This grilled pineapple is a tropical treat, featuring sweet slices caramelized with a tasty brown sugar rum glaze. It’s the perfect mix of juicy, sweet, and zesty!
Whenever I make this, I can’t resist having seconds! 🍍 Plus, it’s super quick to whip up—just grill, glaze, and enjoy. Perfect for summer barbecues!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: For the best flavor, use a ripe pineapple. Look for one that smells sweet at the base and has a little give when you press it. If fresh pineapple isn’t an option, canned pineapple can work in a pinch, but fresh really shines in this recipe.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work, but I prefer dark for its richer flavor. If you need a substitute, you can use coconut sugar or even white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to mimic the taste.
Dark Rum: This adds depth to the glaze. If you don’t have dark rum, try using light rum or even a splash of apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be a little different.
Ground Cinnamon: This spice gives warmth to the dish. If you want a twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for extra flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Grilled Pineapple is Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelization is key for that delicious sweet flavor and appealing grill marks. To achieve this, start with a preheated grill and make sure to oil the grates lightly. Here’s how to get it right:
- Grill the pineapple for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want those lovely grill marks to form!
- Apply the glaze in the last minute of grilling. This helps it to stick and caramelize without burning.
- Keep an eye on it while grilling. Pineapple can go from perfect to overcooked quickly.
Enjoy your grilled treat and feel free to experiment with your garnishes! A little lime zest can also brighten up the dish beautifully.
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings or wedges
For the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful grilled pineapple recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook on the grill. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a deliciously sweet and caramelized treat ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important because you want the grill nice and hot to get those beautiful grill marks on the pineapple.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, dark rum, butter, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Place it over medium heat and stir until everything is mixed well and the sugar dissolves. Once it starts bubbling a bit, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You’ll use this tasty glaze later!
3. Grill the Pineapple:
Next, lightly oil the grill grates to keep the pineapple from sticking. Then, place your sliced pineapple rings or wedges on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes or until you see nice grill marks and the pineapple looks slightly caramelized.
4. Brush on the Glaze:
In the last minute of grilling, take your brown sugar rum glaze and brush it generously over the pineapple. This will add amazing flavor and make it even more delicious!
5. Serve it Up:
Once your pineapple is done grilling, carefully remove it from the grill and place it on a serving plate. Now you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each piece of grilled pineapple and drizzle any remaining glaze over everything.
6. Add a Garnish:
If you like, add some fresh mint leaves on top as a garnish. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor. Now, serve your delicious grilled pineapple immediately and enjoy the sweetness!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Absolutely! If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar, although your glaze will lack that rich, molasses-like flavor. Alternatively, you can use coconut sugar for a more caramel-like taste, keeping in mind it might alter the color slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No worries! You can substitute dark rum with light rum, bourbon, or even a splash of fruit juice like pineapple or orange for a non-alcoholic version. Just adjust the sweetness of the glaze accordingly if the juice is sweet!
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds. It’s great to enjoy it chilled, too!
Can I Grill Other Fruits with This Recipe?
Definitely! While pineapple is fantastic, you can also grill peaches, nectarines, or even bananas using the same glaze. Just adjust the grilling time depending on the fruit’s firmness; softer fruits will require less time on the grill.
