Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

Pineapple lovers, get ready for a treat! Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple is an irresistible side dish that adds a sweet and smoky twist to your meals. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or even just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe will surely impress. The combination of buttery brown sugar and cinnamon creates a delightful glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, making each bite a burst of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can create an impressive dish without much hassle.
• Flavor-packed: The rich combination of brown sugar and cinnamon elevates the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
• Versatile side: Perfect alongside grilled meats or served as a dessert with ice cream, it fits any occasion.
• Healthy treat: Pineapple is loaded with vitamins and can be enjoyed guilt-free!
• Grill-friendly: Made specifically for the grill, this dish brings that smoky goodness to your table.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to prepare this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Cooking brush
• Mixing bowl
• Pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char and caramelization on your pineapple.
• Cooking brush: Helps evenly coat the pineapple with glaze for maximum flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining all the ingredients smoothly before application.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Pineapple

• 1 pineapple (cut into spears)
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

How to Make Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple

Lay the pineapple spears on a pan. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Whisk together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. If it seems thick, put it in the microwave for a few seconds so that it can easily pour on top of the pineapple. Use a cooking brush to spread the mixture evenly over the spears.

Step 2: Grill the Pineapple

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the coated pineapple spears on the grill and cook for about 7-10 minutes or until they start turning golden brown. For extra flavor, brush any excess sauce from the pan back on top of the pineapple while grilling.

Enjoy your deliciously caramelized brown sugar cinnamon grilled pineapple as a delightful addition to any meal!

How to Serve Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple is a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with various dishes. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

As a Side Dish

• Serve the grilled pineapple alongside grilled meats like chicken or pork to complement their savory flavors.

In a Fruit Salad

• Chop the grilled pineapple into bite-sized pieces and mix it with other fresh fruits for a refreshing fruit salad.

With Ice Cream

• Place warm caramelized pineapple over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert that balances hot and cold.

On Tacos

• Add slices of grilled pineapple to your tacos for a sweet twist, enhancing both flavor and texture.

In Smoothies

• Blend leftover grilled pineapple with yogurt and spinach for a nutritious smoothie full of flavor.

As a Breakfast Topping

• Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, drizzling some extra brown sugar glaze on top for added sweetness.

How to Perfect Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

To achieve the best results with your Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple, consider these tips.

• Choose ripe pineapples – Select pineapples that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma, ensuring maximum sweetness.
• Cut evenly – Make sure the spears are uniform in size to ensure even cooking on the grill.
• Preheat the grill – Get your grill nice and hot before placing the pineapple on it to achieve those perfect grill marks and caramelization.
• Monitor closely – Keep an eye on the pineapple while grilling; it can quickly go from perfectly caramelized to burnt.
• Brush with glaze – Don’t skimp on brushing the glaze over the spears during grilling for an extra layer of flavor.
• Let it rest – Allow the grilled pineapple to sit for a minute before serving; this helps enhance its juiciness.

Best Side Dishes for Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple can enhance many meals. Here are some great side dishes that pair well with it.

1. Grilled Chicken – Juicy grilled chicken complements the sweetness of pineapple perfectly.
2. Pork Chops – The savory flavor of pork chops balances out the sweetness of the caramelized pineapple.
3. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad adds texture and nutrition, making it an ideal pairing.
4. Coleslaw – Crisp coleslaw provides crunch and freshness, contrasting nicely with grilled flavors.
5. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf makes for an easy-going side that works well alongside any main dish.
6. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn adds another layer of sweetness, enhancing your summer meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple, watch out for these common mistakes.

• Skipping the cinnamon sprinkle – Not sprinkling cinnamon on the pineapple before grilling can lead to a bland flavor. Always give it a light dusting for that extra warmth.
• Using cold butter – If you use cold butter, it won’t blend well with the sugar. Melt the butter first to create a smooth glaze that adheres perfectly to the pineapple.
• Grilling at too high a temperature – Cooking on high heat can burn the sugar before the pineapple cooks through. Stick to medium heat for even caramelization.
• Not brushing on enough glaze – If you don’t apply enough glaze, the flavor will be muted. Generously brush on your mixture for maximum sweetness and richness.
• Overcooking – Leaving the pineapple on the grill too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it and remove once it’s golden brown for the best texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months, but best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, being cautious not to overdo it.
• Stovetop – Warm in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple.

Can I use other fruits for grilling?

Yes! Fruits like peaches, mangoes, or bananas also work great with this caramelized glaze.

How do I know when my grilled pineapple is done?

Look for a golden brown color and slight char marks; it should be tender but not mushy.

Can I adjust the sweetness of my grilled pineapple?

Absolutely! Feel free to reduce or increase the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference.

What’s a great topping for grilled pineapple?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt complements this dish beautifully!

Final Thoughts

The Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple is not just a side dish; it’s a delightful summer treat that bursts with flavor. You can customize this recipe by adding different spices or serving it with various toppings. Give it a try at your next BBQ!