Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Juicy grilled pineapple glazed with spiced brown sugar has turned into my backyard go to sweet treat that pairs beautifully with everything off the grill. The smoky flavor and sticky syrupy finish make this a crowd pleaser I want to serve every summer weekend.

I remember first making this for a family BBQ when I wanted something different from ordinary fruit salad. It disappeared before the ribs were even done and every gathering since then someone always asks for this grilled pineapple.

Ingredients

• Fresh pineapple: Choose one that feels heavy for its size and smells sweet at the base this guarantees juiciness and peak flavor
• Light brown sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps caramelize the grill marks opt for fresh moist sugar for the best glaze
• Cayenne pepper: Brings just a hint of background heat Use a fresh opened spice jar for real kick
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and gives the aroma an ice cream shop vibe Pick pure vanilla for richest taste
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors without tasting salty Go for the flakiest salt you find for best dissolving
• Vegetable oil spray: Prevents sticking and ensures picture perfect grill marks Use a neutral oil so flavors do not overpower the fruit

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Pineapple:

Combine pineapple spears in large mixing bowl Add brown sugar cayenne vanilla and salt Toss with clean hands or a large spoon until all sides are evenly coated Every piece should look glossy and speckled with spice

Marinate the Fruit:

Cover bowl tightly and let pineapple rest at room temperature for thirty minutes If prepping ahead you can refrigerate the mixture overnight The resting draws out juices and starts the glaze Keep all the liquid collecting in the bowl for later

Heat the Grill:

Warm grill or grill pan over high heat until just starting to smoke Give a quick even spray with vegetable oil right before adding fruit Well oiled grates make sure the pineapple turns easily and stays beautiful

Grill the Pineapple:

Arrange spears on grill let each side cook one to two minutes Turn only after deep golden grill marks develop The high heat brings out sweetness and caramel color

Reduce the Marinade:

Pour any collected marinade liquid into a microwave safe bowl Heat until bubbling about ninety seconds Watch closely until it gets thick and syrupy This becomes your gorgeous finishing drizzle

Serve and Finish:

Move grilled pineapple to platter Immediately spoon the warm syrup over the spears Serve while everything is hot sticky and fragrant

Pin it

The vanilla in this recipe brings that cozy dessert feeling and reminds me of the sundaes my grandma used to make me each summer She always believed that sweet fruit deserved just a little extra love and I think this sticky warm sauce honors her spirit perfectly

Storage Tips

Leftover grilled pineapple can stay in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Enjoy it cold or give it a quick warm through in the microwave before serving again The syrup thickens a bit as it sits so pour everything into the same container to keep those saucy flavors together

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to skip the cayenne just add a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger for depth Maple syrup can stand in for the brown sugar but the grill marks will not caramelize in quite the same way If you cannot find fresh pineapple seek out prepeeled and cored ones in the store for major time savings

Serving Suggestions

Try these spears with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a shortcake style dessert They are perfect as a side for grilled meats or layered in a burger for a sweet spicy twist Leftovers also make a killer addition to fruit salads and breakfast bowls

Cultural and Historical Context

Grilling fruit has roots in many global cuisines from Brazilian churrasco with roasted pineapple to Hawaiian luau traditions This sweet smoky method pays homage to all those festive gatherings where fruit was enjoyed right off the fire

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple is best for grilling, but thick-cut canned rings can work in a pinch. Pat them dry before grilling to avoid excess moisture.

→ Should the marinade be saved after soaking the pineapple?

Yes, heat the reserved marinade until bubbly and syrupy. Drizzle over the grilled pineapple for extra flavor.

→ How do I cut pineapple so it holds up on the grill?

Cut into spears or thick rings. Avoid thin slices, as they may break apart during grilling.

→ Is it possible to adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! Adjust the cayenne pepper amount for more or less heat, or omit it for a milder flavor.

→ What if I don’t have a grill pan?

Outdoor grill works great. Use grill plates or foil if grates are wide to keep spears from falling through.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store cooled grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.