Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Butter Glaze is one of my favorite ways to bring big flavor to the table with just a few simple ingredients. The grill caramelizes the pineapple’s natural sugars, giving it a sweet, smoky finish that tastes like a tropical escape.
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I’ve always got room on the grill for pineapple—especially when it’s brushed with a buttery brown sugar glaze and grilled just long enough to caramelize. I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or pork, but I’ve also turned it into dessert more times than I can count. One scoop of ice cream and it goes from side dish to summer showstopper.
Not Sure About Grilled Fruit? Same – Until I Took a Bite
I’ll be honest—grilled fruit sounded like something you’d find at a fancy brunch, not something I’d throw on the grill at home. But the first time I made grilled pineapple, it totally changed my mind. The heat caramelizes the sugars, the edges get just a little crisp, and that smoky-sweet flavor? It’s something special.
Cut it Right: The Best Way to Prep Pineapple for Grilling
When dealing with the high heat of the grill (charcoal grill, gass or indoor grill pan,) it’s important to slice the pineapples slices thick enough. I’ve found that ¾″ thick is just about perfect! Just be sure to remove the core, then slice into rounds or pineapple wedges.
Grilled Pineapple Ingredients
- Fresh ripe pineapple: Peel it and remove the core (a pineapple corer is handy for this; otherwise, just use a paring knife). Then slice it into rings.
- Brown sugar – For the best caramelized flavor. Honey or coconut sugar works too.
- Butter – Gives it a rich, glossy finish
- Cinnamon – This is optional, but highly recommended!
- Pinch of salt – The last thing to do when you take the pineapple off the grill is finish it with a pinch of flaky sea salt. This makes all the other flavors pop!
Mix it Up: Recipe Variations
- Spiced Rum Glaze: Add a tablespoon of spiced rum to the glaze for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Coconut Twist: Swap out the butter for coconut oil and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes after grilling.
- Chili Lime Kick: Dust with a pinch of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and lime zest before grilling for a sweet and spicy flair.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Fire up the grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat. You want it hot enough to caramelize the glaze without burning the fruit.
- Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Brush the pineapple: Coat both sides of the pineapple with the glaze. Don’t be shy—it’s what gives that sticky-sweet finish!
- Grill it up: Place the pineapple on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side. You want those pretty grill marks and bubbling glaze.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve warm straight off the grill with grilled meats, or turn it into dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I Use Canned Pineapple?
Yes, but fresh pineapple tends to hold up better on the grill and delivers a more vibrant flavor. If you do use canned, opt for rings packed in juice—not syrup—and drain them well.
How to Keep The Fruit From Sticking to the Grill
The key is to scrape your grill grates really clean while they heat up. This will soften anything stuck to them and make them easier to clean. If you’re still concerned, you can always use cooking spray or brush with olive oil before adding the pineapple slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! A stovetop grill pan works wonderfully. Heat it over medium heat and follow the same instructions.
Grilled pineapple is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in a hot skillet to bring back that caramelized texture.
How To Serve Easy Grilled Pineapple
Y’all, it’s outrageously good with Million Dollar Pound Cake, and ice cream. My boys love it as a topping for Pancake Casserole at brunch. And it’s a must served alongside grilled Balsamic Chicken Thighs and Marinated Pork Tenderloin.
Don’t Miss My Favorite Summer Recipes
If you tried this Grilled Pineapple Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 1 ripe pineapple peeled, cored, and cut into rings or spears
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Brush both sides of the pineapple pieces with the glaze.
- Grill pineapple for 2–3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
- Serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of ice cream.
Notes
- Spiced Rum Glaze – Stir in a tablespoon of spiced rum for a deeper, richer flavor with a little kick.
- Coconut Twist – Swap the butter for coconut oil and sprinkle toasted coconut on top after grilling.
- Chili-Lime Kick – Add a pinch of chili powder, cayenne, and a little lime zest for a sweet-and-spicy spin.
Nutrition
5 Days of Southern Summer Comfort Food!
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Absolutely delicious! The brown sugar butter glaze is the perfect touch—sweet, buttery, and caramelized. So easy and a huge hit with my family!
Thank you so much! That glaze is everything, for sure. I am thrilled your family enjoyed the recipe and so happy you are cooking with me.
~Donya