flavors. Give it a try at your next cookout and watch everyone dig in.
Additional Resources
For more tropical recipes, check these links:
For grilling tools, consider picking up:
- Non-stick grill baskets
- Basting brushes
- Outdoor grilling cookbooks for more ideas
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
Equipment
- 1 grill or grill pan
- 1 basting brush
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 unit fresh pineapple About 3-4 pounds.
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Optional.
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Start by cutting the top and bottom off the pineapple to create a stable base. Stand the pineapple upright and slice away the skin in a downward motion, removing all the eyes. Cut the pineapple into ½-inch thick slices.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Using a basting brush, generously brush one side of the pineapple slices with the brown sugar mixture.
- Place the pineapple slices on the grill, sugar side down. Grill for about 4-5 minutes until caramelized and grill marks appear. While grilling, brush the top side with the remaining brown sugar mixture.
- Carefully flip the slices and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes until caramelized.
- Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and place it on a serving platter. You can serve it warm as is, or top it with vanilla ice cream or yogurt for an added treat.
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