Easy Grilled Pineapple

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love the juicy sweetness of raw pineapple, but there’s truly something special about throwing it on a grill with a simple ‘buttery’ brown sugar and cinnamon glaze. In under 10 minutes, the grilled pineapple slices are perfectly caramelized and so delicious.

Whether using a gas, charcoal, or electric grill or grill pan on the stove, grilling pineapple is quick, simple, and low-cost. It’s also an extremely versatile summer side or dessert at BBQs, cookouts, & picnics– great with vegan ice cream (like this banana ice cream), vegan waffles, burgers, grilled tofu steaks, and more.

The Ingredients

Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients, substitutes, and quantities.

You can also make grilled canned pineapple slices, patting them dry first.

Recipe Variations

• Vanilla extract (for warm, sweet depth – perfect for dessert)
• Spice (try grilling pineapple with hot sauce, chili/cayenne pepper, or Tajin)
• Citrus (add lemon/lime juice and zest)
• Fresh herbs (mint/basil adds a fresh, herby twist)
• Coconut (sprinkle the grilled pineapple rings with toasted coconut shreds/flakes)

How to Cut Pineapple for Grilling

First, trim the top and bottom of the pineapple and stand it upright. Use a knife to peel the pineapple – cutting away strips of peel from top to bottom, about ¼-inch in. Use a small pairing knife to remove any remaining prickly ‘eyes’.

Then, use a pineapple corer and slice it, OR turn it on its side and cut ¾ -inch slices before using a knife/cookie cutter to remove the tough core.

How to Grill Pineapple

Alternatively, cut the pineapple into 8 long spears (optionally skewered).

FAQs

Pro Recipe Tips

• Cut pineapple evenly: To ensure it cooks evenly. Don’t slice it too thinly, or it can fall apart/become mushy.
• Preheat the grill: For good grill marks and quick cooking (to avoid mushiness). Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
• For the best grill marks: Whether making grilled pineapple on a stove or using an outdoor grill, leave the slices to cook untouched for perfect grill marks.
• To save waste: Instead of wasting it, try making pineapple skin tea.
• Cooking time varies: Based on pineapple thickness and preferred doneness (tender-crisp to fork-tender. Avoid overcooking, or it’ll be mushy).

What To Serve With Grilled Pineapple Slices

Grilled pineapple with cinnamon is a delicious appetizer, side dish, or dessert with:

As a side: In and alongside salads, for grilled pineapple salsa, with your favorite grilled proteins (like BBQ tempeh or grilled tofu steaks), in vegan burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and more.

As a dessert: With a scoop of vegan vanilla or coconut ice cream or some sorbet, over pancakes (like strawberry pancakes or vegan protein pancakes), vegan French toast, or vegan waffles, with vegan Greek yogurt and granola, etc.

You can also enjoy it over chia pudding (like this peanut butter chia pudding), overnight oats, vegan baked oatmeal, etc.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: In an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing grilled pineapple – it will become mushy.

Reheat: Microwave the grilled pineapple slices for 40-60 seconds until warm.