Can I make grilled pineapple without an outdoor grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet on your stovetop will still give you that gorgeous caramelization and smoky flavor. You might miss out on the literal grill marks, but the taste will be just as wonderful.

Can I use canned pineapple rings?

Fresh pineapple works best for grilling due to its firmer texture, but canned will do in a pinch. Be sure to drain and pat them dry, and handle gently since they’re more fragile.

What’s the easiest way to core a pineapple?

A pineapple corer is super handy, but a sharp knife works perfectly. Simply cut off the top and bottom, slice away the peel, and use a corer or knife to remove the tough core from each ring.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Definitely. Mix up the brown sugar, butter, lime, and coconut extract several hours ahead or even the day before. Store it in the fridge and bring to room temperature before using so it’s easy to brush on.

Grilled Pineapple Recipe

Name: Grilled Pineapple Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 14 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ripe pineapple; 2/3 cup brown sugar, lightly packed; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) salted butter, melted; 3 tbsp lime juice (about two small limes); 3/4 tsp coconut extract; 2 tsp flaky sea salt; Optional: lime zest, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce

There’s something truly magical about taking a sweet, juicy pineapple and transforming it into a smoky, caramelized treat on the grill. This Grilled Pineapple recipe is the ultimate blend of simplicity and flavor—perfect for a busy weeknight, a backyard barbecue, or whenever a tropical mood strikes. With the tangy brightness of lime, a kiss of coconut, and just a hint of salt, each bite bursts with a sunny, vacation-worthy taste, and it takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish! Dressed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or simply as-is, this is a dessert—or side—you’ll crave again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy and Fast: Seriously, this comes together in under 15 minutes, including prep. It’s basically foolproof, even for beginner grillers.
Big, Bold Flavors: Sweet pineapple, buttery brown sugar glaze, tangy lime, tropical coconut, and a pop of sea salt turn every bite into an unforgettable flavor explosion.
Versatile and Impressive: Whether you’re serving it as a showstopping dessert or a playful side for grilled meats, it feels just a bit fancy with almost no effort.
Naturally Gluten-Free and Adaptable: Great for guests with dietary restrictions, and totally customizable with your favorite toppings or tweaks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple, powerhouse ingredients:

Ripe Pineapple: The star of the show. Look for one with golden skin and a sweet aroma at the base—this means it’s juicy and ready for grilling.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel depth and encourages that irresistible, sticky glaze when grilled.
Salted Butter: Melts into the brown sugar for a rich, sumptuous sauce that soaks into the fruit. Salted butter balances the sweetness perfectly.
Lime Juice: Offers fresh, citrusy zing that wakes up all the tropical flavors. (Don’t skip this, it’s a difference-maker!)
Coconut Extract: Just a splash to round out that vacation-backyard vibe. It brings everything together.
Flaky Sea Salt: Counterpoints the sweetness, intensifies the flavors, and adds a gourmet finish.
Optional Toppings: Lime zest for color and fragrance, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for decadence, or a ribbon of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Tip: If coconut extract isn’t on hand, try a dash of vanilla or simply omit—it will still taste amazing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a touch of chili powder or cayenne to the glaze for a sweet-heat twist.
Boozy Upgrade: Brush the pineapple with a little rum (light or spiced) before grilling to enhance the tropical notes.
Herbal Finish: Sprinkle with fresh chopped mint or basil right before serving for an herbal pop.
Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut oil to keep things vegan and amp up the coconut flavor.
Different Fruit: Try this treatment with peaches, mango, or even watermelon slices for a fun change.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prep the Pineapple

First, peel your pineapple, then core it and cut into ½-inch thick rings. Aim for uniform slices so they grill evenly—generally, you’ll get about 12 rings from one pineapple, but don’t stress if you have more or less.

Step 2: Whip Up the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted salted butter, lime juice, and coconut extract. You want a smooth, slightly syrupy mixture that will cling to the fruit.

Step 3: Brush and Season

Lay out your pineapple rings and generously brush both sides with the brown sugar glaze. Sprinkle each slice with a touch of flaky sea salt—don’t be shy, it really brings out the flavor.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Heat your grill to medium (about 300-350°F). Place the pineapple rings directly onto the grates. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until you see caramelized grill marks and the pineapple smells unbelievably good.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your beautiful, golden rings to a platter. Serve them warm, adding your favorite toppings like lime zest, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel. Savor immediately for the most luscious texture and taste.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Pineapple doesn’t need long on the grill—keep an eye out for those golden marks and pull them before they get mushy.
Use Ripe Fruit: The more fragrant and golden your pineapple, the sweeter and juicier the result.
Brush Generously: Get that glaze into every nook and cranny for flavor in every bite.
Salt Matters: That sprinkle of flaky sea salt might seem like a trendy addition, but it truly balances the sweetness and brightens the entire dish.
Double the Glaze: If you love extra sauce, make a little more glaze and drizzle it over the top before serving.

How to Serve

There’s so much you can do with grilled pineapple! It’s delicious all on its own, or you can take it over the top:

As Dessert: Plate rings with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a swirl of caramel sauce. The hot/cold combo is unbeatable.
Tropical Sundae Bar: Offer chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and fresh lime zest so everyone can customize their own.
With Savory Dishes: Pair alongside grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp for a sweet-savory contrast.
On Burgers or Tacos: Slide a ring onto your favorite grilled burger or fish taco for instant island vibes.
With Breakfast: Top oatmeal or pancakes the next morning for a bright start to your day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The texture will soften, but the flavor is still fantastic.

Freezing

Not recommended—grilled pineapple loses its texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or use up leftovers in smoothies.

Reheating

Pop the pineapple slices in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes or microwave gently until just warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.

FAQs

Can I make grilled pineapple without an outdoor grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet on your stovetop will still give you that gorgeous caramelization and smoky flavor. You might miss out on the literal grill marks, but the taste will be just as wonderful.
Can I use canned pineapple rings?

Fresh pineapple works best for grilling due to its firmer texture, but canned will do in a pinch. Be sure to drain and pat them dry, and handle gently since they’re more fragile.
What’s the easiest way to core a pineapple?

A pineapple corer is super handy, but a sharp knife works perfectly. Simply cut off the top and bottom, slice away the peel, and use a corer or knife to remove the tough core from each ring.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Definitely. Mix up the brown sugar, butter, lime, and coconut extract several hours ahead or even the day before. Store it in the fridge and bring to room temperature before using so it’s easy to brush on.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Pineapple recipe proves just how little effort it takes to create something jaw-droppingly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert or a lively addition to your next cookout, this dish promises to steal the show. Grab a pineapple, heat up the grill, and get ready to dazzle your taste buds—try it tonight and see how irresistible grilling fruit can be!