Sweet and Smoky Grilled Pineapple

If you’ve never experienced the delightful transformation of pineapple on the grill, you’re truly missing out on one of summer’s simplest culinary pleasures! This incredibly easy side dish or dessert requires minimal effort but delivers a sophisticated flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The intense heat of the grill works magic, caramelizing the pineapple’s natural sugars and infusing each bite with a sweet, slightly smoky essence that perfectly embodies warm-weather dining.

Grilled pineapple is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a vibrant side alongside your favorite grilled meats, chop it into a refreshing salad for a burst of tropical sweetness, or savor it warm, straight off the grill grates. There’s no wrong way to indulge in this irresistible treat.

Why Grilled Pineapple Deserves a Spot on Your Summer Menu

Pineapple, known for its juicy sweetness and tangy zest, takes on an entirely new dimension when introduced to the grill. The heat causes the fruit’s natural sugars to caramelize, creating a deeper, richer sweetness that raw pineapple simply can’t achieve. This process not only intensifies its tropical flavor but also adds a subtle smokiness and a tender, almost custardy texture that is utterly irresistible. Once you try it, you’ll be amazed at the delicious difference!

Beyond its incredible taste, grilled pineapple offers a multitude of benefits:

• Effortless Elegance: Despite its gourmet taste, preparing grilled pineapple is remarkably straightforward, requiring only a few minutes of active cooking time.
• Nutrient-Rich & Healthy: Pineapple is packed with vitamins, minerals, and bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Grilling enhances its natural goodness without adding unnecessary fats or sugars.
• Incredibly Versatile: From a savory side dish to a delightful dessert, grilled pineapple seamlessly fits into various meal categories.
• Complements Everything: Its sweet and smoky profile makes it the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of grilled proteins and summer salads.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Inspirations

This sweet summer side dish is the ideal partner for all your grilling favorites. Imagine the vibrant flavors complementing:

• Sticky Chinese Chicken on a Stick
• Tender Grilled Pork Tenderloin
• Juicy Grilled Chicken Legs

It also pairs wonderfully with seafood, beef, or even vegetarian grilling options like halloumi cheese. For a sweet and creamy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any summer cookout, all pineapple lovers should also explore GingerCasa’s chocolate covered pineapple dessert.

Mastering Grilled Pineapple: A Step-by-Step Guide

Grilling pineapple is refreshingly simple. There’s no need for elaborate marinades or extensive prep work, making it an excellent choice for impromptu cookouts or busy weeknights. Whether you’re starting with fresh or canned pineapple, the process is quick and rewarding.

Choosing the Perfect Pineapple

The foundation of great grilled pineapple starts with selecting quality fruit. If opting for fresh pineapple, look for one that is:

• Fragrant: A ripe pineapple will have a sweet, tropical aroma emanating from its base.
• Heavy for its Size: This indicates a juicy and well-hydrated fruit.
• Golden Color: While not all ripe pineapples are entirely golden, a good one will show some yellowing, especially towards the bottom.
• Leaf Test: A single leaf from the crown should pull out with a gentle tug.

If you prefer the ultimate convenience, canned pineapple slices are a fantastic option and grill up beautifully. Just make sure to drain them well before cooking.

Preparation: Fresh vs. Canned

For Fresh Pineapple

Grilling fresh pineapple takes this dish to an even higher level! The only additional steps are peeling and slicing. If you’re tackling a whole pineapple:

1. Remove the Crown and Base: Lay the pineapple on its side and carefully slice off the top crown and the bottom base.
2. Peel: Stand the pineapple upright and, using a sharp knife, slice downwards, following the curve of the fruit to remove the skin. Try to keep the slices thin to minimize waste.
3. Remove the “Eyes”: The small, brown “eyes” can be removed by making V-shaped cuts along their diagonal lines, or simply by slicing them off.
4. Core: For spears, you can slice the pineapple into thick rounds first, then use a small round cookie cutter or apple corer to remove the tough fibrous core from each slice. For easier handling on the grill, I often prefer long spears of pineapple instead of circular rings. To achieve this, cut the peeled and cored pineapple lengthwise into quarters, then slice each quarter into spears of your desired thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch thick is ideal).

For even greater convenience, many grocery stores offer fresh pineapple that is already peeled and cored, or even pre-cut into spears. This saves a lot of time and makes grilling an absolute breeze!

For Canned Pineapple

Using canned pineapple slices couldn’t be simpler:

1. Drain thoroughly: Open the can and drain all the juice. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel if they seem excessively wet; this helps achieve better caramelization.
2. Ready to grill: That’s it! Your canned pineapple is now ready for the heat.

Grilling Instructions

The grilling process is straightforward, regardless of whether you’re using fresh spears or canned rings:

1. Preheat your grill: Heat your gas or charcoal grill to a medium-high temperature. For best results, ensure the grates are clean.
2. Lightly oil the grates (optional but recommended): If your grill grates are prone to sticking, brush them lightly with a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil.
3. Place pineapple on the grill: Arrange the pineapple slices or spears directly onto the hot grill grates in a single layer.
4. Cook and flip: Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for beautiful golden-brown grill marks and a slightly softened texture.
5. Serve immediately: Remove from the grill and enjoy warm.

Elevating Your Grilled Pineapple Experience: Variations and Flavor Enhancements

While grilled pineapple is absolutely delicious on its own, there are many ways to enhance its flavor and integrate it into more elaborate dishes. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Flavor Boosters & Marinades

Though not strictly necessary, a simple glaze or light marinade can add an extra layer of flavor:

• Sweet & Spicy: Combine melted butter, a drizzle of honey, and a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a sweet-heat kick.
• Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: Mix melted butter with brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Brush this mixture on the pineapple before or during grilling for a classic dessert-like flavor.
• Citrus Zest: A squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice brightens the pineapple’s natural sweetness. You can also add a pinch of chili powder for a “tajin-inspired” twist.
• Rum Glaze: For an adult-friendly treat, brush with a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and a splash of dark rum during the last few minutes of grilling.
• Coconut & Ginger: A light glaze of coconut oil, a touch of grated fresh ginger, and a hint of brown sugar creates an exotic, aromatic flavor.

Creative Serving Ideas

Beyond being a simple side, grilled pineapple can star in various culinary creations:

• Dessert Parfait: Layer warm grilled pineapple with Greek yogurt, granola, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
• Tropical Salsa: Dice grilled pineapple and mix with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice for a vibrant salsa that’s fantastic with grilled fish or chicken.
• Skewer Sensation: Thread pineapple chunks onto skewers with bell peppers, onions, and your choice of protein (chicken, shrimp, or steak) for a colorful and flavorful main course.
• Ice Cream Topping: Serve warm grilled pineapple over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, perhaps with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
• Salad Enhancer: Add cooled, diced grilled pineapple to green salads, fruit salads, or even grain bowls for a sweet and smoky element.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, but leftovers are still delightful. To store, first allow the grilled pineapple to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place the slices or spears in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If you wish to extend their shelf life, grilled pineapple can also be frozen. To do so, arrange the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring as much air is removed as possible. Frozen grilled pineapple will keep for about 2 to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, you can gently reheat the pineapple in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave it briefly. Alternatively, it’s perfectly delicious served cold straight from the fridge – perfect for a quick snack or salad addition!

Easy Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Pineapple

Beyond Pineapple: More Grilling Inspiration

If you’re hooked on the magic of grilled fruit and vegetables, you’ll love exploring other simple grilling ideas. Expand your repertoire with these delicious grilled side dishes:

• Sweet and Earthy Grilled Beets
• Tender Grilled Zucchini
• Crisp Grilled Asparagus

Happy grilling!