Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Sea Salt
On September 10, 2024
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If you want a sweet, tangy treat that makes a delicious side or topping for desserts, burgers, and more, then you have to try this Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Sea Salt. Brushed with brown sugar and maple syrup then grilled to caramelized perfection, this is a recipe that is extremely versatile and sure to become a new favorite.
Grilled Pineapple
As an avid BBQer, I’m a firm believer most things are better on the grill, and that includes fruit. When the char from the grill hits the sweetness of your fruit, it adds amazing depth and complexity. Some of my favorite grilled fruits include peaches, bananas, plums, and nectarines. I even love making the occasional smoked apple pie. But by far, my family’s favorite grilled fruit is this grilled pineapple with brown sugar and maple. The way the sweet-tart flesh starts to release it’s juices during the grilling process is downright amazing.
For one last hit of flavor before serving, I always sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt over the grilled pineapple slices. Not only is it beautiful and and interesting texture enhancement, it also complements the sweet and tangy pineapple in a magical way.
Grilled Pineapple Slices
Grilled pineapple can be tackled in a variety of ways, but my favorite is to trim the skin and slice rings about 3/4 inch thick. This allows each serving to have access to as much direct heat as possible (opposed to grilling the pineapple whole.)
To take the flavors to another level, I brush each slice with a mixture of brown sugar and maple syrup. The sugar caramelizes just as the pineapple is heated through and the little hit of extra sweetness makes this perfect for a warm dessert. Just add coconut ice cream and you’re in a island flavor paradise!
Ingredients for Grilled Pineapple
When you sink your teeth into this pineapple on the grill and get hit with the explosion of flavors, you won’t believe it only takes 4 ingredients. It’s true, though, just grab yourself a fresh pineapple, and you likely have the rest of the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 fresh pineapple
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
Picking a Good Pineapple
You’ve got to start with a ripe, sweet, juicy pineapple if you want to get the best result when grilling. You want a pineapple that’s got a little give when you squeeze it. You also want to look for your pineapple to have a yellow tint, with green leaves. Give the core at the bottom a little sniff. If it smells sweet, then you’ve probably got a winner. Remember, it’s just a couple ingredients, so take the time to get a fresh pineapple.
How to Grill Pineapple
Just follow these simple directions, if you want fresh, sweet pineapple grilled beautifully every time:
- Heat your grill. Preheat your grill to 350 degrees F. I used my Weber Genesis II, but any charcoal, gas, or electric grill will also work. You can even make this on the stovetop, but you won’t get those gorgeous grill marks or char.
- Mix the sweet stuff. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and maple syrup. Whisk just until combined. You still want grains of brown sugar to work their magic on the grill.
- Prep the pineapple. Slice the pineapple into ¾-inch thick slices. Spread the brown sugar and maple syrup mixture on both sides of pineapple slice. Don’t hold back. That sticky, gooey goodness is what transforms your pineapple into a caramelized delight.
- Get grilling. Place pineapples on the grill grates and cook for 4-8 minutes per side, depending on how cooked you want your pineapple. I personally love a little extra char on my pineapple, but you do you.
- Salt and serve. Transfer grilled pineapple to a serving platter and lightly sprinkle with sea salt. Yes, it makes the dish look pretty, but it also makes all the sweet, tangy flavors pop. Serve as a side, dessert, or on top of a tasty cheeseburger.
Tips for Grilling the Best Pineapple
Before jumping into this delicious recipes, take note of these tips for grilling the most flavorful, juicy pineapple ever:
- Keep the temp down. Don’t crank your grill too high before putting your pineapple on. If it is too hot, you will burn the sugar in your glaze before cooking the pineapple. Keep the gill set at about medium high heat (around 350 degrees) and you should be good to go!
- Cook to your preferred doneness. Yes, it’s true; you can grill pineapple to different doneness just like you do with meat. If you’re looking for a crunchy pineapple just lightly heated through, only cook for 3-4 minutes per side. If you want your brown sugar caramelized thoroughly and the pineapple practically melting with each bite, aim for 5-8 minutes of cook time.
- Don’t fear the salt. I know it sounds strange to add a bit of coarse sea salt on top of your grilled pineapple, but it truly helps to finish this pineapple. Think of it like a salted caramel, the sweet and salty complement each other, and a little pinch of salt actually makes the fruit taste sweeter.
More Grilled Pineapple Recipes
Once your crew gets a taste of this tangy, caramelized BBQ pineapple, you’ll be grilling it all the time. When you’re ready to shake things up a bit, but still crave that one-of-a-kind pineapple sweetness, check out the Hey Grill Hey App. It’s loaded with all kinds of grilled fruits your friend can enjoy. For now, here are a few more pineapple recipes to stem the fruit tide:
Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Enjoy every last, sticky bite of this juicy, caramelized pineapple on the grill recipe, and feel free to give it a 5-star rating. I can’t wait to see all the creative and yummy ways you use this pineapple to kick your BBQ goods up a notch. Make sure you tag @heygrillhey on Instagram and Facebook with some pictures of all your pretty pineapple.
Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Sea Salt
Video
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, top, bottom, and skin removed
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat. Set your grill to 350 degrees F.
- Mix glaze. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and maple syrup.¼ cup brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- Cut and season pineapple. Slice the pineapple into 3/4 inch thick round slices. Use a spoon to put a dollop of the brown sugar mixture on each pineapple slice. Use the back of the spoon to evenly distribute the mixture over both sides of the pineapple.1 fresh pineapple,
- Grill pineapple. Place on the grill grates and cook for 4-8 minutes per side or until you have nice char marks from the grates and the pineapple is heated through.
- Salt, serve, and enjoy. Transfer to a serving platter and lightly sprinkle with the coarse sea salt. Serve as a side dish, or top with ice cream for dessert. Enjoy!1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt,
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
**I originally published this post in August 2015, but recently updated it with more information and helpful tips. However, the recipe remains the same.
On point!!!! One of the best things we’ve ever made in the grill…..
Do you grill the slices with the lid open or closed? Thanks.
They take a few minutes per side, so I usually close the grill up!
I love grilling pineapple and will try the brown sugar this weekend. We also love marinating the pineapple in a balsamic vinegar glaze.
Just guessed about how much “real Wisconsin maple syrup” went into the mixture of brown sugar. Stayed true to doing as it said……..! Everyone loved it! Will be doing it again! Tks.
I’m so glad y’all liked it!
Grilled pineapple will change your life! We found a way to cut the calories (and make it a bit more keto friendly) by using Swerve brown sugar substitute and sugar free pancake syrup. Fantastic without as much guilt!
I tried tonight and they were amazing. Do you happen to have the nutritional content?
Just the calories listed in the recipe card at the bottom.
Question…..why don’t you core the pineapple slices?
It’s less likely to fall apart as you’re grilling.
Awww. Good to know
YUM! I’m going to try this soon!