This grilled pineapple is sweet and juicy, topped with a yummy brown sugar rum glaze. It’s perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick dessert that impresses!
I can’t resist the aroma while it grills—it’s so tempting! Serve it warm with ice cream, and watch everyone go back for seconds. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the cookout!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. Look for one that smells sweet at the stem and has a firm feel. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple rings work as a quick substitute, although the grilling won’t enhance the flavor as much.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient provides a rich sweetness. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses (one tablespoon of molasses for each cup of white sugar) to achieve a similar flavor.
Dark Rum: It enhances the glaze, giving it depth. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you could use pineapple juice to add sweetness and a fruity flavor, though the taste will differ slightly.
Cinnamon: Besides flavor, it adds a warm aroma. You can replace it with nutmeg or a pumpkin spice blend for a twist. However, if you’re not a fan, you can omit it entirely.
Vanilla Ice Cream: It’s perfect for topping, adding creaminess. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut ice cream to complement the pineapple’s tropical flavor.
How Do I Prepare Pineapple for Grilling?
Preparing pineapple correctly is crucial for great grilled pineapple. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the pineapple so it stands flat.
- Next, carefully peel off the skin with a sharp knife, taking care to remove the “eyes,” which are the small brown spots.
- Once peeled, cut the pineapple into thick rounds (about ¾ inch). This thickness helps prevent them from falling apart on the grill.
- Don’t forget to remove the hard core from each slice by cutting out a circle in the center of each round. This makes it easier to eat!
Taking these steps ensures your pineapple is not only great for grilling but also easy to enjoy. Happy grilling!
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 8-10 minutes to grill. So, in just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pineapple:
First, grab a ripe pineapple and start preparing it. Slice off the top and bottom so it stands up straight. Then, carefully peel the skin off the sides. Cut the pineapple into thick rounds, about an inch thick, and remember to remove the tough core from each slice. You want nice, juicy pieces for grilling!
2. Making the Glaze:
In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, dark rum, cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt together. Stir well until everything is combined and you have a sweet glaze ready for the pineapple.
3. Preheating the Grill:
Now it’s time to get your grill heated up! Preheat it over medium-high heat. This will make sure your pineapple cooks perfectly and gets those lovely grill marks.
4. Glazing the Pineapple:
Take your pineapple slices and brush both sides with the brown sugar rum glaze you made earlier. Make sure they’re nicely coated for the best flavor as they grill.
5. Grilling the Pineapple:
Carefully place the glazed pineapple slices on the grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until you see beautiful grill marks and they turn caramelized and golden. You might even smell that delicious sweetness as they cook!
6. Adding the Final Touches:
Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill and drizzle any leftover glaze over the top for extra sweetness. Yum!
7. Serving:
Enjoy your grilled pineapple warm and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, sweet pineapple pairs perfectly with the cold ice cream for a delightful treat!
Enjoy your delicious grilled pineapple with its sweet and smoky glaze!
Can I Use Other Types of Sweetener Instead of Brown Sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that these liquids may make the glaze a bit runnier, so you might need to adjust the amount slightly or let it simmer on the stove to thicken.
How Can I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or give them a quick sear on the grill for a minute to regain their original flavor and texture.
What’s a Good Alternative to Dark Rum?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can replace the dark rum with pineapple juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic option. This will still keep a nice tropical flavor in your glaze!
Can I Grill Pineapple Slices in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the pineapple slices on a baking sheet. Brush them with the glaze and bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until they’re caramelized and tender. This way, you can enjoy grilled pineapple even without a grill!
