Sweet & Smoky Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon in 10 Minutes

Is there anything that says “summer” quite like the smell of caramelizing pineapple hitting a hot grill? That sweet, smoky aroma mixed with warm cinnamon is downright intoxicating. I discovered this magical combo years ago at a backyard barbecue when my aunt tossed some thick pineapple rings on the grill and dusted them with cinnamon sugar. Just five minutes later, she transformed that boring fruit platter into the star of the show. Now grilled pineapple with cinnamon is my go-to whenever we fire up the barbecue – it turns something simple into a showstopper that disappears faster than the burgers. Trust me, once you try caramelized pineapple with that hint of spice, you’ll be making room for it at every cookout.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon

This recipe is one of those rare gems that’s as easy as it is impressive. Here’s why it’ll become your new summer staple:

• It transforms three basic ingredients into something magical in under 10 minutes
• That caramelized cinnamon crust makes even grocery-store pineapple taste incredible
• Works perfectly as dessert (try it with vanilla ice cream!), a side dish, or even a cocktail garnish
• Pairs beautifully with meal delivery services – imagine this alongside their perfectly grilled proteins

Seriously, it’s the kind of fuss-free trick that makes people think you’re a grill master when you’re really just having fun.

Ingredients for Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon

You won’t believe how just four simple ingredients can create something so magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 fresh pineapple (look for one that smells sweet at the base – that’s my ripeness test!)
• 2 tbsp packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar adds incredible depth)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (I often add an extra pinch – can you tell I love spice?)
• 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter (salted works too, just skip any extra salt)

That’s it! The pineapple does most of the work here – when it’s perfectly ripe, it caramelizes beautifully on the grill. I always let mine sit on the counter for a day if it needs to sweeten up a bit more.

How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how ridiculously easy it is, yet it always impresses. The key is getting those sweet grill marks without turning your pineapple into charcoal – and I’ve got all my hard-earned tips for you right here.

1. First, get your grill nice and hot – medium heat (about 375°F) is perfect. You want those flames kissing the pineapple, not attacking it.
2. While that heats up, mix together your brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Don’t be shy with it – this is where all the magic happens.
3. Brush both sides of your pineapple slices lightly with melted butter. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives it that gorgeous caramelized finish.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over both sides of each pineapple ring. Pro tip: If you’re using skewers for smaller pieces, do this step after threading them.
5. Now the fun part – lay those beauties on the grill! Give them about 3-4 minutes per side until you see those perfect grill marks and the edges start getting crispy and golden.
6. Let them rest for a minute off the heat – trust me, that little rest makes all the difference in bringing out the flavors.

Prepping the Pineapple

How you cut your pineapple makes all the difference. I like to slice mine into 1/2-inch thick rings – thick enough to hold up on the grill but thin enough to cook through. To check ripeness, pull a leaf from the crown – if it comes out easily, you’re golden! When coring, I skip fancy tools and just use a small cookie cutter – works like a charm.

Grilling to Perfection

The secret to perfect grilled pineapple with cinnamon? Don’t fuss with it too much! Let it sear undisturbed for those first few minutes to get those beautiful caramelized edges. If you’re worried about sticking, a quick spritz of cooking spray on the grates works wonders. And remember – a little char is good, but if it’s smoking, it’s overcooking. Take it off when it’s golden with just a few darker spots for that sweet, smoky flavor we’re after.

Expert Tips for the Best Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take your grilled pineapple from good to “can I have the recipe?” good. Here are my must-know tips:

• Grill basket magic: If you’re cutting pineapple into chunks instead of rings, toss them in a grill basket. No more losing precious pieces between the grates! I use this trick when making fruit skewers for parties.
• Taste as you go: That cinnamon-sugar mixture? Start with the recipe amount, then sprinkle a test piece and taste before committing to all your slices. Some pineapples are sweeter than others – you might want an extra pinch of cinnamon!
• Balance your meal: This sweet treat pairs perfectly with keto meal delivery proteins for a light summer dinner. The natural sugars in the pineapple satisfy cravings while keeping things fresh and wholesome.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own – that’s how all the best kitchen discoveries happen!

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon

Wait till you see all the delicious ways you can serve this grilled pineapple! My absolute favorite? Still-warm slices piled high over vanilla ice cream – that contrast of hot and cold is just heavenly. But don’t stop there! It’s amazing with meats cooked in a sous-vide precision cooker (the sweetness cuts right through rich flavors) or tossed into a fresh fruit salad for some smoky depth.

And here’s a little secret – it’s one of my go-tos when I’m being mindful about my weight loss program. The natural sweetness satisfies my dessert cravings, and that cinnamon gives it such warmth you don’t feel like you’re missing out. Such an easy win for summer eating!

Nutritional Information for Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates and can vary depending on your pineapple’s size and the exact ingredients you use. For one generous slice (about 1/4 of a medium pineapple), you’re looking at:

• 90 calories
• 15g natural sugar (that pineapple sweetness is doing all the work!)
• 2g fiber to balance it out

Of course, different brands of butter or brown sugar might tweak these slightly – but honestly, when something tastes this good, who’s counting?

Common Questions About Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon

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