If you’ve never tried Grilled Pineapple, you’re in for an absolute treat! Imagine juicy, golden slices of pineapple made even sweeter and more tantalizing with a quick sear on the grill, a buttery brown sugar glaze, and a hint of warm cinnamon. Just a whiff of this dish sizzling on the grates will have everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting for their slice. Whether you use it as a show-stopping side, a unique dessert, or even pop it atop savory dishes, Grilled Pineapple brings a taste of the tropics right to your backyard.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something truly magical about how a handful of simple ingredients can transform a humble fruit into a showstopper. Every component here matters: the pineapple delivers brightness and tang, brown sugar deepens the sweetness, while butter and rum add an indulgent gloss and flavor that feels almost decadent.

Fresh pineapple: The star of the show! Opt for one that feels heavy for its size and gives off a sweet, fragrant aroma at the base.
Melted butter (1/4 cup): This gives richness to the glaze and helps the sugar mixture cling to the fruit.
Dark brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds caramel notes that complement the tart pineapple perfectly when grilled.
Dark rum (1/4 cup, optional): For those looking to add a subtle kick and complexity—don’t worry, most of the alcohol burns off on the grill.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Just a touch makes the flavors pop and adds warmth to every bite.
Pinch of salt: This little bit is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prep the Pineapple

Start by giving your pineapple a quick rinse under cool water. Slice off the top and bottom so it stands steady. Working from top to bottom, trim away the rugged peel, trying to keep as much fruit as possible. Now, you can cut the pineapple into thick spears or rings, depending on your vibe—a ring feels a little festive, while spears are perfect for grabbing and grilling. If you’re going with rings, use a small cutter to remove the tough core.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and that optional splash of rum. Add a pinch of salt, too. Stir until everything is smooth, glossy, and irresistible. Pour this fragrant marinade over the pineapple pieces in a large zip-top bag, seal, and gently toss until every piece is cloaked in the mixture. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes—this quick rest lets the flavors soak in and preps the pineapple for even caramelization.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium heat, around 375 to 400°F. Once it’s hot, brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated pineapple on the grill, reserving any leftover marinade. Grill each side for about 4 to 6 minutes, brushing occasionally with that sweet, buttery sauce. You’ll know it’s ready when it has gorgeous grill marks and the edges start to caramelize. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering!

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Transfer the grilled pineapple slices to a platter and serve immediately while they’re still warm and glossy. With their deep amber glaze and juicy centers, they’re hard to resist. This dish is at its best hot off the grill, but you’ll be happy to know that any leftovers are just as delightful the next day.

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh lime zest or a few torn mint leaves can take Grilled Pineapple to a whole new level. A dollop of chilled whipped cream or a scoop of coconut ice cream adds just the right touch of contrast and luxury if you’re serving it as a dessert.

Side Dishes

Grilled Pineapple is incredibly versatile—pair it with smoky barbecued meats like chicken thighs or pork tenderloin for a sweet-bright counterpoint, or serve it alongside grilled vegetables for a light summer meal. It also complements pulled pork tacos or Caribbean-inspired rice dishes remarkably well.

Creative Ways to Present

Skewer chunks alongside bell peppers for playful grilled pineapple kebabs, stack rings in a tower on a serving platter, or even chop the fruit and toss into a fresh salsa. For a show-stopping finale, drizzle with a little extra rum and flame for an impromptu tableside flambé.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Grilled Pineapple left, store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay juicy and delicious for up to three days—perfect for snacking, breakfast parfaits, or tossing into salads.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover grilled pineapple for future treats! Arrange the cooked pieces in a single layer on a lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months, ready to enjoy as a cool dessert or smoothie booster.

Reheating

To gently rewarm Grilled Pineapple, place slices on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 8 minutes, or just until warmed through. Alternatively, a minute or two on a hot grill or grill pan will do the trick and freshen up those caramelized edges.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple really shines on the grill thanks to its firm texture and vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, canned rings (well-drained and patted dry) can be used. Just know that they’ll cook a bit faster and may be a tad softer.

Do I need to use rum in the marinade?

Absolutely not—the dark rum is an optional extra for grown-up flavor depth, but the recipe is just as fabulous without it. You can swap in a splash of orange juice for a bright, citrusy twist, or simply leave it out entirely.

What’s the best way to cut a pineapple for grilling?

Both spears and rings work beautifully for grilled pineapple. Choose rings if you want to impress at a dinner party or serve with ice cream, or spears for easy snacking and flipping on the grill. Always remove the core when using rings for the best texture.

Can I make this recipe indoors?

Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan or even a cast iron skillet will work. You’ll still get lovely caramelization—the key is to let the pineapple brown nicely on each side.

How do I know when the pineapple is done?

You’re looking for pronounced grill marks and golden, caramelized edges. The pineapple should be heated through and slightly softened, but still hold its shape. Don’t overcook it—nobody likes mushy pineapple!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a bold, juicy, and downright fun dish to wow your family and friends, Grilled Pineapple more than delivers. Give it a try at your next gathering—one bite, and you might find yourself grilling pineapple all summer long!