This grilled pineapple is sweet, juicy, and drizzled with a yummy brown sugar rum glaze. It’s a fantastic dessert or side that adds a tropical twist to any meal!
Who knew fruit could taste so good on the grill? I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Use a fresh, ripe pineapple for the best flavor. Look for one that smells sweet at the base. If fresh is hard to find, canned pineapple rings work but won’t have the same juicy texture.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and a nice caramel flavor. If you’re out, light or dark brown sugar both work well. You can also substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Rum: Any dark or spiced rum will enhance the glaze. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, use coconut water or pineapple juice for a similar tropical flavor.
Cinnamon: A lovely warm spice that pairs perfectly with pineapple. You can swap it for nutmeg or cardamom if you’d like a slight twist in flavor.
How Do I Grill Pineapple Without Burning It?
Grilling pineapple can be tricky because of its sugar content, which can burn easily. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high but keep an eye on the temperature.
- Brush the grill grates with oil before adding the pineapple to prevent sticking.
- Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes until you see nice grill marks and caramelization.
- Use the glaze as a brush-on while grilling but avoid applying it too soon to prevent burning.
Be attentive during grilling, and don’t walk away from the grill—this ensures a beautifully caramelized, not burnt, delight!
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe pineapple, cored and sliced into 1-inch thick rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rum (dark or spiced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 minutes for grilling, making a total of approximately 20 minutes to enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important for getting those beautiful grill marks and ensuring the pineapple caramelizes perfectly.
2. Make the Glaze:
While the grill is heating up, grab a small saucepan. Combine the brown sugar, rum, unsalted butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in the pan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar completely dissolves and everything is smooth. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
3. Grill the Pineapple:
Now it’s time to grill! Place the pineapple rings on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until you see nice grill marks and the pineapple looks slightly caramelized. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the pineapple’s sweetness.
4. Brush on the Glaze:
While the pineapple is grilling, take the prepared brown sugar rum glaze and brush it generously over the slices. This will give the fruit a tasty, sugary coating as it grills. Flip the rings to ensure each side gets a drizzle of delicious flavor!
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the pineapple is beautifully grilled, take it off the grill and let it cool for just a moment. Then, serve the warm grilled pineapple on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the ice cream and pineapple for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy your delicious grilled treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Rum?
Absolutely! While dark or spiced rum adds a rich flavor, you can use light rum or even a flavored rum, like coconut, if you’re feeling adventurous. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What if I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can easily make these grilled pineapples on a grill pan or even under a broiler in your oven. If using a grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat, and cook the pineapple slices as you would on the grill, brushing with the glaze until caramelized. If using a broiler, place the pineapple on a baking sheet and broil for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (though they’re hard to resist!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet for a few minutes to warm them up before serving again!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead! Simply make it as directed, let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave before brushing it on the grilled pineapple.