This grilled pineapple is a sweet dream come true! With a delicious brown sugar rum glaze, it caramelizes beautifully on the grill, making it the perfect treat for summer.
Honestly, who knew fruit could be so exciting? I love serving this at backyard barbecues—everyone goes crazy for it! A scoop of ice cream on top just makes it even better. 🍍🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Use a ripe pineapple for the best sweetness. If fresh is hard to find, you can use canned pineapple rings, but they won’t have the same grilled texture.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds rich flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses (1 tablespoon molasses per cup of white sugar) to mimic the taste.
Dark Rum: Dark rum adds depth, but you can replace it with coconut rum or even apple juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Cinnamon: This spice enhances the sweet flavors of the pineapple. If you don’t like cinnamon, nutmeg or allspice could be good alternatives.
Butter: Butter gives a silky texture to the glaze. You could substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just remember it might change the flavor a bit.
How Do You Get Perfect Grill Marks on Pineapple?
Grilling pineapple can be tricky, but getting those perfect grill marks is simple with the right technique. The key is to control the temperature and timing.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high. It should be hot enough that you can feel the heat from a foot away.
- Brush the pineapple rings with glaze generously, ensuring they are not too sticky.
- Place them on the grill and avoid moving them for the first 3-4 minutes. This helps form the grill marks.
- Flip them carefully with tongs and grill the other side.
- Keep an eye on them; the natural sugars can burn quickly! Look for a golden color and slight caramelization.
The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch thick rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to grill, so you can enjoy delicious grilled pineapple in just about 18 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty dessert that pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will help to get those lovely grill marks on your pineapple and caramelize the sugars nicely.
2. Make the Brown Sugar Rum Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, dark rum, cinnamon, and butter. Heat it over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves and everything is mixed well. Once it’s nice and smooth, remove it from the heat and set it aside—this will add a delicious glaze to your pineapple!
3. Glaze the Pineapple Rings:
Now it’s time to brush some flavor onto your pineapple! Take your glaze and generously brush both sides of the pineapple rings. This will infuse them with a sweet and spicy flavor when grilled.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the glazed pineapple rings carefully on the grill. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want to see nice grill marks and for the pineapple to be slightly caramelized. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
5. Drizzle with Remaining Glaze:
Once your grilled pineapple is ready, take it off the grill and drizzle any leftover glaze over the top. This extra touch really enhances the flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your grilled pineapple warm, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. If you like, add some fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this sweet summer treat!
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned Pineapple?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple is best for this recipe as it has a better texture and flavor than canned. Just make sure it’s ripe, and follow the instructions as detailed for the best results!
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum? Can I Substitute It?
Yes! If you don’t have dark rum, you can substitute it with light rum or even bourbon for a different twist. Alternatively, use apple juice or pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic version, though the flavors may change slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on a skillet, but be careful not to overcook it as it can lose moisture!
Can I Add Other Spices or Flavors to the Glaze?
Definitely! You can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth, or even a splash of coconut cream for a tropical twist. Feel free to get creative with flavors according to your taste!
