Grilled Pineapple

The next time you get a sweet craving, try this fantastic grilled pineapple. This dish is perfect for barbecues, dessert parties, or even just a cozy night in. The caramelized exterior combined with the juicy sweetness of the pineapple creates a delightful treat that everyone will love. It pairs beautifully with ice cream or yogurt, making it versatile for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple, creating a mouthwatering flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alone, with ice cream, or as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
• Healthy Dessert Choice: Grilled pineapple is low in calories and packed with vitamins, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful grill marks and caramelization make this dish visually appealing for any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make grilled pineapple, you only need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Sharp knife
• Zip-top bag
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Provides the necessary heat for that perfect char and caramelization on the pineapple.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when prepping your pineapple, making it easier to handle.
• Zip-top bag: Ideal for marinating the pineapple, allowing flavors to infuse thoroughly without mess.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for an even marinade.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/4 cup dark vanilla extract (alcohol-free), optional
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch salt

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

1. Use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple and remove the rind.
2. Cut into 3/4-1-inch spears or rings.
3. Use a small cutter to remove the core of the rings.
4. Place the pineapple into a large zip-top bag and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract (if using), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
2. Add this mixture to the zip-top bag with pineapple.
3. Gently toss to coat all pieces evenly.
4. Place in the fridge and let marinate for 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Grill the Pineapple

1. Warm your grill or grill pan over medium heat to approximately 375-400°F.
2. Once hot, place the marinated fruit on the grill.
3. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side.
4. Brush each side with excess marinade as it cooks for extra flavor.

Step 4: Serve Your Grilled Pineapple

1. Transfer your beautifully grilled pineapple to a platter once cooked.
2. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a sweet ending to your meal, this fruit can be the star of the show. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your grilled pineapple experience.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm grilled pineapple slices topped with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures.

As a Salad Topping

• Dice the grilled pineapple and toss it into a refreshing salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette for a tropical twist.

Over Pancakes or Waffles

• Use grilled pineapple as a topping for pancakes or waffles, drizzling with maple syrup for added sweetness.

In Smoothies

• Blend grilled pineapple pieces into smoothies along with yogurt and other fruits for a tropical flavor boost.

Alongside Grilled Meats

• Pair grilled pineapple with chicken or turkey dishes. The sweetness complements savory flavors beautifully.

In Fruit Skewers

• Alternate pieces of grilled pineapple on skewers with strawberries and melon for colorful fruit kabobs at your next gathering.

How to Perfect Grilled Pineapple

Grilling pineapple can seem simple, but there are ways to make it even better. Here are some tips to ensure your grilled pineapple turns out perfect every time.

• Choose ripe pineapples: Look for pineapples that have a sweet aroma and give slightly when pressed. This indicates ripeness and optimal sweetness.

• Cut evenly: Ensure that the pineapple slices or spears are uniform in thickness (about 3/4-1 inch) to allow for even cooking on the grill.

• Use marinades wisely: Marinating the pineapple enhances its flavor and caramelizes beautifully when grilled. A mix of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon works wonders.

• Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is well-heated before placing the pineapple on it. This helps achieve those perfect grill marks and prevents sticking.

• Don’t rush cooking: Grill each side for 4-6 minutes. Allowing time ensures caramelization without burning while keeping the fruit juicy.

• Serve immediately: Grilled pineapple tastes best when served fresh off the grill while it’s still warm and juicy.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with many side dishes, enhancing their flavors with its sweet notes. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside it:

1. Coconut Rice: Fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk adds creaminess that complements the sweetness of grilled pineapple.

2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables provides a healthy option that balances the richness of grilled items.

3. Black Bean Salsa: A zesty black bean salsa provides protein and acidity that contrasts nicely with the sweet fruit.

4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with herb butter makes for a delicious side that pairs well with tropical flavors.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized offer an earthy taste that complements the bright notes of grilled pineapple.

6. Mixed Green Salad: Fresh greens tossed in citrus vinaigrette provide crunch and freshness, making them an excellent counterpoint to rich desserts.

7. Tortilla Chips & Guacamole: Crunchy chips paired with creamy guacamole provide texture contrasts and add flavor depth beside sweet grilled treats.

8. Chickpea Hummus: A smooth chickpea hummus can serve as both dip and spread, bringing protein while balancing sweet flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making grilled pineapple, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Using underripe pineapple: Always choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. Look for a sweet aroma and a slight give when you press the skin.
• Not marinating long enough: Marinating enhances the flavor. Ideally, let the pineapple soak in the marinade for at least 20 minutes before grilling.
• Grilling over too high heat: Cooking at excessively high temperatures can burn the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Aim for medium heat, around 375-400°F.
• Skipping the core removal: Leaving the core in can make the pineapple hard to eat. Use a small cutter to remove it from rings for easier enjoyment.
• Neglecting to baste while grilling: Basting with marinade adds moisture and flavor. Brush each side of the pineapple as it cooks to keep it juicy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled pineapple in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Pineapple

• For longer storage, freeze grilled pineapple in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be kept for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Grilled Pineapple

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place pineapple on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about grilled pineapple:

How do I know when my grilled pineapple is done?

The grilled pineapple should have nice grill marks and be tender when pierced with a fork. It typically takes about 4-6 minutes per side.

Can I use other fruits with this recipe?

Yes! Other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or bananas also work well on the grill and can be prepared similarly.

What can I serve with grilled pineapple?

Grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with ice cream, yogurt, or as a topping on pancakes or waffles.

How do I make my grilled pineapple more flavorful?

Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger to your marinade can enhance flavor. You could also try different sugars like coconut sugar for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

Grilled pineapple is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! Whether you serve it as a dessert or alongside savory dishes, its sweetness is sure to impress. Feel free to customize the marinade with spices or other fruits to suit your taste!