Juicy Grilled Pineapple Slices is the easiest summer dessert and it might also be the tastiest! Serve it as-is or fancy it up with a scoop of ice cream and some caramel.
Everything about this grilled pineapple recipe gives me heart eyes. The warm, caramelized, slightly charred pineapple is crave-worthy, the process of making it is EASY, and it’s healthy to boot. You don’t have to add any sugar to it or anything—although some ice cream or Homemade Whipped Cream on top is never a bad idea!
Why Grilled Pineapple Will Be Your Go-To Dessert This Summer
Popsicles? Pssh! SO last year. This is the summer of grilled pineapple. Here’s why you’re going to love this recipe!
- Stealthily healthy. The sugars in the pineapple caramelize on the grill, which makes every bite sweet and luscious, but this is a wholesome dessert made with just fruit and a little bit of oil!
- Easy prep. Cut the pineapple. DONE! This is exactly the kind of effortless dessert you need in the summer.
- Super versatile. Grilled pineapple is not only great as a dessert, but it can also be used in savory dishes. I share a bunch of ideas later in this post!
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of everything you’ll need to make perfect grilled pineapple at home. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Pineapple – A whole pineapple! If you want to streamline the prep, you can buy one that’s already peeled, but do use fresh, not frozen and especially not canned.
- Oil – Just a bit to keep the pineapple from sticking to the grill grates.
- Optional toppings – Coconut or vanilla ice cream, caramel, toasted coconut flakes, mint, Spiced Candied Nuts, etc.
How to Grill Pineapple
Grilling pineapple is quick and easy and the result is a TREAT. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
- Prepare. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple, stand it upright and slice off the rind, removing all the brown spots as best as you can. Lay the pineapple on its side and slice it into 1/2″ rounds, then cut out the cores of each round with a paring knife.
- Oil the grill. Clean the grill grates, then grease them with coconut or avocado oil.
- Grill the pineapple. Place the slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until you get nice grill marks and some charring and caramelization.
- Serve. Remove from the grill and eat the pineapple as-is or go ahead and add that ice cream!
Tips and Variations
This recipe is easy, but here are some additional tips to make sure your grilled pineapple turns out perfect.
- Jazz it up. Some people like to brush a brown butter sauce on pineapple when grilling. You can also soak the pineapple slices in rum and make a sort of pineapple foster, or add some coconut sugar on top for extra sweetness. Try sprinkling some Tajin on top too!
- Clean and oil the grill grates. To prevent your pineapple from sticking to the grill, make sure to clean and oil the grates before placing the slices on them. This will also help create those beautiful grill marks.
- Make skewers. You can grill chunks of pineapple instead of slices by threading it onto metal (or soaked wood) skewers. This makes it easier for kids to eat!
Serving Suggestions
So many options! We’ve already gone over the ice cream option, but you can serve the pineapple slices with pound cake, go savory and add them to Salmon Tacos or Zesty Chimichurri Burgers, or even make a grilled Pineapple Salsa.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Grilled pineapple can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: To freeze grilled pineapple, transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Warm up leftovers in the microwave, in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, or throw it back on the grill.
More Pineapple Recipes
Grilled Pineapple
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy Grilled Pineapple is the easiest summer dessert and also the tastiest! Serve it as-is or fancy it up with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 whole pineapple
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat, approximately 375-400°F.
- Lay the whole pineapple on its side. Cut the top leavy part off and the bottom stem part off.
- Place the pineapple upright on your cutting board, so the bottom touches the cutting board. Carefully and slowly, using your knife, slice the rind off the pineapple. Try to get every bit of brown dot you can, without removing too much of the flesh.
- Now place the pineapple on it’s side again. Carefully slice the pineapple into 1/2″ circles.
- Lay the circle flat on the cutting board. Using a pairing knife, cut a circle around the core. Make sure the cuts go all the way through, then pop the circle out.
- Repeat the process with each circle until you have all your ring slices.
- Clean grates with a grill brush and rub grill grates with oil. (coconut or avocado oil)
- Place pineapple slices on grill and cook each side for 2-3 minutes, until you have grill marks and the pineapple is slightly charred.
- Remove from grill and serve.
Optional Dessert:
- Add 2 slices of grilled pineapple, 1 scoop of coconut ice cream and drizzle with caramel. (Optional: garnish with toasted coconut flakes and mint)
