This grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple is a sweet treat that’s super easy to make! Just slice the pineapple, sprinkle some brown sugar, and grill until golden. Yum!
You’ll love how the sugar creates a delicious glaze that adds extra flavor. I often serve it as a dessert or snack, and it always brings smiles to the table! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Make sure to pick a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. Look for one that’s slightly soft to the touch and has a sweet aroma. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple slices in juice can work, but they won’t have the same grill flavor.
Brown Sugar: This is essential for that lovely caramel flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar with a splash of molasses. Coconut sugar is also a great alternative, providing a unique caramel taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended so you control the salt in the recipe. If you want to keep it dairy-free, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute that can handle high heat.
Vanilla Extract: While it’s optional, it elevates the sweetness of the glaze. If you don’t have any, feel free to leave it out. A hint of almond extract could also work in a pinch!
How Do I Grill the Pineapple Without Burning It?
Grilling pineapple is quick, and you want to get those lovely caramelized marks without charcoal! Follow these steps to get it just right:
- Ensure your grill is preheated to medium heat. This helps avoid sticking and burning.
- Oil the grill grates well using cooking spray or melted butter. This makes for easy flipping!
- Keep an eye on the slices while grilling. Once you see the grill marks, it’s time to flip them—around 3-5 minutes per side.
- If you’re worried about burning, move them to a cooler part of the grill if they start to brown too quickly.
With these simple tips, you’ll have perfectly grilled caramelized pineapple ready to enjoy!
How to Make Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Cooking spray or additional butter for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to grill, for a total of about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and delightful dessert or side dish that’s perfect for any BBQ or summer get-together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pineapple:
Start by cutting off both the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand the pineapple upright on your cutting board. Carefully slice off the skin, making sure you remove all the little “eyes” (those brown spots) too! Once the pineapple is peeled, cut it into thick slices or spears, about 1-inch thick, and set them aside.
2. Make the Caramel Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, thick paste. This will be the yummy glaze that adds sweetness to your pineapple!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium heat. To help prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with cooking spray or brush them with some butter. This little step makes a big difference!
4. Coat the Pineapple:
Using a brush (or even a spoon), generously apply the brown sugar glaze to each pineapple slice, coating both sides evenly. This will create that delicious caramelized flavor when grilled!
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the glazed pineapple slices on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 3-5 minutes on each side—until you see nice grill marks and the pineapple slices become caramelized. Keep a close eye on them to make sure they don’t burn; you want them perfectly grilled!
6. Serve:
Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill and let them cool slightly. Serve warm on a plate as a dessert or side dish. For an extra special treat, you can top them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your delicious grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple!
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
While fresh pineapple gives the best flavor and texture, you can use canned pineapple if needed. Just make sure to drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve better caramelization on the grill.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can make a quick substitute by mixing white sugar with a little molasses. Use 1 cup of white sugar and add 1 tablespoon of molasses for light brown sugar, or 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar. You can also use coconut sugar for a similar flavor profile!
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Can I Grill Pineapple Indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Preheat the pan over medium heat and lightly grease it before adding the pineapple slices. They’ll caramelize beautifully and taste just as delicious!
