Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 8 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar is a delightful treat that brings the taste of summer to your table all year round. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the natural sweetness of pineapple with a hint of warmth from cinnamon, creating a dish that's both refreshing and indulgent.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy preparation — perfect for any skill level.
  • Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor impact.
  • Versatile enough to serve as a dessert or a side dish.
  • Brings a tropical twist to your grilling repertoire.

Ingredients

1 whole pineapple, peeled and cored
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of salt

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This gives you the perfect temperature to sear the pineapple and develop those lovely grill marks. Meanwhile, carefully slice your whole pineapple into 1/2-inch thick rings. If you're not confident in your knife skills, a pineapple slicer can be a handy tool here.

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. This blend will be your finishing touch, so make sure it's well combined. Next, brush both sides of each pineapple slice lightly with melted butter. This not only prevents sticking but also enhances the flavor.

Lay the pineapple rings on the hot grill. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You're looking for those beautiful, distinct grill marks and for the pineapple to be warmed through without becoming mushy.

Once grilled, remove the slices and immediately sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar mixture on both sides. This way, the heat from the pineapple will help the sugar adhere nicely.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a ripe pineapple for best results — it should smell sweet and have a bit of give when gently pressed.
  • If your grill tends to run hot, keep an eye on the pineapple to prevent burning.
  • Consider using a grill basket if you're worried about the pineapple slipping through the grates.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these grilled pineapple slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert that's sure to impress. Alternatively, pair them with grilled chicken or pork for a tropical twist on your usual dinner. They also make a great addition to a summer salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is ideal for this recipe, but in a pinch, you can use canned rings. Just be sure to pat them dry before grilling.
How do I know when the pineapple is done?
Look for clear grill marks and a soft, but not mushy texture. The pineapple should be warmed through.

Ingredients Explained

The star of the show is the pineapple, which provides a juicy, sweet base that caramelizes beautifully when grilled. The granulated sugar helps to enhance this natural sweetness, while the ground cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note that complements the fruit perfectly. A touch of unsalted butter ensures the pineapple doesn't stick to the grill and adds a subtle richness. Finally, a pinch of salt balances all the flavors, elevating the overall taste.

Simplified Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the pineapple into 1/2-inch thick rings.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Brush both sides of the pineapple slices lightly with melted butter.
5. Place the pineapple slices on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until grill marks appear and the pineapple is warmed through.
6. Remove the pineapple slices from the grill and immediately sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar mixture on both sides.
7. Serve the grilled pineapple slices warm, as a dessert or alongside grilled meats.

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