Grilled Pineapple Recipe: How to Grill Pineapple Rings

Grilled pineapple is pineapple brushed with sugar and butter, then grilled until brown and caramelized. Grilled pineapple pairs well with savory and sweet foods, and you can serve it as a topping or side dish.

Grilling pineapple reduces the prickly, burning sensation some people feel when eating fresh pineapple. This feeling comes from the enzyme bromelain, which breaks down from the heat of the grill.

Follow these easy tips to make the best grilled pineapple:

1. 1. Use ripe pineapple. Ripe pineapple has developed more natural sugars that will aid the caramelization process during grilling. Make sure to use fresh pineapple—canned pineapple and frozen pineapple do not develop grill marks as well as fresh pineapple.
2. 2. Cut large pieces. To ensure the fruit won’t fall through the grill grates, cut pineapple into larger pieces. Cut the pineapple in long strips or rings to in place; pineapple rings maximize surface area for caramelization. You can buy pre-cut fresh pineapple rings to save time and effort.
3. 3. Use alternative sweeteners. Rather than using brown sugar, you can baste the pineapple in any sweetener. Use maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, and molasses in place of brown or granulated sugar. You can experiment with mixing extra seasonings into the marinade, like a pinch of cayenne chili powder or a teaspoon of rum.

Try grilled pineapple as an accompaniment to your next dinner or dessert:

1. 1. Barbecue: Grilled pineapple is the perfect accompaniment to smoky barbecued meat. Try it with grilled chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp skewers. You can chop grilled pineapple to make a salsa for topping tacos, burgers, or any barbecued proteins.
2. 2. Teriyaki chicken: The sweet and smoky flavors of grilled pineapple compliment teriyaki sauce. Try grilling pineapple and teriyaki-glazed chicken for a quick meal.
3. 3. Ice cream: Grilled pineapple adds a fun twist to an ice cream sundae. Top vanilla ice cream with grilled and chopped pineapple, caramel sauce, and whipped cream. You can substitute grilled pineapple in any dessert recipes that call for regular pineapple.