When you think of BBQs, grilled meats often take center stage, but don’t overlook the power of grilled fruit to transform a meal. This Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple recipe is the perfect way to add a sweet, tropical twist to your summer cookout. The combination of juicy pineapple with a buttery brown sugar and cinnamon glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving you a mouthwatering, golden-brown dessert or side dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just four ingredients and a few simple steps, this recipe is a breeze to prepare.
- Unique and Flavorful: The blend of sweet brown sugar, warm cinnamon, and buttery glaze perfectly complements the tartness of the pineapple, creating an unforgettable flavor combination.
- Versatile: This dish works great as a dessert, a side for grilled meats, or even as a topping for ice cream or yogurt!
Key Ingredients
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is essential for this recipe. The natural sweetness and juiciness pair perfectly with the caramelized glaze.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a rich caramel flavor when heated on the grill.
- Butter: Provides a smooth, rich base for the glaze that helps caramelize the pineapple to golden perfection.
- Cinnamon: This warm spice enhances the sweetness and adds a comforting, fragrant note to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Pineapple
Start by cutting your pineapple into long spears. Lay the spears out evenly on a pan, and lightly sprinkle them with cinnamon. This will infuse the pineapple with a warm, spiced flavor before grilling.
2️⃣ Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and a teaspoon of cinnamon until smooth. If the mixture seems too thick to pour, microwave it for a few seconds to thin it out. This luscious glaze will coat the pineapple and give it that irresistible caramelization.
3️⃣ Coat the Pineapple
Using a cooking brush, generously spread the brown sugar cinnamon glaze over each pineapple spear. Make sure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
4️⃣ Grill the Pineapple
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the glazed pineapple spears directly on the grill and cook for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill until the pineapple starts to caramelize and turns a beautiful golden brown. Brush any excess sauce from the pan back onto the pineapple before serving to enhance the flavor and glaze.
How to Serve
This Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats like chicken, pork, or burgers to add a sweet and tropical element to your meal.
- As a Dessert: Top it with vanilla ice cream for a refreshing summer treat, or add it to yogurt for a tropical parfait.
- In a Salad: Chop the grilled pineapple and toss it into a summer salad with greens, nuts, and feta cheese for a sweet-savory combo.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Pineapple: While canned pineapple works in a pinch, fresh pineapple has a firmer texture and a more intense flavor that will hold up better on the grill.
- Watch the Grill: Pineapple cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning. You want a nice caramelization without charring.
- Add a Kick: For a bit of spice, sprinkle cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder into the glaze to balance the sweetness with a hint of heat.
Final Thoughts
Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple is an easy yet show-stopping recipe that will elevate any summer BBQ or family meal. The sweet, sticky glaze pairs beautifully with the tart and juicy pineapple, creating a dish that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Fire up your grill and give this tropical treat a try!