This easy rum-soaked grilled pineapple makes for a sweet and tropical treat! The juicy slices soak up the rum and have a lovely caramelized flavor when grilled.
I can’t resist this dish at summer barbecues! It’s such a fun way to enjoy fruit, and it pairs perfectly with ice cream. Just try not to eat them all before serving! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for the best sweetness. Look for a golden hue and a sweet aroma. If pineapple isn’t available, you can also use peaches or mangoes, which grill nicely too.
Light Rum: This adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute coconut rum for a tropical twist, or even use a bit of pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic option!
Brown Sugar: This gives the pineapple a lovely caramel-like sweetness. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses to create your own, or use honey for a different flavor profile.
Cinnamon: This is an optional ingredient but adds warmth. If you’re not a cinnamon fan, you might try nutmeg or skip it entirely. It all depends on your taste!
Vanilla Ice Cream: Feel free to use any flavor of ice cream that you like! Coconut or caramel ice creams work wonderfully too, catering to personal preferences.
How Do I Grill Pineapple Perfectly?
The key to grilling pineapple is to ensure it’s juicy and caramelized. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cut the pineapple into thick slices, about 1 inch, so they don’t fall apart on the grill.
- Let the slices soak in your rum mixture for at least 15 minutes. This helps them absorb flavors and makes them extra delicious.
- Make sure your grill is well-preheated. Medium heat is perfect for grilling without burning.
- Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for nice grill marks and a bit of caramelization; that’s when they’re ready!
Enjoy your grilling! It’s simple yet incredibly tasty, and the combination of warm pineapple and cold ice cream is delightful!
How to Make Easy Rum-soaked Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 1/2 cup light rum
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For Serving:
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 10-15 minutes to grill. You’ll also want to give the pineapple a soak for 15-30 minutes to really soak up those tasty flavors. In total, you can expect this refreshing treat to be ready in about 30-45 minutes. Perfect for a sunny day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by turning your grill on to medium heat. This will get it nice and warm so your pineapple can grill to perfection!
2. Slice the Pineapple:
Carefully cut the ripe pineapple into thick slices, around 1 inch thick. The thicker slices will hold up better on the grill and be super juicy!
3. Prepare the Soaking Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the light rum, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon if you decided to use it. Stir well until the sugar is mostly dissolved, and the mixture is nicely blended.
4. Soak the Pineapple:
Place the pineapple slices into the bowl with the rum mixture. Make sure they are well-coated and let them soak for about 15-30 minutes. This step is key for infusing all those delicious flavors into the fruit!
5. Grill the Pineapple:
Once your grill is hot and the pineapple has soaked, carefully place the slices directly on the grill grates. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes, until grill marks appear and the pineapple looks beautifully caramelized.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once grilled to perfection, remove the pineapple from the grill and place the slices on serving plates. Top each warm slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and don’t be shy with the caramel sauce drizzled on top. Enjoy your sweet and fruity treat!
Can I Use a Different Type of Rum?
Absolutely! You can substitute with dark rum for a richer flavor, or even a flavored rum like coconut or spiced rum for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that adjusting the type of rum may slightly alter the taste profile of the dish.
How Long Can I Soak the Pineapple?
While 15-30 minutes is ideal for flavor absorption, you can soak the pineapple for up to 1 hour if you want a more intense flavor. Just be cautious not to leave it too long, as the acid in the rum can start to break down the pineapple and make it mushy.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the pineapple slices in a grill pan on the stove over medium heat or even under a broiler in the oven. Just keep an eye on them and turn occasionally to achieve a nice caramelization!
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat it quickly on the grill or a skillet to restore some of that grilled flavor before serving again!
