Grilled pineapple is a simple, delicious way to highlight the tropical sweetness of fresh fruit. Cooking pineapple on a hot grill caramelizes its natural sugars, deepens the flavor, and adds attractive grill marks. Serve it as a light dessert, a sweet contrast on savory plates, or a refreshing snack at barbecues and summer gatherings.
This recipe features pineapple marinated in honey and butter for a quick, crowd-pleasing summer dessert. It’s light, refreshing, and a great finish after a heavy barbecue. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped topping, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for bright contrast.
When do you fire up the grill for the season? Some people grill year-round, but many wait until spring when the weather consistently warms up. If you live where winters are harsh, like Fargo, ND, grilling feels best once temperatures climb above freezing and outdoor cooking is comfortable.
If you enjoy grilled fruit and simple BBQ sides, try other favorites such as Grilled Corn on the Cob with Husks, Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs, Grilled Top Sirloin Steak, or Bacon, Pineapple and Chicken Kabobs — all easy to combine into a summer menu.
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh pineapple — ideally peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch rings. Fresh fruit gives the best texture and flavor, but canned pineapple rings can be used in a pinch; handle them gently on the grill.
- Honey — use pure honey for the cleanest, sweetest flavor to help the pineapple caramelize.
- Butter — melted butter helps the marinade cling and adds richness. Light butter or regular butter both work.
- See the instructions section for suggested quantities and full method.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple
Step 1: Slice the pineapple into 1/4-inch rings. Trim the top and bottom, remove the skin, then core and cut into even rings. You can remove the core before or after cutting into rings depending on preference.
Step 2: Place the pineapple rings in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Add honey, melted butter and a pinch of salt. Seal or cover and shake or toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes; for deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight.
Step 3: Preheat the grill to high heat and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the pineapple 2–3 minutes per side, or until warmed through and grill marks appear. Watch closely: the sugars in the marinade can char quickly if left too long.
Note: Juices and sugars from the pineapple glaze can stick and burn on the grill. Keep a close eye and move pieces if flare-ups occur.
Finish each ring with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped topping, a drizzle of additional honey, or a garnish of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a contrasting flavor.
What to Serve with Grilled Pineapple
Grilled pineapple pairs beautifully with grilled seafood or simply as a dessert after a warm-weather meal. Try serving with vanilla ice cream, whipped topping, or alongside a fresh fruit salsa. It also complements savory mains such as grilled chicken or pork — the sweet acidity cuts rich flavors nicely.
Other Marinades for Grilled Pineapple
- Maple syrup and bourbon — for a deep, smoky-sweet glaze
- Cinnamon and brown sugar — warm and aromatic
- Rum and brown sugar — a boozy, caramel-style finish
Recipe FAQs
Why is grilled pineapple so sweet?
When pineapple is heated, its natural sugars begin to caramelize. That caramelization enhances sweetness and creates richer flavor notes, making grilled pineapple taste sweeter than raw fruit.
How do you cut a pineapple for grilling?
Cut off the top and bottom, slice away the skin, then cut the fruit into rings or wedges. Use a corer or a small knife to remove the tough central core if you prefer softer pieces for eating.
Do you have to core the pineapple before grilling?
Coring is optional. The core is firmer and can be eaten around, but removing it makes each piece easier to bite and more tender after grilling.
Other Grilled Recipes
- Jersey Mike’s Chicken Salad
- Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners
- Air Fryer Cookie Dough
- Crock Pot Swamp Potatoes
Description
Grilled pineapple is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert and versatile side. Its caramelized exterior, vibrant acidity, and natural sweetness make it an ideal complement to smoky grilled proteins or a light finish to a heavy meal. This honey-and-butter version is fast to prepare and suitable for both weeknight grilling and summer entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple — peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch rings
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Trim, peel and slice the pineapple into 1/4-inch rings.
- Combine pineapple with honey and melted butter in a resealable bag or bowl. Toss to coat and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for stronger flavor.
- Preheat a grill to high heat and oil the grate lightly.
- Grill pineapple 2–3 minutes per side, watching for caramelization and flare-ups.
- Serve warm, topped with ice cream, whipped topping, or a fresh herb garnish.
- Recommended serving: one grilled pineapple ring with 1/2 cup whipped topping or one scoop of ice cream.
Notes
MyWW points: Blue 3; Green 3; Purple 3 (if tracking points). Remember that the sugary marinade can char quickly on a hot grill — monitor closely and reduce heat or move fruit if it starts to burn.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pineapple slice
- Calories: 141
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g