After using grilled pineapple in a few recipes here, I realized that it deserves its own post. What a surprising taste! You have to try it.
Don’t get me wrong. Mother nature’s fresh pineapple,with its sweet-but-tart taste, is a taste miracle, so to speak. If paradise had a taste, for sure, it would be pineapple. But grilling the fruit transforms it. At first you might be skeptical, but give it a try. It’s heavenly!
How to grill pineapple
Grilling pineapple is pretty darn simple. No marinade, no special prep involved. If starting with canned pineapple slices, here are the steps:
- Drain pineapple slices
- Place directly on hot grill
- Cook each side 3-4 minutes with grill closed
Can I grill fresh pineapple?
Even better! The only additional prep is peeling and slicing the pineapple. I prefer long spears of pineapple instead of circles. so cut the fresh pineapple lengthwise. If you can buy fresh pineapple peeled and cored it obviously saves a lot of time. The ultimate convenience is finding pineapple already cut into spears. #score
The grilling process is the same – about 3 to 4 minutes each side, until the grill marks appear.
What makes grilled pineapple so good?
Pineapple is so sweet – the juice is irresistible! When those slices or spears come in contact with the hot grill, the sugars in the juice caramelize. It produces a sweetness with more depth than raw pineapple delivers on its own. Give it a try, you won’t believe the difference!
This makes a perfect sweet summer side dish to accompany all your grilling favorites! Chicken on a stick anyone? Grilled pork tenderloin? Chicken legs on the grill? It all works!
Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 can pineapple slices in juice, drained
- or 1 Fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into spears
Instructions
- Place pineapple slices or spears directly on hot grill grates (oil grates lightly if they are dry). Close grill and cook 3-4 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
- Enjoy with any other grilled food.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
FAQ/Additional Information
I feel that pineapple alone is enough. The grilled taste is incredible. However, I know that some like to enhance that sweet flavor. For you, here are a few ideas:
- Honey, melted butter and a dash of hot sauce
- Melted butter, brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon
- Brown sugar and lime juice
- Brown sugar and sea salt
The best way to emulate an outdoor grill is with a cast iron pan. Heat the pan to a medium-high temperature and add a little oil to prevent sticking. Then, heat for 3-4 minutes per side, just as you would for a charcoal grill. Keep a close eye on the pineapple to prevent burning.
Now that you are hooked on pineapple, here are a few more grilled side dishes to try:
- Grilled beets
- Grilled zucchini
- Asparagus - also grilled!
Big Trouble
This sounds so tasty! And thank you for the marinade suggestions--those all sound different and delightful! Can't wait to try!~
Sula
I know you will love this - it's so good!
Corinne
Great idea! I love pineapple, why haven't I thought of this!? Thanks for sharing 😀
Sula
Its so easy and good!
Charlene
I had heard of grilled watermelon but never thought of pineapple. Going to try this weekend!
Sula
You will love it!
Nicole
I love pineapple but never thought to grill it! I’ll have to give it a try this summer
Sula
It's easy and delicious - can't beat that!
Alexandra
So many delicious uses for this lovely grilled pineapple!
Delicious with savoury or sweet.
Sula
I agree! I find it impossible to resist!