Grilled Honey Pineapple is one of those magical dishes that always wins over a crowd—and, honestly, it wins over me every single time. Imagine juicy, caramelized pineapple rings, smoky from the grill, coated in a glossy honey glaze that gets just a little sticky and golden. It’s summer in every sensational bite, and it instantly elevates any cookout or backyard get-together. Whether you’re serving it with ice cream, yogurt, or all by itself, this recipe is sweet, tangy, and irresistible in every way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is refreshingly simple, but don’t let that fool you—each one plays a huge role in bringing out the best in this recipe. From the tropical tang of pineapple to the richness of honey and the kiss of spice, each addition makes Grilled Honey Pineapple truly shine.
- Pineapple: Choose a ripe, fragrant pineapple for maximum juiciness and sweetness, and slice it into rings or spears depending on your preference.
- Honey: This is the star of the glaze, creating that gorgeous, sticky finish and enhancing the natural sugars in the fruit.
- Brown Sugar: A sprinkle helps to deepen the caramelization and adds a hint of molasses flavor.
- Cinnamon: Just a touch brings warmth and a cozy aroma to the finished pineapple.
- Butter: Melting a little butter into the glaze gives extra richness and shine to every bite.
- Fresh Lime Juice (optional): A squeeze at the end balances the sweetness with bright, citrusy zip.
- Salt (optional): A tiny pinch intensifies the sweet, tangy flavors and rounds everything out.
How to Make Grilled Honey Pineapple
Step 1: Prep the Pineapple
Start by cutting off the top and bottom of your pineapple, then slice away the skin and remove the eyes. Cut your pineapple into thick rings or sturdy spears—both work great for grilling. Pat the pineapple dry with paper towels to ensure it grills, instead of steams.
Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then stir in the honey and brown sugar. Add the cinnamon and a pinch of salt if you like. Heat the mixture just until everything is melted and combined, then set it aside. The glaze should be smooth, glossy, and irresistible.
Step 3: Heat the Grill
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates well. The goal is to get nice char marks without sticking, so don’t skip this step. If you’re grilling indoors, a grill pan works beautifully, too.
Step 4: Brush and Grill
Brush each slice or spear of pineapple generously with the honey glaze and place them on the hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with more glaze as you flip. The pineapple should be deeply caramelized, with those lovely dark grill marks and shimmering glaze all over.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the pineapple is caramelized and lightly charred, remove it from the grill and drizzle with any remaining glaze. Squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the top for added zing, and get ready to dig in while it’s still warm and sticky!
How to Serve Grilled Honey Pineapple
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh mint or basil makes a bright and beautiful contrast to the sweet, caramelized fruit. For a more decadent finish, you can dust the warm pineapple with a little extra cinnamon or even a pinch of chili powder if you like a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
Pair Grilled Honey Pineapple with vanilla ice cream, creamy coconut yogurt, or a cool scoop of lime sorbet. It’s also a fantastic addition to grilled meats or tropical-inspired salads, adding a burst of sweetness and flavor that brings the whole meal together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopping dessert, stack the grilled rings with a layer of whipped cream or mascarpone in between. Or dice the pineapple and serve it as a warm salsa over grilled chicken or shrimp. You can even thread cubes onto skewers with strawberries and bananas for a playful, kabob-style treat. Grilled Honey Pineapple has endless possibilities!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is a big “if” because these tend to disappear fast), store the cooled Grilled Honey Pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay sweet, juicy, and flavorful for up to 4 days.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooled pineapple slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Grilled Honey Pineapple can be kept this way for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving or reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the pineapple briefly on a grill or grill pan over medium heat until just warmed through. You can also warm it in the microwave in short bursts, but the grill revives those lovely caramelized edges and signature smoky flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple rings if fresh isn’t available! Drain them well and pat dry before grilling. While fresh pineapple delivers the most vibrant flavor and texture, canned is a convenient, tasty alternative for making Grilled Honey Pineapple any time of year.
What kind of honey works best?
Any good-quality honey will work, but I love using a mild, floral variety like clover or orange blossom. Stronger honeys may overwhelm the pineapple’s delicate sweetness, so opt for something light and gentle.
How do I know when the pineapple is perfectly grilled?
Look for pronounced, dark grill marks and a glistening, caramelized glaze. The pineapple should soften slightly and release a delicious aroma. Just a couple of minutes per side is usually perfect—don’t walk away!
Can I make Grilled Honey Pineapple indoors?
Absolutely! Use a stovetop grill pan or even a well-oiled cast iron skillet for lovely caramelization. You’ll still achieve that mouthwatering color and flavor, even if you’re not grilling outside.
What can I do with leftover honey glaze?
If you have any extra glaze, drizzle it over yogurt, oatmeal, or toast the next morning. You can even swirl it into your iced tea or lemonade for a tropical hint—waste not, want not!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Grilled Honey Pineapple before, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s outrageously delicious, totally simple, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a go at your next gathering and watch everyone fall in love at first bite!
Print
Grilled Honey Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Honey Pineapple recipe is a deliciously sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for summer BBQs or as a simple dessert. The caramelized honey adds a rich flavor to the juicy pineapple slices, making it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and cored
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut the pineapple: Slice the pineapple into rings or wedges, depending on your preference.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, olive oil, cinnamon, and salt.
- Grill the pineapple: Brush the pineapple slices with the honey glaze and place them on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
- Serve: Remove the grilled pineapple from the heat and serve warm. Enjoy as is or with a scoop of ice cream!
Notes
Notes:
- Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- You can customize the glaze by adding a splash of rum or a sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of grilled pineapple
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *