This grilled pineapple dish is a tropical treat! The sweet and juicy fruit gets a lovely caramelized flavor from a brown sugar rum glaze that’s simply irresistible.
Grilling pineapple brings out its natural sweetness, and the glaze adds a special twist. I can’t help but sneak a piece when I’m cooking. It’s like a mini vacation on my plate! 🌴
It’s super easy to make, just slice, brush on the glaze, and grill. Serve it as a dessert or alongside your favorite BBQ dishes—it’s always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: A ripe pineapple is crucial for this dish. Look for one with a sweet aroma and slightly soft skin. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple rings can work—just drain them well before grilling.
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich sweetness. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with regular white sugar mixed with a little molasses. Honey or maple syrup can also be great alternatives, but you might need to adjust the amount for sweetness.
Dark Rum: The rum enhances the flavor of the glaze. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, swap it with pineapple juice or coconut water for that tropical flair. Just remember to adjust the sweetness accordingly!
Vanilla Extract: This brings a warm, sweet note. If you’re out, you can use almond extract, but use it sparingly as it’s stronger in flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice. You could substitute it with nutmeg for a different flavor, but keep it light as nutmeg can be quite potent.
How Do I Get Perfect Grill Marks on My Pineapple?
Grilling can be tricky, but getting those beautiful grill marks is all about the technique! Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Start with a clean, preheated grill. Ensure it’s at medium-high heat before adding the pineapple rings.
- When you place the rings on the grill, leave them undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. This allows them to caramelize and develop those char marks.
- To achieve crosshatch grill marks, rotate the rings 90 degrees halfway through the cooking time.
- Always brush your glaze on after grilling to avoid burning the sugar in the glaze on the grill.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have beautifully grilled pineapple every time! Enjoy it warm with ice cream for a delightful treat.
How to Make The Best Grilled Pineapple With Brown Sugar Rum Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Ice cream (for serving)
- Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 10 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes for grilling. In total, you’ll spend around 18 minutes to make this sweet and smoky treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to get those beautiful grill marks on your pineapple and ensures even cooking.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, dark rum, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and a smooth glaze forms. This adds a delicious, sweet flavor to the pineapple!
3. Brush the Pineapple:
Take each pineapple ring and brush it generously with the glaze you just made, but make sure to reserve some of the glaze for later. This will help caramelize the pineapple as it grills.
4. Grill the Pineapple:
Place the glazed pineapple rings on the hot grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for nice grill marks and a slight caramelization on the surface!
5. Drizzle the Remaining Glaze:
Once the pineapple is grilled, carefully remove it from the grill and drizzle the reserved glaze over the top to add even more flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm grilled pineapple with a scoop of ice cream on the side. If you want to make it extra special, garnish with fresh mint leaves. Enjoy this tropical delight!
Can I Use Fresh Coconut Sugar Instead of Brown Sugar?
Absolutely! Coconut sugar is a great substitute for brown sugar and will give a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. Just keep in mind that coconut sugar may not dissolve as easily, so you might want to warm it slightly with the rum before mixing for a smoother glaze.
What If I Don’t Have Dark Rum?
No problem! You can substitute dark rum with light rum or even rum extract for a non-alcoholic option. If using rum extract, use about 1 teaspoon and reduce the amount of sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
Can I Prepare the Glaze in Advance?
Yes, you can! Whip up the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir or reheat it slightly before using, as it might thicken when chilled.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re great cold or warmed up again on the grill or in a pan. Just reheat gently to preserve their texture!
