Healthy Options

Sweet and Smoky Grilled Pineapple

If you’re looking for a unique dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your backyard barbecue, this grilled pineapple recipe is the answer. Juicy, caramelized, and infused with smoky flavors, it’s a delightful way to enjoy fresh fruit. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

Grilling pineapple not only enhances its natural sweetness but also creates a warm, slightly charred exterior that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is an adventure for your taste buds. The sweet, tangy pineapple is complemented by the warm notes of cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a symphony of flavors that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Ingredients for a Tropical Delight

To create this delightful grilled pineapple dish, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. The star of the show, of course, is the ripe pineapple. Selecting a juicy and sweet pineapple will make a significant difference in flavor.

Accompanying the pineapple, you will need brown sugar to enhance its natural sweetness and ground cinnamon for that warm, aromatic touch. Optionally, melted butter can add richness, while a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream serves as the perfect complement.

Preparation Steps to Get Started

Begin by preparing your pineapple. Carefully peel, core, and slice it into thick rounds. This ensures the pineapple maintains its structure during grilling, allowing for that satisfying caramelization.

Next, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. If you choose to use butter, melt it and mix it into the sugar and cinnamon until well blended. This sweet mixture will be brushed onto the pineapple slices before grilling, adding a delightful layer of flavor.

The Grilling Process

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s crucial to have clean and lightly oiled grates, as this prevents the pineapple from sticking and ensures even cooking.

Once the grill is ready, place the pineapple slices on the grates. Grill each slice for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. During this time, watch for the beautiful grill marks to form and the sugars to caramelize, creating a perfect blend of sweetness and slight smokiness.

Serving Suggestions

As soon as the pineapple is grilled to perfection, remove it from the heat. Serve the warm slices on a plate, allowing the juices to settle and the flavors to meld.

For an indulgent touch, add a scoop of creamy vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side. The contrast of warm pineapple with cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience.

Ambiance and Presentation

Setting the scene can elevate the experience of enjoying grilled pineapple. A rustic wooden table, perhaps outdoors, complements the tropical theme wonderfully. Add some fresh mint leaves as a garnish for a pop of color and freshness.

As the sun begins to set, the warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere, perfect for a summer barbecue. This not only enhances the meal but also makes for memorable moments with friends and family.

Nutrition and Serving Size

This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also relatively light. Each serving contains around 100 calories, making it a summery dessert option that doesn’t weigh you down.

With its balance of sweetness and a hint of spice, grilled pineapple is satisfying yet refreshing. It offers a delightful way to enjoy fruit while indulging in a scoop of ice cream, making it suitable for gatherings or a special midweek treat.

Delicious Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Gold grilled pineapple slices with grill marks, served with melting vanilla ice cream on a rustic table.

This grilled pineapple is a simple yet flavorful dessert that combines fresh pineapple with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon. The result is a warm, caramelized treat that balances sweetness with a smoky depth, making it a perfect addition to any barbecue or summer feast.

Ingredients

1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into thick slices
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
Grilled coconut or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pineapple: Peel, core, and cut the pineapple into thick slices. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
Mix the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. If using, mix in the melted butter until well combined.
Coat the Slices: Brush the pineapple slices with the butter mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grill the Pineapple: Place the pineapple slices on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple is caramelized.
Serve: Remove the pineapple from the grill and serve warm, with a scoop of ice cream on top if desired.