Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple: 1 Magical Recipe

Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple has a way of transporting me straight back to summer barbecues and carefree evenings. I remember the first time I tried making it, the sweet aroma of caramelizing pineapple filling my kitchen. It felt like magic! This isn’t just any grilled pineapple; it’s a delightful dance of sweet and smoky flavors, creating a truly caramelized grilled pineapple recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet stunning dish. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

You’ll adore this easy brown sugar grilled pineapple for so many reasons:

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of sweet brown sugar and smoky grilled pineapple is simply divine.
• Quick Prep: With just a few ingredients, you can have this sweet grilled pineapple recipe ready in minutes.
• Healthy Dessert Option: It’s a lighter, fruit-based dessert that’s naturally delicious.
• Budget-Friendly: Pineapple is often affordable, making this a cost-effective treat.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike rave about this sweet grilled pineapple recipe.
• Versatile: It works beautifully as a dessert, a side dish for BBQs, or even a topping for salads.
• Minimal Effort: Seriously, the grill does most of the work for this simple dish.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Putting together this fantastic brown sugar pineapple recipe is a breeze! You’ll need just a few simple items to create this delightful dish. The star, of course, is the pineapple itself. For this recipe, make sure you have 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 8 spears. The brown sugar is key for that magical caramelization, so grab 1/4 cup light brown sugar. A little warmth comes from 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and the vanilla extract adds a lovely depth, so you’ll need 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Finally, a pinch of 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt enhances all the flavors. And don’t forget vegetable oil spray for the grill to prevent any sticky situations.

How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Let’s get this sweet and sticky grilled pineapple perfection going! Making grilled pineapple with brown sugar is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your grill or grill pan over high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, give it a quick spray with cooking spray to ensure the pineapple doesn’t stick.

1. Step 1: Get your pineapple ready. Place the peeled, cored, and speared pineapple into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle it evenly with the light brown sugar, cayenne pepper, vanilla extract, and kosher salt.
2. Step 2: Toss everything gently to coat the pineapple spears. You want each piece to have a nice layer of the brown sugar mixture.
3. Step 3: Let the pineapple marinate. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate it in the refrigerator overnight.
4. Step 4: While the pineapple is marinating, prepare for the glaze. You’ll notice a few tablespoons of liquid collecting at the bottom of the bowl. Don’t discard this precious liquid!
5. Step 5: Grill the pineapple. Carefully place the marinated pineapple spears onto the hot, sprayed grill. Grill for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You’re looking for those beautiful grill marks and for the pineapple to become golden brown and slightly softened. This is how to grill pineapple with brown sugar for that perfect caramelized finish.
6. Step 6: Make the syrup. While the pineapple is on the grill, pour the reserved marinade liquid into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for about 90 seconds, or until it becomes bubbly and syrupy. This concentrated liquid will be your glaze.
7. Step 7: Serve it up! Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle the warm, syrupy glaze over the top just before serving. Enjoying this how to grill pineapple with brown sugar recipe is pure bliss!

Pro Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Want to elevate your grilled pineapple game? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference for this simple grilled pineapple recipe:

• Don’t overcrowd the grill! Give the pineapple spears enough space so they caramelize beautifully instead of steaming.
• Always use the reserved marinade liquid to create that glossy, sweet glaze. It’s pure liquid gold!
• Let the pineapple rest for a minute after grilling before drizzling the glaze; it helps it stick better.
• If your grill grates are wide, consider using grill plates or foil packets to prevent small pieces from falling through.

What’s the secret to perfect Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple?

The real secret to achieving that perfect caramelized grilled pineapple texture is the combination of high heat and the brown sugar glaze. Using the reserved marinade as a glaze is the best way to grill pineapple for maximum flavor and that irresistible sticky finish. For more grilling inspiration, check out these delicious recipes.

Can I make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the pineapple by peeling, coring, and cutting it, then toss it with the brown sugar mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple?

A common mistake is cutting the pineapple too thin, which causes it to fall apart on the grill. Stick to spears about 3/4 inch thick. Also, be careful not to over-grill; you want it tender with visible grill marks, not mushy. Learn more about proper fruit preparation.

Best Ways to Serve Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

This sweet and sticky grilled pineapple is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways. For a truly decadent treat, serve it warm as a standalone grilled pineapple dessert recipe. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the warm, caramelized fruit is simply divine! Alternatively, let it shine as a delightful side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like pork chops or chicken, adding a refreshing sweetness that balances the savory flavors.

You can also chop it up and use it as a unique topping for salads, yogurt parfaits, or even as a sweet element on a cheese board. The possibilities are endless for this simple grilled pineapple recipe! Consider trying it with a refreshing mint raspberry julep.

Nutrition Facts for Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

This sweet grilled pineapple recipe is a delightful treat that’s surprisingly light. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving, which is approximately one spear:

• Calories: 84kcal
• Fat: 0.1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 18mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific size and ripeness of your pineapple and any slight variations in ingredient measurements. For more information on fruit nutrition, you can explore resources on nutritional powerhouses.

How to Store and Reheat Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Once this delicious brown sugar grilled pineapple has cooled, storing it properly is key to enjoying it later. For the best quality, place the cooled pineapple in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy this simple grilled pineapple recipe throughout the week. If you want to keep it even longer, it freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled pineapple pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

To reheat, you have a couple of options. You can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, or place it on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This ensures you get to savor that sweet and sticky grilled pineapple goodness anytime! For other dessert ideas, consider a berry crumble.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Can I use different types of sugar for this recipe?

While light brown sugar is ideal for that classic caramelization, you can experiment! Dark brown sugar will give a richer, more molasses-like flavor. Coconut sugar is also a good option for a slightly different sweet profile. For an easy brown sugar grilled pineapple variation, you can even try a mix of granulated sugar and a touch of molasses.

What if I don’t have a grill pan or an outdoor grill?

No worries at all! You can still achieve that delicious caramelized effect indoors. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet, like cast iron, over medium-high heat. Sear the pineapple spears for a few minutes per side until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. You won’t get the exact smoky flavor of grilling, but it’s still a fantastic way to make this easy brown sugar grilled pineapple. You might also enjoy making spaghetti with garlic and oil indoors.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already naturally vegan! The ingredients are pineapple, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and vegetable oil spray. All of these are typically vegan-friendly. Just double-check your brown sugar to ensure there are no bone char processing agents if you follow a strict vegan diet. Enjoy your delicious vegan brown sugar grilled pineapple!

Can I add other spices or flavors to the brown sugar mixture?

Absolutely! Adding other spices can enhance the flavor profile of your brown sugar grilled pineapple. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg pairs wonderfully with pineapple. You could also add a bit of grated fresh ginger for a little zing, or even a splash of rum to the marinade for a more adult-oriented dessert. These additions make for a truly unique and flavorful experience! Try pairing it with cinnamon orange jam linzer cookies.

Variations of Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic brown sugar grilled pineapple, why not get a little creative? This pineapple grill recipe brown sugar is wonderfully adaptable. For a touch of warmth, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a whisper of ground ginger to the brown sugar mixture before marinating. If you’re feeling adventurous, a tablespoon of dark rum or even a splash of bourbon in the marinade can add a delightful boozy note. You can also switch up the cooking method; if you don’t have an outdoor grill, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan works beautifully indoors. Just ensure you get a good sear on each side for that signature caramelized finish!

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