Grilled Pineapple Recipe | How To Grill Pineapple

PUBLISHED August 18, 2025· MODIFIED August 18, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1254 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you love the natural sweetness of pineapple with a hint of smoky char, you’re going to adore this Grilled Pineapple recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve caramelized, juicy slices perfect as a snack, side dish, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Fantastic Fruit

Sweet & Smoky. Grilling brings out the natural sugars in pineapple, giving each bite a caramelized, smoky flavor.
Quick. Ready in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for summer cookouts or last-minute desserts.
Versatile. Serve as a dessert with ice cream, a side for grilled meats, or a tropical topping for salads and bowls.
Healthy. Low in calories and full of vitamin C, pineapple adds a fresh, fruity punch to any meal.

With the simplicity of a grill, you can transform fresh pineapple into a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or craving a sweet snack, these grilled pineapple slices are a guaranteed hit.

What Does Grilled Pineapple Taste Like?

Grilled pineapple is naturally sweet, juicy, and slightly tangy, with a caramelized exterior that enhances its tropical flavor. The smoky grill marks add a depth that pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory dishes.

The balance of natural sugars, slight acidity, and charred smokiness makes grilled pineapple a universally loved treat, whether eaten on its own or paired with other foods.

Is It Healthy?

The health factor of grilled pineapple depends on preparation. Lightly brushing with a small amount of cooking oil is fine, but heavy use of brown sugar, honey, or syrups adds extra calories and sugar.

Grilled pineapple can also be a nutritious alternative to sugary desserts, offering natural sweetness with fiber and essential nutrients. In moderation, it’s a refreshing and guilt-free addition to your meals or snacks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh Pineapple– This is the star of the dish. A ripe pineapple ensures maximum natural sweetness and juiciness, which caramelizes beautifully when grilled, giving that signature smoky-sweet flavor.
Brown Sugar or Honey– These are optional but highly effective for enhancing caramelization. The sugars in brown sugar or honey intensify the sweetness, create a lightly crisp, golden-brown surface, and add depth to the natural pineapple flavor.
Lime Juice– Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the pineapple’s sweetness. The acidity balances the caramelized sugars, prevents the fruit from tasting overly sweet, and enhances the tropical flavor profile.
Cinnamon or Chili Powder– Cinnamon adds warmth and a cozy spice that complements the pineapple’s sweetness, making it more dessert-like. Chili powder adds a subtle kick, creating a sweet-and-spicy flavor for a unique twist.
Cooking Oil– Used to lightly coat the grill grates or the pineapple slices. This prevents sticking, ensures even grill marks, and helps the fruit cook without tearing or losing shape.

How To Make Grilled Pineapple

Prepare the Pineapple. Peel, core, and slice the pineapple into ½-inch thick rings or spears. If desired, brush lightly with lime juice and sprinkle a little brown sugar or honey for extra caramelization.
Preheat the Grill. Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grill the Pineapple. Place the pineapple slices directly on the grill. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until you see nice char marks and the fruit is tender. Flip carefully to avoid breaking the slices.
Add Optional Flavorings. Sprinkle cinnamon or chili powder over the pineapple while it’s still warm for a unique twist on flavor.
Serve. Transfer the grilled pineapple to a platter and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own, with ice cream, or as a topping for grilled meats or salads.

Tips And Tricks

Grilling pineapple is simple, but a few tips can help you achieve the best result:

Use a Sharp Knife – Properly peel and core the pineapple to avoid waste and get uniform slices.
Don’t Overcrowd. Leave space between slices on the grill to ensure even cooking and perfect char marks.
Watch Closely. Pineapple caramelizes quickly; remove it promptly to prevent burning.
Experiment with Flavors. Try sprinkling smoked paprika, nutmeg, or a drizzle of coconut rum for a tropical twist.

Variations

Grilled pineapple is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit sweet, savory, or spicy flavor profiles. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Cinnamon-Sugar– Sprinkle pineapple slices with a mix of cinnamon and sugar before grilling for a warm, dessert-like flavor.
Spicy Chili-Lime– Toss pineapple with chili powder and a squeeze of lime juice for a sweet-and-spicy tropical treat.
Rum or Bourbon– Marinate pineapple in a splash of rum or bourbon before grilling for a boozy, caramelized flavor perfect for summer parties.

What To Eat With Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is a sweet and tangy treat that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. Here’s a list of ideas for what to eat with it:

Grilled Meats– Perfect with grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp for a tropical BBQ vibe.
Ice Cream or Yogurt– Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a simple dessert.
Salads & Bowls– Chop and toss into green salads, grain bowls, or fruit salads.
Tacos & Sandwiches– Add sweetness to spicy tacos or pulled pork sandwiches.

How Long Does It Last?

Grilled pineapple can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. It retains its flavor and can be reheated briefly on the grill or in a skillet for warm servings.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze grilled pineapple, and it’s a great way to preserve its sweet, smoky flavor for later use.

Start by allowing the pineapple slices or chunks to cool completely after grilling. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen solid, transfer the pieces to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container.

Properly stored, grilled pineapple can last in the freezer for up to 3 months without a significant loss of flavor or texture.

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