This grilled pineapple is a sweet delight! The juicy fruit gets a tasty boost from a brown sugar rum glaze that adds a fun and delicious twist to every bite.
Who knew pineapple could taste like a tropical vacation? I love serving it warm right off the grill, sometimes with ice cream for an extra treat. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is crucial for sweetness and juiciness. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple rings. Just make sure to drain them well before grilling.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds great molasses flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses, or use coconut sugar for a different twist.
Dark Rum: Dark rum gives depth to the glaze. If you prefer not to use alcohol, swap it with apple juice or a little extra vanilla extract to keep the flavor rich.
Butter: I use regular butter for richness, but you can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances the flavor. If you like, you could swap it with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.
What’s the Best Way to Grill Pineapple for Perfect Caramelization?
Grilling pineapple correctly brings out its natural sweetness. Here are steps to ensure your pineapple turns out amazing:
- Cut the pineapple into rings that are thick enough (about 1 inch) to hold up on the grill.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled.
- Brush the pineapple rings on both sides with the glaze before placing them on the grill.
- Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for grill marks and slight caramelization; this means they are ready to flip.
- Don’t overload the grill. Leave some space for the heat to circulate around the rings, which helps cook evenly.
Remember, timing can vary based on your grill, so keep an eye on them! Enjoy the delicious flavors and aroma while grilling!
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
For the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to grill. So, you’re looking at a total of around 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
First, fire up your grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat. This will help get those beautiful grill marks on your pineapple and caramelize the sugars nicely.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
While your grill heats up, grab a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, mix in the brown sugar, dark rum, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir everything together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Once it’s done, take it off the heat and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Pineapple:
Now, it’s time to prep your pineapple rings! Brush both sides of the pineapple rings lightly with a bit of the brown sugar rum glaze. This will add flavor and help create that lovely caramelization while grilling.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the glazed pineapple rings directly on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to see nice grill marks and for the pineapple to get a little caramelized. The smell will be amazing!
5. Drizzle and Serve:
Once grilled, take the pineapple off the grill and drizzle the remaining brown sugar rum glaze over the top while it’s still warm. This will enhance the flavor even more!
6. Enjoy!
Serve the grilled pineapple warm, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s a perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Enjoy your delightful dessert!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple is the best choice for this recipe. Just make sure it’s ripe for the sweetest flavor. If using canned, drain it well to avoid excess moisture, but fresh always delivers a better texture and taste on the grill!
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No problem! You can substitute with light rum or even bourbon if you prefer. For a non-alcoholic version, use pineapple juice or coconut water instead. Just be mindful that the flavor will differ slightly with these alternatives.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in a microwave for a few seconds, and consider drizzling a little extra glaze on top before serving!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the glaze and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before using to ensure it’s pourable and warm over the grilled pineapple.
