Name: Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices (about 10 slices); 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of kosher salt; Vanilla ice cream for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

I absolutely love how simple yet indulgently delicious this Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Recipe is. Juicy, caramelized pineapple slices kissed by warm cinnamon and sweet brown sugar create a flavor explosion that feels both tropical and comforting at the same time. I find it’s the perfect treat when I want something fresh but with just the right amount of indulgence, especially because you can enjoy it straight from the grill or paired beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This recipe always brings a little sunshine to my table, and I can’t wait for you to try it and feel the same joy.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Recipe

What really draws me to this grilled pineapple recipe is the incredible balance of flavors. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of fresh pineapple comes alive when grilled, developing those gorgeous caramelized edges. Adding brown sugar and cinnamon deepens this flavor profile with warm, cozy notes that remind me of my favorite desserts. The honey melts into the mixture, tying everything together with a smooth sweetness that’s never overpowering.

Beyond the fantastic taste, I truly appreciate how easy this recipe is to prepare. It comes together quickly, requiring just a handful of accessible ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether I’m firing up an outdoor grill or using a grill pan inside, the cooking process is straightforward and satisfying. It’s perfect for summer BBQs, casual dinners, or even holiday sides when you want to surprise guests with something unexpected yet familiar. This recipe stands out because it transforms simple pineapple into a dish that’s both elegant and approachable, making it a regular favorite in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a stack of six thick, round slices of bright yellow pineapple arranged neatly in the center on a white marbled surface. To the right of the stack are two more pineapple slices lying flat, and to the left side is part of a pineapple with green spiky leaves and brown textured skin resting horizontally. The lighting highlights the juicy, slightly porous texture of the pineapple flesh, making the yellow color look fresh and vibrant. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All you need are a handful of simple ingredients that pack a big flavor punch. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and richness that defines this recipe.

1 pineapple, peeled and sliced: Fresh pineapple is essential for that juicy, tropical base with natural sweetness and acidity.
4 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and helps create a lovely caramelized glaze on the grill.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness that perfectly complements the pineapple’s tartness.
2 tablespoons honey: Provides extra smooth, floral sweetness and helps with caramelization.
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes that elevate the overall flavor and aroma.
Pinch of kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness and bringing out pineapple’s natural brightness.
Vanilla ice cream (optional): A creamy, cold contrast for serving, making this treat feel like dessert perfection.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth glaze that’s ready for basting.

Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for around 400 degrees. If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stove works beautifully. Lightly grease the grill grates or pan with non-stick spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Arrange the pineapple slices on the hot grill. Let them cook for about 2 minutes without moving them so you get those gorgeous grill marks and caramelization starting.

Step 4: Flip the pineapple slices, then generously baste them with the brown sugar and butter glaze. Continue grilling for another 2 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and caramelize on the fruit.

Step 5: Remove the pineapple from the heat and immediately baste with more glaze to coat the slices in that irresistible sticky sweetness. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of the glaze for maximum indulgence.

Servings and Timing

This Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Recipe makes about 5 servings, which is perfect for sharing at a small dinner or gathering. Prep time is just around 10 minutes to slice your pineapple and prepare the glaze. Cooking on the grill takes roughly 4 to 5 minutes total, depending on your heat, and there’s no additional resting time needed. Overall, you’ll have this delicious dish ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal quick yet impressive recipe.

How to Serve This Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Recipe

The image shows a stack of three grilled pineapple rings with golden brown grill marks and a shiny glaze on top. The pineapple rings have a juicy, slightly caramelized look. Around the stack, there are fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries resting on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is about to reach for the stack from the side. The colors are bright and fresh, with the yellow of the pineapple contrasting with the red and blue berries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this pineapple warm right off the grill, because the caramelized glaze is at its most luscious and you get that wonderful contrast when you add a scoop of ice cream. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or pork, adding a sweet tropical twist that brightens the whole meal. If I’m going vegetarian, I enjoy it with a scoop of coconut yogurt or alongside fresh greens for a unique salad component.

For a special presentation, I like to drizzle a bit more of the buttery glaze over the top and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon before serving. Garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of toasted coconut flakes brings another layer of texture and color that really makes the dish pop on the plate. It’s a refreshing and vibrant side dish that instantly elevates any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive holiday spreads.

When it comes to beverages, I often reach for a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling rosé, which beautifully balance the pineapple’s sweetness. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water infused with lime or a homemade iced hibiscus tea complement the flavors so well. No matter the occasion, serve this dish warm for the best flavor experience, but it’s also lovely at room temperature if you need to prepare things ahead of time.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting by swapping out ingredients or tweaking the cooking method to keep this recipe fresh and interesting. For example, if you want to add some heat, a pinch of cayenne or chili powder mixed into the glaze makes a fun spicy-sweet combo. You could also swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar to give the recipe a slightly different caramel profile and add natural sugars that feel a bit lighter.

If you need this dish to be vegan, simply replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. The other ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for special diets without sacrificing flavor. Another twist is to grill thick pineapple chunks on skewers, which not only looks playful but makes them easy to eat as finger food at parties.

For a different cooking technique, I’ve also baked the pineapple slices in a hot oven under the broiler for about 5 minutes on each side, basting with the glaze as they cook to develop caramelization. This is a great option if outdoor grilling isn’t feasible, and it still delivers that wonderful grilled pineapple flavor and sticky sweetness.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the grilled pineapple slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. I recommend separating any glaze or ice cream toppings to keep the pineapple from becoming soggy. When you want to enjoy them again, simply reheat thoughtfully to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

While pineapple itself freezes well, I don’t usually freeze this grilled pineapple with its glaze because the texture tends to soften considerably after thawing. If you want to prepare ahead, I suggest freezing plain pineapple slices without the glaze, then grilling and glazing them fresh at serving time. This way, you preserve the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover grilled pineapple is gently on a grill pan or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly caramelized again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pineapple mushy and dry out the glaze. Adding a small brush of extra glaze or a drizzle of honey during reheating helps revive that fresh-from-the-grill flavor.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for this recipe?

I recommend using fresh pineapple for the best texture and flavor. Canned pineapple is typically softer and holds extra liquid, which can make grilling messy and less flavorful. Fresh slices caramelize beautifully and have that perfect firmness that works perfectly in this recipe.

Is it necessary to baste the pineapple while grilling?

Yes, basting the pineapple with the brown sugar and butter glaze during grilling is key for developing that rich caramelized coating. It also keeps the pineapple moist and enhances the flavor with every flip. Skipping this step will result in a less flavorful and drier outcome.

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Absolutely! The glaze can be mixed ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before grilling so it’s easy to brush and baste. This makes the entire grilling process quicker and more relaxed, especially for entertaining.

What can I serve this grilled pineapple with to make it a full meal?

I love pairing it with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even fish for a tropical twist on dinner. You can also add a side of coconut rice or a fresh quinoa salad to round out the plate. For a vegetarian option, serve it atop a bed of mixed greens or with roasted sweet potatoes for a colorful meal.

Is this recipe suitable for entertaining guests?

Definitely! This Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Recipe is both impressive and easy, which is a winning combo when you have guests. It works well as a dessert, a side, or even a fun appetizer depending on how you plate it. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings bright, bold flavors to your table without requiring a lot of fuss.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Recipe a try because it’s one of those simple pleasures that feels luxurious without any complicated steps. It brings warmth, sweetness, and a hint of spice to fresh pineapple in a way that’s unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, a festive gathering, or just to spoil yourself, this recipe always hits the spot for me, and I’m confident it will do the same for you.