The moment you grill pineapple, the sweet aroma wafts through the air, making your taste buds tingle with anticipation. The caramelized edges glisten in the sunlight, promising a delightful explosion of flavor with every bite.
Imagine a sunny barbecue gathering where laughter fills the air, and you decide to impress your friends with grilled pineapple sprinkled with cinnamon. The sizzling sound as those juicy slices hit the grill instantly turns heads, and soon, everyone will be clamoring for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Grilled pineapple with cinnamon is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings
- The sweet and spicy flavor combination elevates any dish, from burgers to desserts
- Its golden-brown crust is visually stunning and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- You can enjoy this versatile treat as a side dish or dessert at any summer cookout
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my backyard barbecues where friends would fight over the last slice of grilled pineapple.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Pineapple: Look for ripe pineapples that yield slightly to pressure; they will be sweeter when grilled.
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Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for an aromatic spice that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
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Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely caramelized finish and enhances the fruit’s sweetness during grilling.
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Lime Juice: A splash adds brightness and balances the sweetness; fresh lime juice works best.
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Butter (optional): A pat of butter on hot pineapple gives it a rich flavor; consider using coconut oil for a tropical twist.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Pineapple: Start by cutting off the top and bottom of your fresh pineapple until you have a stable base. Stand it upright and carefully slice off the skin in downward strokes to remove all the spiky eyes.
Slice into Rings: Cut the peeled pineapple into 1-inch thick rings. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; each slice will add its unique character when grilled.
Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will create a deliciously caramelized coating on the pineapple when grilling.
Add Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your pineapple slices to enhance their natural sweetness while adding zing to every bite.
Heat Up Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking; keeping things clean is essential!
Grill Until Perfectly Caramelized: Place your seasoned pineapple slices on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until you see beautiful grill marks and hear that satisfying sizzle. Serve them warm!
With these steps, you’re set to impress anyone fortunate enough to snag a slice of your grilled pineapple with cinnamon!
You Must Know
- Grilled pineapple with cinnamon transforms a simple fruit into a tropical delight
- The sweet aroma during grilling will make your neighbors jealous
- This dish is versatile; serve it as dessert or a side dish, and it’ll wow everyone at your next BBQ
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the pineapple slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they caramelize beautifully. This sequence ensures maximum flavor and that perfect grill mark.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding a splash of rum or coconut milk for an island vibe. A sprinkle of nutmeg or a drizzle of honey can enhance the sweetness, making your grilled pineapple even more irresistible.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the grill or in a warm skillet to maintain that delightful caramelization.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly grilled pineapple, use ripe fruit for maximum sweetness and flavor
- Avoid using too much cinnamon; just enough enhances without overpowering the natural taste
- Always let the fruit rest after grilling to allow flavors to meld beautifully
Sharing this recipe reminds me of summer barbeques where my friends would race to grab the last slice. One time, I served it warm over vanilla ice cream, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it—it was pure bliss!
FAQ
Can I use canned pineapple for grilling?
Grilled pineapple is best with fresh fruit, but canned works in a pinch.
How do I prevent sticking on the grill?
Brush both the grill grates and pineapple slices with oil before grilling.
What can I serve with grilled pineapple?
Pair grilled pineapple with ice cream, yogurt, or even savory dishes like pork chops.
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Grilled pineapple with cinnamon is a delightful treat that transforms fresh fruit into a caramelized masterpiece. Perfect for summer barbecues, this easy recipe combines juicy pineapple with a hint of spice, making it an irresistible side or dessert. Serve warm over ice cream or alongside savory dishes for a burst of flavor that will impress your guests and create lasting memories.
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe pineapple
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
Instructions
- Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple for stability, then slice off the skin.
- Cut the peeled pineapple into 1-inch thick rings.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the pineapple slices.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C) and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill pineapple slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until caramelized and grill marks appear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
