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Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
Brown sugar grilled pineapple is marinated in a mixture of brown sugar and smoky cayenne pepper, combining to create a delicious way to enjoy this tropical fruit.
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Brown sugar grilled pineapple is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to cook this tropical fruit. Marinated in a simple mixture of brown sugar and smoky cayenne pepper, you can whip it up and toss it on the grill in no time at all!
If you want more unique recipes that feature this fruit then you’ll want to make Air Fryer Pineapple, Pineapple Spears in Malibu Rum, and Pineapple Bread.
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple Ingredients
You will need:
- 1 fresh pineapple (peeled, cored, and cut into 8 spears)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- vegetable oil spray, for the grill
PRO TIP: You can buy a pre-peeled and cored whole ripe pineapple from your grocery store’s produce department. This will significantly reduce your prep time as the pineapple prep takes a lot of time in this recipe.
Substitutions and Additions
CAYENNE PEPPER: Use guajillo or ancho chili powder instead of the cayenne pepper. You can also use a dash of sriracha or regular hot sauce for a little kick. If you don’t like spice, you can leave out the cayenne pepper entirely.
BROWN SUGAR: Dark brown sugar can be substituted for light brown sugar for a deeper molasses-like flavor.
How to Make Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
PRO TIP: You can cut the pineapple into rings instead of spears. Be sure not to cut the slices of pineapple too thinly, or they will fall apart when grilling.
STEP ONE: Place the pineapple in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the brown sugar, cayenne, vanilla extract, and salt. Toss to combine.
STEP TWO: Cover the pineapple with plastic wrap and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. You can also place the pineapple in the refrigerator to marinate overnight. You will have a few tablespoons of liquid in the bottom of your bowl. Do not discard it.
STEP THREE: Preheat your grill pan over high heat and spray with cooking spray just before adding the pineapple.
PRO TIP: If you don’t have an indoor grill pan, you can grill this outdoors. Use grill plates if your grill grates are too far apart for the small pineapple spears.
STEP FOUR: Grill the pineapple for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
STEP FIVE: While the pineapple is grilling, place the excess marinade liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 90 seconds or until bubbly and syrupy. Set aside.
STEP SIX: Remove the grilled pineapple to the serving platter and drizzle it with the excess marinade syrup just before serving.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
Brown sugar grilled pineapple is a dish that is best served warm or at room temperature. With its smoky flavor, the grilled pineapple is the perfect side dish for grilled chicken or pork tenderloin.
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: Leftovers of this delicious pineapple can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
IN THE FREEZER: This recipe is best made fresh, and we don’t recommend freezing it.
Brown sugar grilled pineapple boasts an amazing flavor that comes through once grilled. The naturally sweet and juicy pineapple gets an extra boost from the brown sugar glaze, and the addition of the cayenne pepper helps balance the sweetness with a touch of smoky heat. You will love how easy it is to make and how it comes off the grill nice and juicy to create a sweet side dish for all your grilled meals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this ahead of time and freeze it?
This recipe is best served fresh. We don’t recommend freezing it, or the pineapple will become mushy.
Can I make this on an outdoor grill?
You can make this simple recipe on an outdoor grill or even on a griddle like a Blackstone if you don’t have an indoor grill pan.
How do I keep the pineapple from sticking to the grill?
Spray your grill with nonstick cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent the pineapple from sticking.
MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple
Brown sugar grilled pineapple is marinated in a mixture of brown sugar and smoky cayenne pepper, combining to create a delicious way to enjoy this tropical fruit.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple peeled, cored, and cut into 8 spears
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- vegetable oil spray for the grill
Instructions
- Place the pineapple in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the brown sugar, cayenne, vanilla extract, and salt. Toss to combine.
- Cover the pineapple with plastic wrap and let marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature. You can also place the pineapple in the refrigerator to marinate overnight. You will have a few tablespoons of liquid in the bottom of your bowl. Do not discard it.
- Preheat your grill pan over high heat and spray with cooking spray just before adding the pineapple.
- Grill the pineapple for 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
- While the pineapple is grilling, place the excess marinade liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 90 seconds or until bubbly and syrupy. Set aside.
- Remove the grilled pineapple to the serving platter and drizzle it with the excess marinade syrup just before serving.
Notes
You can buy a pre-peeled and cored whole ripe pineapple from your grocery store’s produce department. This will significantly reduce your prep time as the pineapple prep takes a lot of time in this recipe.
You can cut the pineapple into rings instead of spears. Be sure not to cut the slices of pineapple too thinly, or they will fall apart when grilling.
If you don’t have an indoor grill pan, you can grill this outdoors. Use grill plates if your grill grates are too far apart for the small pineapple spears.
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