This grilled pineapple is a tasty treat with a sweet brown sugar rum glaze! It’s juicy, caramelized, and perfect for summer cookouts or as a delightful dessert.
You can’t go wrong with this recipe; the sweet and warm flavors will make your taste buds dance! 🍍 I love serving it with vanilla ice cream for that extra yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Use a ripe pineapple for the best sweetness and flavor. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can opt for canned pineapple rings, though the texture might differ slightly when grilled.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses—use about 1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar.
Dark Rum: For a non-alcoholic option, you can replace dark rum with apple juice or pineapple juice. These will still enhance the sweetness without the alcohol.
Cinnamon: While cinnamon adds warmth, you could swap it for nutmeg or skip it entirely if you’re not a fan. Alternatively, use a pre-mixed spice like pumpkin pie spice for an exciting twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grill Marks on My Pineapple?
Grilling pineapple gets those beautiful marks and caramelizes the sugars, enhancing its flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat. A hot grill helps with caramelization.
- Cut the pineapple into thick slices (1-inch) so they don’t fall apart on the grill. Wedges are also an option for easier flipping.
- Generously brush the glaze on both sides before placing them on the grill.
- Don’t crowd the grill. Space the slices apart to allow even cooking and better marks.
- Grill each side for 3-4 minutes until you see those beautiful grill marks. Avoid moving the pineapple too much for the best results.
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cored
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll need around 20 minutes to enjoy this delicious dessert. Quick and easy, perfect for summer barbecues or a sweet treat any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by heating your grill to medium heat. This is an important step—getting the grill nice and hot will help caramelize the sugars in the pineapple and give you those lovely grill marks.
2. Slice the Pineapple:
Next, take your peeled and cored pineapple and cut it into thick round slices—about 1-inch thick works best. If you prefer easier handling, you can also cut it into wedges.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, dark rum, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined; this glaze is going to add a wonderful caramelized flavor to your grilled pineapple!
4. Glaze the Pineapple:
Now, brush the pineapple slices generously with the brown sugar rum glaze on both sides. Make sure each slice is well coated—this is what will make them sweet, sticky, and tasty!
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the glazed pineapple slices onto the hot grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for nice grill marks and a bit of caramelization to occur on the edges.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once grilled, carefully remove the pineapple slices from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll be hot! When ready to serve, enjoy the grilled pineapple warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. Enjoy your sweet treat!
Can I Use Other Types of Sugar Instead of Brown Sugar?
Yes! You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar or coconut sugar; however, brown sugar gives the grilled pineapple a deeper flavor and moisture due to its molasses content. If using white sugar, consider adding a little maple syrup to mimic that caramel-like taste.
What Can I Substitute for Dark Rum?
If you prefer not to use dark rum, you can substitute it with apple juice or pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic version. If you want a similar flavor, spiced rum or bourbon can also work well as alternatives.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the grill for a couple of minutes to regain some of that grilled flavor. Avoid overheating to maintain texture!
Can I Grill Pineapple on a Grill Pan or in the Oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stove or even broil the pineapple in the oven. Just make sure to preheat the pan or the broiler, and keep an eye on the pineapple to prevent burning, as cook times may vary!
