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Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple: A Deliciously Sweet Summer Treat

Summer is synonymous with grilling, and there are few things better than the tantalizing aroma of caramelized fruit wafting through the air. Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple is not only a fun and easy dessert but also a delightful addition to your summer gatherings. Its sweet, smoky flavor combined with a hint of spice makes it a perfect treat to impress your guests or to simply enjoy on a warm evening. With each bite, you will indulge in the juicy and sweet taste of summer, making it a recipe you’ll want to cherish throughout the season.

Why Make This Recipe

Grilled pineapple brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit while adding a delicious caramelized flavor that is truly irresistible.
This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, making it suitable for both novice cooks and seasoned grillers alike.
It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own, as a side dish, or even as a dessert topping.

Simple Way to Prepare Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Creating this delightful summer treat is a breeze. All you need are a few quality ingredients and a few simple steps to transform fresh pineapple into a heavenly dish that everyone will love. Let’s get started on crafting this fruity masterpiece.

Ingredients

Before diving into the preparation steps, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. For Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple, you will need:

1 ripe pineapple
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

Select a ripe pineapple: Start by choosing a pineapple that is sweet-smelling with a slightly soft texture and vibrant green leaves. This ensures you get the best flavor and juiciness.
Peel and core the pineapple: Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple, then peel away the skin. Slice the fruit into 1-inch thick slices, making sure to remove the tough core from each slice.
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, honey (if using), and salt. Mix well until it forms a smooth marinade.
Marinate the pineapple slices: Place the pineapple slices in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the slices, ensuring they are well coated. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for even more flavor.
Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. If you’re using a charcoal grill, ensure that the coals are glowing. If using a gas grill, heat it for 10 to 15 minutes.
Prepare the grill grates: To prevent the pineapple from sticking, brush the grill grates with oil.
Grill the pineapple: Place the marinated slices on the grill, cooking them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are beautifully caramelized and marked.
Check for doneness: Make sure the pineapple slices are tender but not mushy. Adjust your grilling time if you prefer a more pronounced char.
Remove from grill: Using tongs, transfer the grilled slices to a serving platter.
Garnish: Optionally drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh mint leaves to add a splash of color and flavor.
Serve warm: Enjoy your Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple on its own, or pair it with vanilla ice cream or as an exciting topping for savory dishes.

Best Way to Store Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

If you happen to have any leftovers, here are some storage tips to keep your grilled pineapple fresh:

Refrigerate: Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days at 40°F.
Freeze: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the grilled pineapple slices for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Serving Ideas for Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

There are endless possibilities when it comes to serving your Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple. Here are just a few ideas to inspire you:

As a standalone dessert: Just serve as is, perhaps with a drizzle of additional honey for a more indulgent touch.
With vanilla ice cream: The warm pineapple pairs beautifully with cool, creamy ice cream, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
On a fruit platter: Include it as part of a vibrant fruit platter, complemented by other seasonal fruits like strawberries, mangoes, and blueberries.
As a topping: Try it over grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, for a mouthwatering sweet and savory combination.
In salads: Dice the grilled pineapple and toss it into a fresh salad for a burst of flavor, refreshing your meal with a sweet twist.

Tips to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

To enhance your grilling experience, here are a few quick tips to consider:

Choose a perfect pineapple: A ripe pineapple will yield the best flavor. Look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch and emit a sweet smell.
Marinate longer for intense flavor: If time allows, marinate the pineapple slices for up to 2 hours; this will intensify the flavor and sweetness.
Don’t rush the grilling: Patience is key when grilling – give the pineapple enough time to caramelize and develop those beautiful grill marks.

Variations or Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are a couple of variations to consider:

Spicy Twist: If you enjoy some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade for a delightful spicy kick.
Different Sweeteners: Instead of brown sugar, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even coconut sugar for a unique flavor profile. Each of these options will bring a different taste while maintaining the sweetness.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: Yes, you can grill the pineapple a few hours ahead of serving. Just rewarm the slices on the grill for a couple of minutes before serving to restore their warmth and caramelized flavor.

Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead?

A: While fresh pineapple yields the best results, if you’re short on time, you can use canned pineapple slices. Just make sure to pat them dry to avoid excess moisture when grilling.

Q: How do I make it spicier?

A: To enhance the heat, simply add red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the marinade before coating the pineapple.

Q: Can I use other fruits?

A: Absolutely! Peaches, plums, or even watermelon work beautifully when grilled with a similar marinade. The grilling process caramelizes their natural sugars for an unexpected twist.

Additional Considerations

Nutritional Info

Grilled pineapple is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy summertime treat. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional value per serving:

Calories: Approximately 170
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 31g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin C: 79% of the Daily Value
Manganese: 76% of the Daily Value

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple turns out perfectly every time, here are common mistakes to avoid:

Choosing an unripe pineapple: Opt for ripe pineapples for the best flavor. An unripe pineapple will not have the sweetness you desire.
Not preheating the grill: Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding the pineapple. This helps caramelize the sugars quickly.
Overcrowding the grill: Give the pineapple slices enough space to cook evenly; overcrowding will steam rather than grill them.

As you prepare to experience the delightful sweetness of Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple, remember that this recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of summer flavors. Whether you enjoy it solo or as part of a larger spread, it’s a dish that evokes warmth, laughter, and the best parts of seasonal gatherings. So fire up that grill, gather your loved ones, and prepare to indulge in this little slice of paradise. Your taste buds will thank you!