Grilled Pineapple

5 from 1 vote

Grilled Pineapple is a must-have for summer grilling! This tropical fruit is juicy, has the best smoky-sweet caramelization, & easy to grill!

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Grilled Pineapple is the ultimate summer treat! Sweet, juicy pineapple gets cut into spears for easy handling and is seasoned with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Simple yet so good, this Grilled pineapple recipe is the kind of dish that impresses guests and brightens up any BBQ or picnic. The caramelized crust paired with the smoky flavor from the grill – it’s truly a taste of tropical paradise.

Grilled pineapple spears on a large oval platter showing garnished with fresh lime wedges with a small dish of honey nearby with a spoon dipped inside.
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Grilling isn’t just for meats and veggies only! Grilled fruits like peaches, strawberries & cantaloupe, and pineapple have an enhanced sweetness with a subtle smoky flavor, making it an ideal summer side dish or a healthier dessert. And there’s no better time for grilled pineapple than summertime! Don’t waste another grilling season without trying this grilled pineapple on the bbq.

Why you’ll love these grilled pineapple spears

  • Delicious no-fuss summer dessert. There’s not much to this simple recipe. Just coat it with a light seasoning and throw it on the grill for a tasty and easy dessert.
  • Versatile serving options. Serve it with your favorite grilled meats, or pair it with banana nice cream for a tropical treat.
  • Easier on the tastebuds than raw pineapple. If eating raw pineapple tingles your lips and tongue, try grilling it! Cooking the pineapple removes most of the enzymes responsible for that burning sensation, allowing you to enjoy this summer favorite still!

Ingredients to make grilled pineapple

  • Pineapple: Use a fresh, ripe pineapple for the best results. Peel the pineapple and cut into spears.
  • Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and prevents the pineapple from sticking to the grates.
  • Honey: The natural sweetness of the honey caramelizes on the grill, creating a lovely browning on the pineapple.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a hint of warmth and balances the sweetness of the pineapple and honey.
Ingredients for recipe: pineapple, cinnamon, oil, and honey.

How to make grilled pineapple

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, and cinnamon.
  2. Brush the olive oil mixture all over the pineapple spears.
  3. Place the seasoned pineapple spears on the grill in a single layer and grill.
  4. Flip and continue to grill until lightly browned and tender.
4 image collage making recipe: 1- whisking together honey, cinnamon and oil in a bowl, 2- brushing pineapple spears with honey mixture on a cutting board, 3- honey glazed pineapple spears on a grill, and 4- after flipping to show grill marks.

Tips for making the best grilled pineapple bbq

  1. Don’t skip oiling your grill grates. To prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill grates, brush the grates with olive oil well.
  2. Preheat the grill. In order to get those coveted grill marks, ensure the grill is hot before adding the pineapple spears.
  3. Use a grill pan or nonstick pan if you prefer not to use an outdoor grill. The taste will be slightly different, but the pineapples will still soften and get caramelized, so the result is similar.
  • Try different cuts. Consider cutting the pineapple into rounds for a different visual appeal. If you prefer bite-size pieces, cut the pineapple into chunks and thread them on bamboo skewers for kabob-style pineapple. Tip: make sure to soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes so they don’t burn.
  • Serve with a touch of refreshing flavors. Drizzle the grilled pineapple with fresh lime juice and add chopped fresh mint or basil to balance the smokiness.
  • Get creative with seasonings. While cinnamon and honey are a classic choice, experiment with other flavors. Give the grilled pineapple a spicy kick with chili powder. Or swap the honey with brown sugar for caramelized, sticky goodness. The options are endless!
Pineapple spears on a grill with caramelized grill marks.

What to serve with grilled pineapple with cinnamon

How to store & reheat grilled pineapple

Leftover grilled pineapple can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat on the grill until warmed through or on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.

How long will grilled pineapple last in the fridge?

Grilled pineapple will last up to 4 days in the fridge. It may release some liquid over time as the sugar crystals melt, but it will evaporate when the pineapple is reheated.

Can i freeze grilled pineapple spears?

Yes, you can freeze grilled pineapple. Flash-freeze them first in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the freezer until the pineapple is firm. Once frozen, transfer the pineapple spears to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a pineapple is ripe?

Look for a pineapple with vibrant green leaves and a golden-yellow shell. You can also check for firmness. Give the pineapple a gentle squeeze – if it has a slight give, you likely found yourself and sweet and ripe pineapple. And lastly, a perfectly ripe pineapple should smell sweet and tropical at the base.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for grilling?

Fresh pineapple will give you the most flavorful results, but you can use canned pineapple in a pinch. Keep in mind that the final texture and flavor will differ. To grill canned pineapple, drain them well first, removing as much excess liquid as possible to prevent excessive moisture during grilling.

Do I have to peel the pineapple before grilling?

Peeled pineapple allows for a more enjoyable and convenient eating experience, but you can leave the pineapple rind if you like. You may need to adjust the grilling time to allow the heat to penetrate through the rind.

Three grilled pineapple spears on a plate next to shrimp skewers.

These easy grilled pineapple spears are a wonderful summertime side dish or dessert. They are ready in minutes with just a handful of ingredients but add amazing flavor to your plate. Try this grilled pineapple with cinnamon today!

More summer grilling side dish recipes:

If you try this feel good Grilled Pineapple recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!

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Grilled Pineapple

Grilled Pineapple is a must-have for summer grilling! This tropical fruit is juicy, has the best smoky-sweet caramelization, & easy to grill!
5 from 1 vote
Servings 6 servings
Course Side, Side Dish
Calories 198
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pineapple peeled and cut into spears (about 12)
  • ¼ cup olive oil plus more for greasing grates
  • ¼ cup honey plus more for serving
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • sea salt for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat grill or grill pan to medium heat (350°F). Coat grill grates with olive oil.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey and cinnamon. Brush the olive oil mixture all over the pineapple spears.
  • Place the pineapple spears on the grill in a single layer. Grill for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned and tender.
  • Serve immediately, drizzled with more honey, if desired.

Notes

Storage: Leftover grilled pineapple can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the grill until warmed through or on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. 
Tips:
Be generous with oil. To prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill grates, brush the grates with olive oil well.
Preheat the grill. In order to get those coveted grill marks, ensure the grill is hot before adding the pineapple spears.
Use skewers. Add the pineapple spears to soaked wooden skewers for easy grilling. This is great if you want to cut the pineapple into chunks!

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 172mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 26g, Vitamin A: 88IU, Vitamin C: 72mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Side, Side Dish

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