Close-up of juicy, caramelized grilled pineapple rings with distinct grill marks.

Grilled pineapple: 8 min sweet summer treat

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Written by Leo Maxwell

September 4, 2025

You know, summer cookouts just aren’t the same without a little something sweet to finish it off. And honestly, I used to think dessert had to be complicated, like a fussy cake or a tricky tart. But then I remembered how much joy I found rediscovering simple, flavorful cooking, and dishes like this grilled pineapple with brown sugar and cinnamon came back into my life. It’s that perfect BBQ dessert idea – incredibly easy, bursting with caramelized sweetness, and it’s ready in minutes. It’s proof that the best things, even for your next cookout, can be wonderfully straightforward. Seriously, this is a game-changer for your summer grilling sides!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Seriously, you’re going to love how simple this is! It’s like, 10 minutes to prep and a speedy 8 minutes on the grill. That means less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying your cookout. Plus, it’s loaded with natural sweetness, making it a fantastic healthy sweet treat. That brown sugar cinnamon glaze gets all caramelized and delicious, turning it into a super easy fruit dessert that tastes like sunshine. It’s just the best little tropical cookout recipe!

Ingredients for Perfect Grilled Pineapple

Alright, let’s talk about what you need to make this magic happen. Grabbing the right pineapple is key, so look for one that smells sweet and has a little give when you gently squeeze it. You’ll need:

  • 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch thick rings
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

That’s it! See? Super simple. These ingredients are going to give you that gorgeous caramel coating we’re looking for on our grilled pineapple.

How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

Okay, getting this deliciousness done is honestly a breeze. You’ll have perfect grilled pineapple on your plate before you know it! If you love easy grilling recipes, you’ll also want to check out my honey garlic chicken skewers – they’re another cookout favorite!

Prepping Your Grill for Pineapple Perfection

First things first, let’s get that grill fired up. You want it nice and hot, so preheat it to medium-high. This heat is super important for getting those gorgeous caramelized bits and those classic grill marks that just scream summer! Don’t rush this part; a hot grill means your pineapple cooks quickly and beautifully.

Creating the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Glaze

Now for the magic sauce! Grab a little bowl and whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and that pinch of salt. It only takes a second, but make sure it’s all mixed up super well. This simple glaze is what gives our pineapple that irresistible sweet and warm flavor.

Glazing and Grilling Your Pineapple

Time to get those rings ready! Brush that yummy brown sugar mixture all over both sides of your pineapple rings. Don’t be shy; really coat them! Then, carefully place them directly onto those hot grill grates. Grill them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for tender pineapple with lovely char marks. Seriously, that caramelized aroma is amazing!

Tips for the Best Grilled Pineapple

I’ve made this so many times, and a few little tricks really make sure your grilled pineapple turns out absolutely perfect every single time. First off, picking the right pineapple is crucial! You want one that’s ripe – it should have a sweet smell at the bottom and give just a little when you press the skin lightly. Avoid anything too hard or too soft, you know? And don’t crowd the grill; give those pineapple rings some space so they get nice, even grill marks instead of just steaming.

Serving Suggestions for Your Grilled Pineapple

Honestly, this grilled pineapple is so versatile, it’s wild! It makes a fantastic dessert, of course – imagine it warm and caramelized over a scoop of vanilla ice cream! If you’re looking for inspiration, check out all my other dessert ideas, or maybe try some chocolate banana pops. It’s also brilliant as a pineapple dessert topping for yogurt or even pancakes. Need a cool summer grilling side? Just serve these alongside your burgers or chicken, and watch them disappear!

Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Pineapple

Got questions about making this amazing grilled pineapple? I’ve got you covered! It’s such a simple recipe, but sometimes a few little pointers can make all the difference.

Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?

While fresh pineapple is definitely best for that incredible texture and natural sweetness, you *can* use canned pineapple rings in a pinch! Just make sure to drain them really, really well. You won’t get quite the same caramelization or texture, but it will still be a tasty treat. Try to pat them dry with a paper towel before glazing and grilling.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I still make this?

Oh, absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can totally get that yummy caramel flavor using a grill pan on your stovetop or even by broiling them in your oven. For the oven, just place the glazed pineapple rings on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high for a few minutes per side, watching them carefully so they don’t burn!

How long does grilled pineapple last?

Honestly, it’s best eaten fresh off the grill when it’s warm and gooey! But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll usually be pretty good for about 2-3 days. They’re still delicious cold, or you can even reheat them gently!

What’s the best way to pick a ripe pineapple?

Picking a good pineapple is like a treasure hunt! You want one that smells sweet and fragrant at the base – that’s a sure sign. The skin should be a nice yellow-ish color, not pure green or totally brown. And when you give it a gentle squeeze, it should have a little bit of give to it, but not feel mushy. This is key for getting tender, delicious grilled pineapple.

Nutritional Information for Grilled Pineapple

Okay, so since we’re talking about this super delicious grilled pineapple, it’s good to have a general idea of what’s in it. Keep in mind these numbers are estimates, as things can always vary a little depending on how ripe your pineapple is or if you decide to add a dash more cinnamon! This is a pretty healthy sweet treat, all things considered.

Serving Size: 1 ring
Calories: 120
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0.5g

Share Your Grilled Pineapple Creations!

Alright, now it’s your turn! I’d absolutely love to hear how your grilled pineapple turned out. Did you serve it with ice cream? Did it disappear before you could even get a photo? Drop a comment below, share your experience, or even rate the recipe on our contact page! Knowing what you all are cooking up in your kitchens makes my day!

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Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

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A simple and sweet grilled pineapple recipe perfect for cookouts, featuring a caramelized glaze.

  • Author: Leo
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 8 min
  • Total Time: 18 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch thick rings
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Brush the pineapple rings generously with the brown sugar mixture on both sides.
  4. Place the pineapple rings directly on the preheated grill grates.
  5. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the pineapple is tender and has nice grill marks.
  6. Remove from grill and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Serve as a dessert or a side dish.
  • This grilled pineapple is also delicious as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ring
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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Hi, I’m Leo Maxwell, and I’m so glad you’re here. For years, my biggest culinary achievement was microwaving leftovers. As a marketing director in Chicago, my life was a blur of deadlines and data, and cooking felt like just another chore. Everything changed on a cross-country road trip. In a tiny New Orleans diner, a plate of shrimp creole tasted more alive than anything I’d ever eaten. It wasn't just food; it was a story. That moment sent me on a new journey—trading my corporate life for a culinary one. Gourmet Gaze is the result of that journey. It’s my place to share recipes that I’ve discovered, tested, and fallen in love with. My food philosophy is simple: cooking should be a joy, not a stress. It should be a feast for the eyes and the soul. Here, you’ll find approachable American recipes, techniques that actually make sense, and a reminder that the best meals are the ones made with a little bit of heart. Let's get cooking!

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