Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Side Dish

Turn up the heat with sweet brown sugar grilled pineapple—a delightfully caramelized treat perfect for summer barbecues, quick snacks, or an impressive side that’s both simple and bursting with tropical flavor. This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe takes juicy pineapple slices and transforms them with a touch of brown sugar sweetness and smoky grill marks that create an irresistible combination you’ll want to savor again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this dish quick and stress-free.
• Perfect balance of flavors: Sweetness from brown sugar blends with the pineapple’s natural tang for a mouthwatering taste.
• Versatile usage: Works great as a side dish, dessert, or topping for other meals.
• Grill marks add appeal: The charred edges bring a smoky depth and vibrant presentation.
• Healthy yet indulgent: Combines natural fruit sugars with moderate sweetness and zero guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that create a dish rich in flavor and vibrant in texture. Each element plays a key role—from bringing out caramel notes to ensuring perfect grill readiness.

• Fresh pineapple: Choose ripe pineapple for sweetness and juicy texture that chars beautifully.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel flavor and helps create a sticky glaze on the pineapple.
• Lime juice: Brightens the dish and balances the sugary richness.
• Ground cinnamon: Optional but enhances warmth and adds a subtle spice layer.
• Vegetable oil: Lightly coats the grill grates or pineapple to prevent sticking.

Variations for Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Feel free to customize and experiment with this Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe to match your taste buds or dietary needs. The core method is adaptable, making it easy to tailor flavors or textures.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the brown sugar for a sweet-heat combo.
• Herb infusion: Sprinkle fresh mint or basil on grilled pineapple for a refreshing twist.
• Coconut glaze: Replace lime juice with a splash of coconut milk or cream for a tropical creaminess.
• Honey substitute: Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for an alternate sweetener option.
• Vegan option: All ingredients are naturally vegan, just confirm oil choice for strict diets.

How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the pineapple

Start by peeling the pineapple and cutting it into thick, even slices, about one inch wide to ensure they hold together well on the grill without breaking apart.

Step 2: Mix the glaze

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, lime juice, and cinnamon (if using), stirring until the sugar is slightly dissolved and the mixture becomes a sticky glaze ready to coat the fruit.

Step 3: Preheat the grill

Heat your grill to medium-high and brush the grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking while cooking your pineapple slices.

Step 4: Coat and grill

Brush each pineapple slice generously with the brown sugar glaze, then place them on the hot grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until grill marks appear and the sugar has caramelized beautifully.

Step 5: Serve warm

Remove the grilled pineapple from the heat and serve immediately, enjoying its warm, juicy, and caramelized goodness at its peak.

Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

• Choose ripe fruit: Pineapple should smell sweet and yield slightly when pressed for maximum flavor.
• Don’t rush caramelization: Give the brown sugar time on the grill to melt and create a rich glaze.
• Use tongs: Flip gently with tongs to avoid tearing the pineapple slices.
• Keep an eye on fire: Watch for flare-ups from the sugar dripping, which can burn quickly.
• Serve promptly: Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is best enjoyed hot off the grill for optimal taste and texture.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh mint or toasted coconut flakes on top to contrast the sweet caramel notes with bright herbal or nutty flavors. A light dusting of powdered cinnamon also complements the warm glaze beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this grilled pineapple with grilled meats like chicken or pork, fresh salads, or creamy sides such as coconut rice or vanilla ice cream to balance its sweetness with savory or cooling elements.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve as a layered dessert by stacking the warm pineapples with whipped cream or Greek yogurt, drizzle with honey, or chop and fold into tropical salsas for tacos and seafood dishes. The possibilities are endless and super fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover grilled pineapple slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor holds well but the texture softens over time.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it may alter the texture. If you plan to freeze, arrange pineapple slices on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple gently on a grill or stovetop skillet for just a few minutes to refresh caramelization and warm through without making them mushy.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple is best for grilling as it holds together and caramelizes better; canned pineapple tends to be softer and can fall apart on the grill.

Is brown sugar the only sweetener I can use?

You can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar to adjust sweetness or flavor profiles.

How long should I grill each side?

Grill pineapple slices for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until grill marks form and the sugar glaze caramelizes.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes! Use a grill pan or broil the pineapple under a hot oven setting to achieve a similar caramelized effect.

What cocktail pairs well with Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple?

Tropical drinks like mojitos, piña coladas, or a tangy margarita are perfect companions to the sweet-savory flavors of the grilled pineapple.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a fun, flavorful twist to your summer meals, Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is an absolute must-try. With its perfect blend of sweetness and smoky char, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to this summery caramelized delight.

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