Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple is a delightful treat that transforms juicy pineapple spears into a sweet, caramelized side dish perfect for summer gatherings. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to pair with savory grilled meats or serve as a refreshing dessert. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and the natural sweetness of pineapple creates a unique flavor that will impress your guests at any barbecue or picnic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of brown sugar and cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this recipe allows you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
- Versatile Side Dish: Great alongside grilled meats or served as a light dessert, this dish fits well into various meal themes.
- Healthy Option: Pineapple is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
- Impressive Presentation: The caramelized exterior adds an appealing look that elevates your dining experience.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. Having everything ready makes preparing Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple effortless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Basting brush
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks and caramelizing the sugars.
- Basting brush: Perfect for evenly coating the pineapple with the buttery glaze.
- Mixing bowl: Keeps your ingredients together while you whisk them smoothly.
Ingredients
For the Pineapple
- 1 pineapple cut into spears
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
How to Make Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
- Lay the pineapple spears on a pan.
- Lightly sprinkle them with cinnamon.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, and remaining cinnamon.
- If the mixture seems thick, microwave it for a few seconds to help it pour easily.
Step 3: Coat the Pineapple
- Use a basting brush to spread the glaze over each pineapple spear generously.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Place the coated pineapple on the grill and cook for about 7-10 minutes or until they start turning golden brown.
- Brush any excess glaze from the pan back onto the pineapple before serving for extra flavor.
With these simple steps, you’ll create an unforgettable dish that captures the essence of summer grilling!
How to Serve Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple is a delightful treat that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with various offerings.
As a Dessert
- Serve with Ice Cream: Place warm pineapple spears over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the sweetness and richness of the grilled fruit.
With Savory Dishes
- Alongside Grilled Meats: The sweet flavor complements grilled chicken, pork, or fish perfectly.
- As a Topping for Burgers: Use grilled pineapple as an unexpected topping for burgers to add a tropical twist.
In Salads
- Tropical Salad Addition: Toss in grilled pineapple cubes with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.
- Fruit Salad Upgrade: Combine with other fresh fruits for a refreshing salad that includes both sweet and savory elements.
How to Perfect Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Getting the perfect result with grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple requires some tips. Follow these suggestions for the best outcome.
- Boldly Choose Ripe Pineapple: Select ripe pineapples for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Boldly Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cinnamon and high-quality brown sugar will enhance the taste significantly.
- Boldly Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is hot enough to caramelize the sugar without burning it.
- Boldly Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the grill; cook until golden brown but avoid overcooking.
- Boldly Brush Sauce Generously: Don’t be shy with the glaze! Brush extra sauce on during grilling for more flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
Choosing the right side dishes can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some fantastic options that pair wonderfully with grilled caramelized brown sugar pineapple.
- Coconut Rice: This dish adds a creamy texture and complements the tropical flavors of pineapple.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balances out the sweetness from the pineapple.
- Quinoa Salad: Packed with nutrients, quinoa salad adds heartiness while being light and refreshing.
- Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables grilled alongside add color and flavor contrast to your meal.
- Baked Beans: The smoky flavor of baked beans pairs well with sweet grilled fruit.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a hearty side that contrasts nicely with soft pineapple.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Using unripe pineapple: Always select a ripe pineapple for the best flavor. Look for a sweet aroma and slight give when pressed.
- Overcooking the pineapple: Keep a close eye on the grilling time. Overcooked pineapple can become mushy instead of tender and caramelized.
- Skipping the cinnamon: Cinnamon adds depth to the flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient or use too little; it enhances the overall taste significantly.
- Not brushing enough sauce: Make sure to generously brush the brown sugar glaze on each spear before grilling for an even caramelization.
- Grilling at too high heat: Medium heat is ideal for caramelizing without burning. Too high heat can lead to burnt edges and uneven cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the grilled pineapple to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Ensure all air is removed from the bag before sealing.
Reheating Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pineapple on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, being careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple.
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
While fresh pineapple is recommended, you can use canned pineapple. Just be sure to drain it well before grilling.
How do I know when the grilled pineapple is done?
Look for a golden brown color and slightly soft texture. It should be caramelized but not mushy.
What can I serve with Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple?
This dish pairs well with grilled meats, as well as vanilla ice cream or yogurt for dessert.
Can I customize the flavor of my grilled pineapple?
Absolutely! You can add other spices like nutmeg or ginger for different flavors. You might also try adding coconut flakes or lime zest.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple is an incredible side dish that adds sweetness and flair to any summer meal. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as a side or dessert, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or toppings!
Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Grilled Caramelized Brown Sugar Pineapple is a summer delight that transforms fresh pineapple into a sweet, caramelized treat. Perfect for barbecues or as a refreshing dessert, this easy recipe features juicy pineapple spears coated in a luscious glaze of brown sugar and cinnamon, creating an irresistible combination that will impress your guests. The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit while adding a beautiful charred flavor. Whether served alongside grilled meats or over a scoop of ice cream, this dish is sure to elevate any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 ripe pineapple, cut into spears
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Arrange pineapple spears on a pan and lightly sprinkle with cinnamon.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar and remaining cinnamon until well combined. If too thick, microwave briefly to thin out.
- Generously brush the glaze over each pineapple spear.
- Place the glazed pineapple on the grill and cook for 7-10 minutes until golden brown, turning occasionally and brushing with leftover glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pineapple spear (approximately 75g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Choose ripe pineapples for maximum sweetness and flavor. Feel free to customize by adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra zest. Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience or enjoy alongside grilled chicken or fish.
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