This grilled pineapple is a sweet and juicy treat topped with a rich brown sugar rum glaze. It’s perfect for summer cookouts or just a fun dessert at home!
I love how the sweetness of the pineapple combines with the caramel-like glaze. It’s like a tropical vacation on a plate! Don’t forget to scoop extra glaze when serving—it’s too good to waste!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is crucial for this recipe. Look for one that’s slightly soft when you press it and has a sweet fragrance. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, you can use canned pineapple slices, but fresh delivers a better texture and taste.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives the glaze a rich flavor. If you’re out, use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to mimic the taste and color. Alternatively, coconut sugar is a great substitute with a hint of caramel flavor.
Dark Rum: The rum adds depth to the glaze. If you want a non-alcoholic option, replace it with apple or pineapple juice. For a different flavor, use coconut rum or spiced rum instead.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon enhances the sweetness of the glaze. If cinnamon isn’t your favorite, try nutmeg or allspice for a warm, fragrant alternative.
Butter: Butter adds richness to the glaze. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute, which will still create a delicious coating.
How Can You Grill Pineapple Perfectly?
Grilling pineapple may seem easy, but there are a few tips to ensure it’s perfectly caramelized and tasty. The key is preparing the grill and the pineapple properly.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps to achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Cut the pineapple into thick slices (about 1-inch). This prevents them from falling through the grates.
- Brush the pineapple slices with oil before grilling. It prevents sticking and helps achieve grill marks.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized. Don’t rush; let the heat do its job!
- During the last minute, brush on the glaze. This caramelizes and enhances the pineapple’s sweetness.
The Best Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cored
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Optional: fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
For the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful grilled pineapple recipe only takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll need about 20-25 minutes to make this delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This step is important to ensure your pineapple grills evenly and gets those nice, yummy grill marks!
2. Prepare the Pineapple:
Next, slice the peeled and cored pineapple into thick pieces, about 1-inch thick. If you prefer, you can cut it into wedges instead. Just make sure the pieces are thick enough to hold up on the grill.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, dark rum, cinnamon, and butter. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to bubble and the sugar is completely dissolved. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside for later use.
4. Prepare the Pineapple for Grilling:
To prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill, lightly brush the slices with a bit of oil. This will help them grill perfectly and give you those delicious marks!
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Now, place the pineapple slices on the grill. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until you see those lovely grill marks and the pineapple starts to caramelize. This is where the magic happens!
6. Add the Glaze:
During the last minute of grilling, brush the brown sugar rum glaze over the pineapple slices on both sides. This will give your grilled pineapple that extra sweetness and flavor!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once you’re done grilling, remove the pineapple from the grill and let it cool slightly. It’s now ready to be served!
8. Enjoy Your Delicious Treat:
Serve the warm grilled pineapple topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top and add a few fresh mint leaves for a beautiful garnish. Dig in and enjoy this tasty dessert!
Can I Use Fresh or Canned Pineapple for This Recipe?
Fresh pineapple is best for grilling, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use canned pineapple slices. Just make sure they’re well-drained and patted dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture that might prevent proper grilling.
What Can I Use Instead of Dark Rum?
If you prefer not to use dark rum, you can substitute it with a light rum, or even apple juice for a non-alcoholic option. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the grill or in a warm skillet for a few minutes before serving again.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brown sugar rum glaze up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove before using to ensure it’s pourable!
