How long do you grill pineapple?

About 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium heat, roughly 8 minutes total for spears, until caramelized.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Thick canned pineapple rings work. Drain and pat them dry first. Fresh pineapple has better flavor and texture.

What else can I grill for dessert?

Peaches, nectarines, bananas and thick slices of pound cake all grill beautifully.

Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

Fresh pineapple spears brushed with brown sugar, cinnamon and butter and grilled until caramelized, served warm with vanilla ice cream. Ready in 20 minutes; serves 6.

Prep 10 min
Cook 8 min
Total 18 min
Yield 6 servings

Jump to: Ingredients | Instructions | Tips | Questions | Print recipe

When the grill is already hot from dinner, dessert is only minutes away. Fresh pineapple spears are brushed with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon and grilled until the sugars caramelize and the fruit turns warm and juicy.

Serve it with vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. It is a light, bright finish after a rich steak and a natural fit after seafood.

Ingredients

1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 12 spears
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions

Heat the grill. Heat the grill to medium and clean the grate well so the fruit does not pick up flavors from the meat. Wipe the grate with an oiled paper towel.
Make the glaze. Stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.
Brush. Brush the pineapple spears all over with the glaze.
Grill. Grill the pineapple for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning until all sides are marked and caramelized, about 8 minutes total.
Serve. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top.

Tips

A ripe pineapple smells sweet at the base and gives slightly when pressed.
No grill? Use a grill pan over medium heat, or broil on a foil-lined sheet for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
A squeeze of lime and a pinch of chili powder make a sweet-spicy variation.

Questions about this recipe

How long do you grill pineapple?: About 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium heat, roughly 8 minutes total for spears, until caramelized.
Can I use canned pineapple?: Thick canned pineapple rings work. Drain and pat them dry first. Fresh pineapple has better flavor and texture.
What else can I grill for dessert?: Peaches, nectarines, bananas and thick slices of pound cake all grill beautifully.

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