Grilled Pineapple Rings

When summer hits, the grill comes alive with a symphony of sizzling sounds and mouthwatering aromas. Among the classics like burgers and steaks, there’s a surprisingly delightful star that often gets overlooked—grilled pineapple rings. These golden, caramelized slices of pineapple bring a burst of natural sweetness and a hint of smoky flavor that perfectly balances savory dishes or stands out as a simple, refreshing treat all on their own.

What makes grilled pineapple rings so special is how the heat transforms the fruit. As the pineapple cooks, its natural sugars caramelize, creating those beautiful grill marks and deepening the flavor into something richer and almost buttery. The contrast between the warm, tender fruit and its slight tanginess makes every bite interesting and irresistible. Plus, grilling pineapple is incredibly easy, quick, and versatile — it works as a side, a dessert, or even as a topping for burgers and salads.

If you’ve never tried grilling pineapple before, you’re in for a treat. The process brings out hidden layers of flavor you might not expect from such a common fruit. Whether you want to impress guests at your next barbecue or simply add a tropical twist to your weeknight meals, grilled pineapple rings are a fantastic and fuss-free option. Let me walk you through why this simple fruit can elevate your grilling game and how to get it just right every time.

Why You’ll Love It

• Sweet Meets Smoky: Grilling caramelizes the pineapple’s natural sugars, creating a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors that will surprise your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: It takes just a few minutes on the grill to transform fresh pineapple rings into a delicious treat — no complicated prep or fancy ingredients needed.
• Versatile Flavor Booster: Grilled pineapple rings are amazing on their own, but they also make fantastic toppings for burgers, tacos, salads, or even paired with grilled meats like chicken or pork.
• Healthy and Refreshing: Pineapple is packed with vitamins, fiber, and enzymes that aid digestion, making grilled rings a guilt-free snack or side dish that feels light and refreshing.
• Adds a Tropical Vibe: Whether it’s a summer cookout or a casual weeknight dinner, these juicy, smoky pineapple rings bring a fun, tropical flair to any meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredient List

For the Grilled Pineapple Rings

• 1 fresh pineapple (cut into ½-inch thick rings)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
• Juice of half a lime

Optional for Serving

• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
• A pinch of chili powder (for a spicy kick)
• Vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt (if serving as dessert)

Ingredient Notes

• I always use fresh, ripe pineapple for the best natural sweetness and texture — canned pineapple just won’t caramelize the same way.
• Brown sugar is key here because it melts and caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving that rich, slightly smoky sweetness.
• Adding a touch of cinnamon really lifts the flavor and pairs perfectly with pineapple’s tropical notes.
• The lime juice adds a fresh, zesty balance to cut through the sweetness and enhance the overall taste.
• Butter or coconut oil helps the pineapple slices not only grill nicely but also adds a subtle richness.
• Don’t skip the honey or maple syrup glaze — it helps create that beautiful, sticky glaze that makes grilled pineapple so irresistible.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Grill or Grill Pan — For getting those perfect char marks and caramelizing the pineapple. I love using a cast-iron grill pan for indoor grilling.
• Sharp Knife — To slice the pineapple into even, ½-inch rings. A serrated knife can work well too.
• Basting Brush — For brushing the honey, butter, and spice mixture onto the pineapple rings evenly.
• Mixing Bowl — To combine brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, lime juice, and melted butter before brushing.
• Tongs — To easily flip the pineapple slices on the grill without breaking them.
• Serving Plate — For presenting your beautifully grilled pineapple rings — extra points if it’s a colorful, summery platter!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

• Start by cutting off the top and bottom of your fresh pineapple using a sharp knife.
• Stand the pineapple upright and carefully slice off the skin, making sure to remove the “eyes” (the brown spots).
• Slice the pineapple crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. If you want, use a small round cutter or a knife to remove the core from each ring, but this is optional.
• Pro Tip: Try to keep the slices uniform in thickness so they cook evenly on the grill.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

• In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter (or coconut oil), honey (or maple syrup), and the juice of half a lime.
• Stir everything well until the sugar starts to dissolve and you get a smooth glaze.
• Pro Tip: Use a whisk or fork to mix thoroughly so the cinnamon and sugar are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. It should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately.
• Lightly oil the grill grates or brush your grill pan with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Brush Pineapple with Glaze

• Use a basting brush to generously coat both sides of each pineapple ring with the glaze mixture.
• Make sure the slices are evenly coated but not dripping.

Step 5: Grill the Pineapple Rings

• Place the pineapple rings on the hot grill.
• Grill for about 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them — this helps create nice grill marks and caramelization.
• Flip the rings using tongs, then grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes, brushing with a little more glaze as they cook.
• Pro Tip: Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to trap heat and speed up caramelization.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Once both sides have golden grill marks and the pineapple is tender but not mushy, remove the rings from the grill.
• Arrange them on a serving plate, garnish with fresh mint if you like, and sprinkle a pinch of chili powder for a subtle kick (optional).
• Serve warm on their own, with vanilla ice cream, or as a topping for your favorite dishes.

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And just like that, you have beautifully caramelized, juicy grilled pineapple rings ready to impress!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use ripe but firm pineapple for the best texture and sweetness. Overripe pineapple can get mushy on the grill.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill — leave enough space between slices for even heat circulation.
• Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the sugar glaze; medium-high heat works best for caramelization without charring.
• If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop works great.
• Let the pineapple rest for a minute after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.
• For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little sea salt or drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the grilled rings before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different but equally rich caramel flavor.
• Use agave syrup or light corn syrup instead of honey or maple syrup if you want a milder sweetness.
• Try adding ground ginger or nutmeg to the glaze for a warming spice twist.
• Replace lime juice with fresh orange juice for a sweeter citrus flavor.
• For a savory spin, brush pineapple rings with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes before grilling.
• Experiment with adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze for a unique herbal note.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve grilled pineapple rings alongside juicy grilled chicken or pork chops for a delicious sweet-and-savory combo.
• Top a burger with a warm grilled pineapple ring, melted cheese, and spicy mayo for a tropical twist on a classic.
• I love serving grilled pineapple rings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey for a quick, refreshing dessert.
• Chop the grilled pineapple and toss it into a fresh summer salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light citrus dressing.
• Use grilled pineapple rings as a fun, colorful garnish on tropical cocktails like piña coladas or rum punch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, warm the pineapple briefly on a hot grill or grill pan for 1-2 minutes per side to restore caramelization.
• You can also reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pineapple soggy and less flavorful.
• Grilled pineapple is best enjoyed fresh but can also be enjoyed cold as a snack or salad topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pineapple for grilling?

While you can, fresh pineapple works best because it caramelizes better and holds its shape on the grill. Canned pineapple is softer and won’t get that same smoky flavor or texture.

How do I know when the pineapple is done grilling?

Look for beautiful grill marks and a slightly softened texture. The pineapple should be tender but still hold its shape—usually about 3-4 minutes per side.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop works perfectly to get those caramelized edges and rich flavor.

What’s the best way to remove the pineapple core?

You can use a small round cookie cutter or carefully slice around the tough core with a knife. Removing it is optional but makes eating easier.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the glaze up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before brushing it on the pineapple.

How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill?

Make sure your grill is preheated and lightly oiled. Also, don’t move the pineapple around too soon—letting it sear properly helps it release naturally.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!