How to Grill Pineapple Perfectly: Sweet, Caramelized Slices Every Time

This caramelized grilled pineapple is incredibly simple and bursting with sweet, smoky flavor. Coated in brown sugar and seared briefly on a hot grill, it takes just minutes to transform fresh pineapple into a caramelized treat that works equally well as a side or a light dessert.

I love pineapple in all its forms, but grilled pineapple is a favorite for its simplicity and concentrated sweetness. This recipe uses only two ingredients and requires about 10 minutes of active time plus a short resting period. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, quick weeknight dinners, or a light, satisfying dessert.

The brown sugar caramelizes on the surface as the fruit chars, producing a sticky, flavorful glaze. Serve the pineapple warm beside grilled meats, over ice cream, or as a bright component in salads and salsas.

Why You’ll Love Grilled Pineapple

• This recipe is incredibly versatile — use the grilled fruit on burgers, with pork or chicken, in salsas, or over ice cream.
• Only two ingredients are needed: fresh pineapple and brown sugar.
• It’s fast and easy — anyone can make it with minimal prep and simple grilling steps.

Ingredients for Grilled Pineapple

Simple ingredients create big flavor. For this recipe you will need:

• 1 ripe pineapple — choose a sweet, fragrant fruit for the best results. A sharp knife makes cutting easier.
• ¼ cup brown sugar — the brown sugar adds warm sweetness and caramelizes on the grill for a golden glaze.

How to Cut Pineapple

Trim and slice the pineapple before coating and grilling:

1. Trim off the top and bottom, then stand the pineapple upright and slice away the skin with the knife held parallel to the fruit.
2. Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise and remove the core from each half.
3. Slice into 1/2″ rounds or into wedges or spears, depending on your preference.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple

1. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates. Preheat the grill to 350–400°F (175–200°C).
2. Remove the rind and core from the pineapple and slice into ½” rounds or your preferred shape.
3. Place the pineapple pieces in a resealable bag or bowl. Sprinkle with the brown sugar and toss to coat. Let rest 10 minutes to allow the sugar to cling.
4. Place the pineapple on the hot grill. Grill each side 2–3 minutes until caramelized, rotating the pieces for even grill marks. Brush any remaining sugar from the bag over the fruit while grilling.
5. Alternatively, use a grill pan on the stovetop if you prefer to cook indoors.
6. Serve immediately while warm.

Variations

• Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the brown sugar for warm spice notes.
• Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different natural sweetener.
• For an adult twist, soak slices briefly in rum before grilling and serve over ice cream.
• Try a sprinkle of chili powder or Tajín after grilling for a spicy-sweet contrast.

How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple

Let the grilled pineapple cool, then transfer to an airtight container.

Fridge: Store for up to 4 days. Enjoy cold or reheat gently.

Freezer: Layer pieces between parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for several months. Thaw before serving.

Fresh or Canned Pineapple?

Fresh pineapple offers the best texture and flavor when grilled. If fresh ripe pineapple is unavailable, canned or thawed frozen pineapple can be used in a pinch.

What to Serve with Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple pairs beautifully with grilled pork, chicken, or seafood and makes a bright topping for burgers and tacos. It’s also delicious diced into salsas or served over vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.

For a savory pairing, try it with pork chops, teriyaki chicken, or grilled skewers. For sweeter options, combine it with strawberries, jalapeño, and red onion for a colorful salsa, or serve with grilled bread or baked potatoes for a summer plate.

Fresh pineapple becomes even more irresistible when caramelized on the grill. This easy two-ingredient recipe is a fast way to add sweet, smoky fruit to your next meal.

More Fun Grilling Recipes!

• Campfire cones — a fun sweet treat cooked over coals or on the grill.
• Stuffed bacon cheeseburgers — a hearty weekend favorite.
• Grilled foil packet potatoes — an easy and reliable side dish.
• Chicken fajita kabobs — a flavorful option for taco night or a crowd-pleasing dinner.

How to Grill Pineapple

This pineapple is coated in brown sugar and grilled until caramelized. It’s a quick two-ingredient recipe perfect as a side or a light dessert.

Prep:10 mins

Cook:10 mins

Resting Time:10 mins

Total:30 mins

8

Ingredients

• 1 pineapple
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Instructions

• Clean and oil grill grates. Preheat grill to 350–400°F.
• Remove rind and core, then slice pineapple into ½” rounds or your preferred shape.
• Place pineapple in a resealable bag or container, sprinkle with brown sugar, and mix until coated. Let rest 10 minutes.
• Place pineapple on the grill, brush any remaining sugar over the pieces, and grill each side 2–3 minutes until caramelized.

Tips

How to Cut Pineapple

• Trim the ends, peel the skin, cut in half lengthwise, remove the core, then slice as desired.

Variations

• Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the brown sugar for a warm spice note.
• Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.
• Soak slices in rum briefly before grilling for an indulgent dessert topping.
• Finish with a dusting of chili powder or Tajín for a spicy-sweet kick.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 84kcal (4%), Carbohydrates: 22g (7%), Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 133mg (4%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 18g (20%), Vitamin A: 65IU (1%), Vitamin C: 54mg (65%)

© Gimme Some Grilling ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information here is calculated and may vary. For a precise count, run the ingredients through your preferred nutrition calculator.