This delicious grilled pineapple is a sunny treat! The sweet fruit gets extra yummy with a brown sugar rum glaze, making it perfect for summer nights.
Honestly, grilling pineapple is like magic—watching it pop and caramelize always brings a smile to my face! 🍍 I love serving it warm, maybe with ice cream—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is key for this recipe. Look for one that is fragrant and has a slight give when you press it. If pineapples aren’t available, you could use canned pineapple rings—just make sure to drain them well for grilling.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep sweetness. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to mimic the flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar works well for a different twist.
Dark Rum: The dark rum gives a lovely depth. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try using apple juice or a non-alcoholic rum alternative. You’ll still receive a nice flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances warmth in the glaze. Nutmeg can be an interesting substitute if you want a bolder flavor, but start with less since it’s quite strong.
Vanilla Extract: This ingredient rounds out the flavors nicely. If you’re out, feel free to replace it with almond extract or leave it out entirely for a simpler taste.
How Do I Grill Pineapple Perfectly?
Grilling pineapple is simple but requires proper technique for best results. Here are some tips to get perfectly grilled pineapple:
- Slice the pineapple into 1-inch rings. Keeping them thick helps prevent them from falling apart on the grill.
- Preheat your grill on medium-high heat to ensure perfect grill marks. A hot grill gives the best caramelization.
- Let the pineapple cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This develops nice grill marks without sticking.
- Brush the glaze on during the last minute of grilling to create a sticky, sweet layer without burning.
These tips should help you achieve a delicious caramelized flavor in your grilled pineapple. Enjoy the sweet and tangy bites!
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
For The Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 minutes to cook on the grill. So, in just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important to ensure those beautiful grill marks and caramelized flavor on your pineapple.
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
Now, grab your ripe pineapple and cut off both the top and bottom. Carefully slice away the skin and remove the core. Cut the pineapple into thick rings, approximately 1 inch in thickness. Make sure the slices are even to cook properly.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, dark rum, butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Heat over medium heat while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once it’s ready, remove the glaze from the heat and set it aside.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple rings directly on the grill. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until nice grill marks appear and the pineapple becomes tender. The grill adds a fantastic smoky flavor!
5. Brush with Glaze:
During the last minute of grilling, take that delicious brown sugar rum glaze you made and brush it over the pineapple rings. This will make the pineapple even sweeter and more enticing.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the pineapple is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill. Serve it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. It’s a tropical delight that you’ll love!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple is actually ideal for this recipe as it provides the best flavor and texture. Just make sure to choose a ripe pineapple that gives slightly when pressed, indicating it’s sweet and ready to eat!
Can I Substitute the Dark Rum?
If you prefer not to use dark rum, you can substitute it with coconut rum for a tropical twist, or even apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. Just adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste if you substitute with a sweeter liquid.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm it in a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes to regain some warmth without losing its texture.
What Can I Serve With the Grilled Pineapple?
Besides serving it with vanilla ice cream, grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, adds a sweet touch to salads, or can be blended into smoothies. Get creative with your pairings!
