This grilled pineapple is a sweet and juicy treat with a tasty brown sugar rum glaze. It’s perfect for summer barbecues and can easily brighten up any meal!
Who knew fruit could taste this good on the grill? I love serving it with ice cream for dessert—talk about a tropical delight! 🍍🍨
Making this dish is super easy. Just slice, grill, and brush on the glaze. You’ll impress everyone with your grilling skills, and they won’t be able to resist a second helping!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for the sweetest flavor. Look for one with a sweet aroma and slightly soft skin. If fresh is not available, canned pineapple rings can work too, but they won’t have the same caramelization effect on the grill.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, deep sweetness. If you’re out, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a little molasses, or even honey or maple syrup, though they will change the flavor profile a bit.
Dark Rum: This gives the glaze its robust flavor. If you prefer not to use alcohol, consider using apple juice or a mix of vanilla extract and water for a similar sweetness and depth.
Butter: I like using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness. If needed, coconut oil can be a nice dairy-free alternative in this recipe.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon enhances warmth and sweetness. You could skip it or try nutmeg for a slightly different taste.
How Do I Grill Pineapple Perfectly?
Grilling pineapple can be a bit tricky but rewarding! Here are tips to achieve those beautiful grill marks and sweet caramelization:
- Ensure you preheat the grill to medium-high; this is key for that nice char.
- Cut the pineapple into 1-inch thick rings to avoid them falling through the grill grates.
- Grill the rings for 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t rush; let them get that caramelized surface!
- Brush them with the glaze while grilling for added flavor. This avoids the sugar burning off too quickly.
Once they’re done, let them cool for just a minute before serving. This helps enhance the sweetness even more!
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 10 minutes for grilling. So, in total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to create this sweet and tropical dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will get it nice and hot so you can achieve those perfect grill marks on your pineapple.
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
Take your ripe pineapple and carefully slice off the top and bottom. Next, remove the skin by cutting down the sides. Make sure to take out the hard core in the center, then cut the pineapple into 1-inch thick rings. This thickness will help them grill nicely!
3. Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, dark rum, butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar and butter have melted and everything is smooth. Once done, take it off the heat and set it aside for a moment.
4. Grill the Pineapple Rings:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the pineapple rings on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are done when you see delicious caramelized grill marks on both sides.
5. Brush with Glaze:
While the pineapple is grilling, use a brush to apply the brown sugar rum glaze over the rings. This will add extra flavor and sweetness as they cook.
6. Serve Warm:
Once the pineapple is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill. Serve the warm pineapple rings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
7. Drizzle and Enjoy!
Finally, drizzle any remaining brown sugar rum glaze over the ice cream for added sweetness. Serve immediately and enjoy this tropical treat that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned Pineapple?
Yes, fresh pineapple is actually the best choice for this recipe! Using a ripe fresh pineapple will give you the best flavor and texture. Just follow the instructions to prepare it by removing the skin and core.
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No worries! You can substitute dark rum with light rum, bourbon, or even a splash of pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic option. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the glaze may change slightly depending on what you use.
Can I Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the glaze up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until melted and smooth.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
If you have any leftovers, store the grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the grill or in a skillet for a few minutes until heated through. They can also be delicious cold!
