There’s something magical about warm, caramelized fruit fresh off the grill—especially when it’s pineapple kissed with brown sugar and butter. This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe is the kind of sweet, simple dish that steals the show at any cookout or backyard dinner. It’s a flavor explosion of smoky, sweet, and just a hint of spice if you decide to throw in a little cinnamon.

If you’ve never grilled fruit before, don’t worry. This recipe is a perfect entry point. It’s quick, fuss-free, and uses everyday ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a light dessert or a unique side dish to serve with grilled meats, this recipe delivers. Just picture thick slices of juicy pineapple with those irresistible grill marks, soaking up a buttery brown sugar glaze that bubbles and caramelizes beautifully.

Let’s dive in and get started—you’re going to love how easy and rewarding this is.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Key Benefits

This is one of those recipes that overdelivers. Here’s why you’ll come back to it again and again:

• It’s unbelievably easy. We’re talking about a 10-minute prep time and a few minutes on the grill.

• Only a handful of ingredients. You probably have everything you need already.

• The flavor is out of this world. The natural tang of the pineapple gets mellowed and enriched by the caramelized brown sugar and butter.

• Perfect for entertaining. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a summer party, grilled pineapple adds that wow factor to your table.

Suitable For

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple fits right in for so many occasions and preferences:

• Family dinners or cookouts – kids and adults alike will be grabbing seconds.

• Vegan and gluten-free diets – just swap the butter for a plant-based version.

• Beginner cooks – if you can slice a pineapple and turn on a grill, you’ve got this.

• Holiday meals – it brings a festive, tropical twist to traditional sides and desserts.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Core Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:

• Fresh pineapple – Peeled, cored, and sliced into rings or spears. Choose one that smells sweet and feels slightly soft when pressed.

• Brown sugar – Light or dark, both work. Dark brown sugar gives a deeper, molasses-like richness.

• Melted butter – Helps the sugar stick and creates that golden, caramelized coating.

• Ground cinnamon (optional) – A touch of warm spice adds complexity.

• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and make the flavors pop.

This isn’t the kind of recipe that requires exact measurements—you can adjust to your taste and the size of your pineapple.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t have brown sugar on hand? You’ve got options:

• Coconut sugar makes a great natural substitute and adds a subtle tropical flavor.

• Maple syrup can work too—just mix it directly with the melted butter for a liquid glaze.

For butter alternatives:

• Use vegan butter or coconut oil to keep the recipe dairy-free.

• Add a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze for extra aroma.

And if you want to change up the flavor, try mixing in lime zest, a pinch of chili powder, or even a drizzle of rum (for adults only, of course!).

Best Pineapple for Grilling

Not all pineapples are created equal, especially when it comes to grilling. You want one that’s ripe, juicy, and firm enough to hold up to heat.

Look for these signs when choosing your pineapple:

• A sweet, fragrant smell at the base.

• Golden yellow skin—avoid ones that are all green.

• A little give when you press gently (not mushy though!).

If you’re short on time, pre-cut pineapple rings from the store can work just fine. Just pat them dry before grilling to help the glaze stick better.

And while spears are great for serving as a side dish, rings tend to get more caramelization because of their surface area. Either way, you’re in for something special.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy outdoor setup to grill pineapple. A basic indoor grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet will do the job beautifully.

Must-Have Tools

• Grill or grill pan – Anything that gives you those gorgeous sear marks.

• Tongs – Essential for flipping without piercing the fruit.

• Basting brush – To coat the pineapple evenly with the glaze.

• Sharp knife and sturdy cutting board – For prepping your pineapple safely and efficiently.

Nice-to-Have Tools

If you want to take it up a notch:

• A pineapple corer can make peeling and slicing a breeze.

• A silicone brush is great for applying glaze evenly without absorbing it.

• A grill basket helps keep smaller slices from slipping through the grates.

How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Grilling pineapple is one of those things that sounds fancy but couldn’t be simpler. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try. The prep is minimal, and the payoff? A golden, caramelized treat with deep tropical flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.

Here’s how to make it happen, step by step.

Step 1: Prep the Pineapple

Start by peeling and coring your pineapple. If you have a pineapple corer, it’ll make quick work of this. Otherwise, a sharp knife will do just fine. Slice the pineapple into rings or spears—whichever you prefer. Rings are a little more elegant for presentation, while spears are great for grabbing and snacking.

Be sure to cut the pieces about half an inch thick. Too thin and they might fall apart on the grill, too thick and they won’t caramelize as nicely.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. You want a thick, sticky mixture that you can brush on generously.

If your butter is hot from melting, let it cool slightly before mixing everything together—this helps keep the sugar from dissolving completely, which actually helps create more caramelization on the grill.

Step 3: Coat the Pineapple

Brush both sides of each pineapple slice generously with the brown sugar glaze. You want a nice, even coating here. This is what’s going to give you that golden, caramelized finish.

Pro tip: save a little glaze to brush on during grilling. A mid-grill glaze coat adds another layer of flavor and that perfect sticky finish.

Step 4: Grill the Pineapple

Place the slices on a preheated grill set to medium-high heat. Don’t crowd the pieces—give them a little space so they sear nicely.

Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for deep grill marks and bubbling, caramelized edges. That’s when you know the sugar and butter have done their job.

Avoid flipping too often. Let the fruit sit undisturbed so those gorgeous grill lines can develop.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the pineapple from the grill and serve it up while it’s still warm. It’s amazing on its own, but if you want to take it over the top, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of honey.

This dish is a showstopper—whether it’s the centerpiece of a summer dessert table or just a simple after-dinner treat.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the salt. Just a pinch helps bring out the pineapple’s natural sweetness and balances the glaze.

• Use ripe but firm pineapple. Too soft and it can fall apart; too unripe and it won’t caramelize as well.

• Oil your grill grates. A quick swipe with an oiled paper towel before grilling helps prevent sticking.

• Serve immediately. The texture and flavor are best when the pineapple is hot and fresh off the grill.

• Make extra. Trust me—this goes fast. You’ll want a few extra slices on hand for seconds or creative leftovers.

How to Store Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

You probably won’t have leftovers, but if you do, here’s how to keep them tasting great.

At Room Temperature

Once grilled, pineapple can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated to stay safe and fresh.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, or enjoy cold—yes, it’s still delicious!

Freezing Tips

Grilled pineapple freezes surprisingly well. Lay the slices flat on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet or on the grill to restore that caramelized texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Fresh pineapple definitely gives you better flavor and texture on the grill, but canned rings will still work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels so the glaze sticks.

Can I make this without a grill?

Absolutely. A grill pan on your stovetop works great, or you can use a cast-iron skillet. You can even broil the slices in the oven—just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and broil for a few minutes on each side.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep everything in advance. Slice the pineapple, mix the glaze, and even coat the slices. Keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. Just bring them to room temperature before cooking so they grill evenly.

How do I know when the pineapple is done?

You’ll see the edges start to brown and bubble slightly, and you’ll get those lovely dark grill marks. That’s your signal to flip. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes, so keep an eye on it—sugar can burn quickly.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple recipe, you might enjoy these other fruity and summery treats:

• Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes – A tropical twist on a classic dessert.

• Strawberry-Pineapple Mojito – Refreshing and fruity for summer gatherings.

• Snowy Pineapple Punch – A fun and tropical drink to pair with grilled pineapple.

• The Best Pineapple Ice Cream Recipe – Cool, creamy, and pineapple-packed.

• The Best Malibu Soaked Pineapple Bites – A boozy pineapple treat, perfect for adults.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is the kind of recipe that proves simple can be spectacular. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and loaded with tropical flavor that feels special whether you’re making it on a weeknight or for a festive gathering.

Give it a try at your next barbecue or cookout—you’ll be amazed how something so easy can feel so indulgent. And don’t forget to share your creations. This is the kind of dish that’s made for showing off and sharing with the people you love.

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