Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

When summer rolls around, it’s time to fire up the grill—not just for burgers and steaks but for something a little unexpected and oh-so-delicious: Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple. This recipe is simple, bursting with flavor, and perfect whether you’re serving it as a side dish, dessert, or even a topping for grilled meats or ice cream.

Imagine this: juicy pineapple slices, caramelized with rich brown sugar, a hint of vanilla, and just a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. The result? A smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy treat that tastes like summer on a plate.

Let’s get grilling!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GRILLED PINEAPPLE RECIPE

• Sweet & Spicy Balance: The brown sugar adds a deep caramel-like sweetness, while the cayenne pepper brings a subtle heat.
• Easy & Quick: Only five ingredients and a few simple steps.
• Versatile: Serve it on its own, pair it with grilled meats, or top off ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Great for Summer BBQs: A fun way to use your grill beyond the usual meats and veggies.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

To get that irresistible caramelized coating and perfect grilled flavor, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 fresh pineapple – peeled, cored, and cut into 8 spears
• ¼ cup light brown sugar – helps with caramelization and adds richness
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper – adds a little heat (adjust to your preference)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the natural sweetness
• ⅛ tsp kosher salt – balances the flavors
• Vegetable oil spray – prevents sticking on the grill

STEP 1: MARINATE THE PINEAPPLE

The secret to the best-grilled pineapple is in the marinade. This step infuses every bite with deep, caramelized sweetness and just the right amount of spice.

1. Place the pineapple spears in a large mixing bowl.
2. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cayenne, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Toss everything together to coat each spear evenly.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the pineapple marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. If you want deeper flavor, let it sit overnight in the fridge.

Pro Tip: Letting the pineapple marinate overnight intensifies the flavor and helps the brown sugar really seep into the fruit.

STEP 2: PREHEAT THE GRILL

While your pineapple is soaking up all that deliciousness, it’s time to heat things up.

1. Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill over high heat. A hot grill ensures a quick caramelization without drying out the pineapple.
2. Right before adding the pineapple, spray the grill grates with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
3. Pro Tip: If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a cast-iron skillet to get a similar caramelized effect.

Now that your pineapple spears are marinated and your grill is preheated, it’s time to get them sizzling. Grilling caramelizes the sugars, enhances the pineapple’s natural sweetness, and gives it a delicious smoky flavor.

1. Carefully place the marinated pineapple spears on the hot grill.
2. Grill each side for 1-2 minutes, or until golden grill marks appear. The high heat will caramelize the sugar quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Once all sides have been grilled, remove the pineapple from the heat and set them on a serving platter

Pro Tip: Avoid flipping the pineapple too often. Let each side develop nice grill marks before turning for the best caramelization.

STEP 4: MAKE THE SWEET CARAMEL SYRUP

Don’t let that leftover marinade go to waste! It’s packed with flavor and makes the perfect syrup to drizzle over your grilled pineapple.

1. While the pineapple is grilling, pour the excess marinade liquid into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Heat it in the microwave for 90 seconds, or until it becomes bubbly and syrupy.
3. Set aside and let it cool slightly before using.

If you prefer, you can also make the syrup on the stovetop:

• Pour the marinade into a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a light syrup.
• Pro Tip: If you want an extra indulgent touch, add a teaspoon of butter while heating the syrup. It creates a glossy, rich finish that’s absolutely delicious.

STEP 5: SERVE & ENJOY

It’s time to dig in! This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is best served warm, right off the grill, with a generous drizzle of your homemade syrup.

Serving Ideas:

• On its own: Serve the grilled pineapple spears as a simple but flavorful dessert.
• With ice cream: Top a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream with warm grilled pineapple and a drizzle of syrup for an irresistible summer treat.
• With grilled meats: This pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pork, or steak for a sweet and smoky contrast.
• In tropical desserts: Chop up the grilled pineapple and add it to fruit salads, yogurt, or even cocktails for an extra burst of flavor.
• Pro Tip: If you have any leftovers, chop them up and toss them into smoothies, oatmeal, or pancakes the next morning for a tropical breakfast treat.

VARIATIONS & ADD-ONS

Want to mix things up? Here are some ways to customize your grilled pineapple:

• Add cinnamon: Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the marinade for a warm, spiced twist.
• Use honey instead of brown sugar: If you prefer, swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
• Make it boozy: A splash of dark rum or bourbon in the marinade will add a rich depth of flavor, perfect for an adult-friendly version.
• Go extra spicy: Love heat? Increase the cayenne pepper to ½ teaspoon, or add a pinch of chili powder for a bold kick.

Grilled pineapple is a simple dish, but you might have a few questions before getting started. Here are some common FAQs to help you perfect this recipe.

1. CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE WITHOUT A GRILL?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even a cast-iron skillet. Simply cook the pineapple over medium-high heat for about 1-2 minutes per side until you get caramelized grill marks.

2. HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE PINEAPPLE IS DONE GRILLING?
The pineapple is ready when it has deep golden grill marks and the edges look slightly caramelized. It should take about 1-2 minutes per side, depending on the heat level of your grill.

3. CAN I USE CANNED PINEAPPLE INSTEAD OF FRESH?
Fresh pineapple is best for grilling because it holds its shape and has a natural sweetness. However, you can use canned pineapple rings if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to drain and pat them dry before marinating so they don’t become too soft on the grill.

4. HOW SPICY IS THIS RECIPE?
The ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper adds just a hint of warmth, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the cayenne to ⅛ teaspoon or omit it altogether. If you love spice, feel free to increase the amount or add chili powder for extra heat.

5. HOW LONG SHOULD I MARINATE THE PINEAPPLE?
For the best flavor, marinate the pineapple for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. If you have time, letting it marinate overnight in the fridge will intensify the flavors even more.

6. CAN I STORE LEFTOVER GRILLED PINEAPPLE?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, reheat it in a skillet, or use it in other dishes like smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt bowls.

7. WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH GRILLED PINEAPPLE?
Grilled pineapple is versatile! Try serving it with:

• Vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert
• Grilled chicken, pork, or steak for a tropical twist
• Coconut rice for a Hawaiian-inspired side dish
• Yogurt and granola for a fresh breakfast option

FINAL THOUGHTS: GIVE THIS GRILLED PINEAPPLE A TRY!

If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and flavor-packed way to enjoy pineapple, this Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe is a must-try. With its perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, it’s a guaranteed hit at any cookout or gathering.

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

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This sweet and spicy Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is a simple yet flavorful treat! Caramelized brown sugar, a hint of vanilla, and a touch of cayenne create the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Serve it as a side dish, dessert, or a topping for grilled meats and ice cream!

• Author: Mark's Recipe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

✅ For the pineapple:

• 1 fresh whole pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 8 spears
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp kosher salt
• Vegetable oil spray (for the grill)

Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Pineapple:

Place the pineapple spears in a large mixing bowl.

Sprinkle with brown sugar, cayenne, vanilla extract, and salt.

Toss to evenly coat the pineapple.

Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.

2️⃣ Preheat the Grill:

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over high heat.

Spray the grill grates or pan with vegetable oil spray just before adding the pineapple.

3️⃣ Grill the Pineapple:

Place the pineapple spears on the grill and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they have golden grill marks and the sugars are caramelized.

4️⃣ Make the Syrup:

While the pineapple is grilling, pour the excess marinade liquid into a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat for 90 seconds, or until it becomes bubbly and syrupy. Set aside.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:

Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and place it on a serving platter.

Drizzle with the reserved marinade syrup just before serving.

Notes

• Spicier Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper to ½ teaspoon for extra heat.
• Serving Ideas:
  • Serve with vanilla ice cream for a tropical dessert.
  • Pair with grilled chicken or pork for a sweet-savory combo.
  • Add to tacos, burgers, or salads for a unique twist.
• No Grill? Use a cast-iron skillet or broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes per side.
• Make Ahead: Marinate overnight for more intense flavor and a richer caramelization.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4