Here’s an easy grilled pineapple recipe that’s ideal for barbecue season. You can prepare it with a brown sugar and cinnamon glaze for extra caramelized sweetness, or grill the pineapple plain and finish it with a bright honey-lime drizzle. Both methods are quick and delicious — which will you try first?
Also read: Grilled Pineapple Power Bowl, How to Select and Cut Fresh Pineapple, Grilled Chicken and Fruit Salad, Grilled Pork Chops
What happens when you grill pineapple?
Grilling concentrates pineapple’s flavor. Heat evaporates water and intensifies the fruit’s natural sweetness, while caramelizing surface sugars for deeper, richer notes. A brief char adds a smoky edge if you like that flavor.
A brown sugar and cinnamon coating is optional but enhances sweetness and produces glossy, caramelized juices on the surface. If you prefer to skip added sugar, the pineapple still grills beautifully on its own.
Can I grill pineapple without sugar?
Absolutely. Pineapple is naturally sweet and will caramelize on the grill without any added sugar. Lightly oil the grate, place the wedges or rings directly on the hot grill, and enjoy beautiful grill marks and concentrated flavor.
A fancy finishing touch If you grilled the pineapple plain, try a honey-lime glaze after cooking. Add red pepper flakes if you want a sweet-tart-spicy contrast that brightens the fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Pineapple
How do you cut a pineapple for grilling?
Wedges are my preferred choice for grilling because they’re easy to handle and hold their shape. Rings are also great and grill faster, but they can soften more quickly — watch them closely so they reach your desired texture.
Video: How to cut a pineapple
Can I use canned pineapple rings?
Yes. Canned rings will be softer and more fragile, so drain and pat them dry before placing them on the grill and handle them gently to avoid breaking.
Can I grill pineapple on the stove or in the oven?
Yes. On the stove, use a hot skillet or grill pan with a bit of butter or oil and sear each side for 3–4 minutes to develop caramelized color. In the oven, you won’t get grill marks but you can still enjoy a saucy, caramelized dessert: preheat to 400°F (204°C), line a baking sheet with parchment, coat pineapple with the sugar mixture (if using), and bake 10–15 minutes.
How long do you grill pineapple for?
Grilled pineapple cooks quickly — about 10 minutes total. Aim for roughly 3–4 minutes per side, turning to sear each exposed face. Thicker wedges may need a bit longer. Shorter times will keep the pineapple firmer; longer will soften it and increase charring.
I prefer mine slightly firm with clear grill marks, which usually takes about 3 minutes per side.
How do you prevent the sugar glaze from sticking or burning?
Oil the grill grates before cooking and monitor the pineapple closely. Sugar burns quickly, so watch for flare-ups and reduce heat or move pieces off direct flame if needed. If you want less mess and fewer flare-ups, skip the sugar and finish the fruit with a glaze after grilling.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple
- Serve warm as a simple dessert with forks.
- Dice and serve over ice cream.
- Top yogurt and granola for a flavorful breakfast.
- Use as a topping for pancakes, waffles or French toast.
Other ways to enjoy pineapple on the BBQ
- Pineapple skewers – Thread spears or cubes on skewers for easy grilling.
- Smoked pineapple – For smoke fans, try smoking halved pineapple about 30 minutes per side.
- Shish kebabs – Alternate pineapple with vegetables and meats for colorful, balanced kabobs.
- Pineapple garnish – Add a grilled ring to burgers or steaks for a sweet finish. Fresh pineapple juice, which contains the enzyme bromelain, also works as a meat tenderizer in marinades; use it sparingly and shorten marinating time when you do.
How to store leftover grilled pineapple
Allow grilled pineapple to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How to use leftover grilled pineapple
- Stir into morning oatmeal or cereal
- Top pancakes, crepes, waffles or French toast
- Add to fresh fruit salads
- Use with yogurt or ice cream
- Mix into chia pudding
- Toss into lunchtime salads with greens, toasted almonds and grilled chicken
- Add to stir-fries
- Build salad or grain bowls
- Make fresh pineapple salsa
- Top pizzas for a sweet-savory contrast
Does grilled pineapple make your mouth tingle?
The mild tingling people sometimes feel from raw pineapple comes from bromelain, a natural enzyme that breaks down protein. It can irritate sensitive mouths briefly, but cooking deactivates bromelain. Grilled pineapple that’s cooked through will not produce that tingling sensation.
Recipe for Grilled Pineapple
Grilled Pineapple – with or without sugar
Ingredients
- 1 fresh, ripe pineapple
Brown Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Honey Lime Glaze (optional)
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 Tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest grated
- 1/2 tsp hot pepper flakes optional
Instructions
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Lightly oil the grill grate and preheat to medium-high (about 400°F / 204°C).
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Peel and cut the pineapple into roughly 12 long wedges (quarter the peeled pineapple vertically, then cut each quarter into three pieces).
Brown sugar version
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Stir brown sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish. Add the pineapple wedges and turn to coat. If time allows, let sit a few minutes so the sugar begins to dissolve.
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Using tongs, transfer wedges to the hot grill. Sear one side 2–3 minutes, rotate to sear the next side, and continue until all sides are nicely caramelized. Total grilling time is about 10 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid excessive charring from the sugar.
Sugar-free version
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Place the cut pineapple on the hot grill and sear about 3 minutes per side. For diagonal grill marks, rotate the pieces 45 degrees partway through grilling.
Honey-lime glaze (optional)
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Combine honey, lime juice and lime zest in a small bowl. Warm the honey slightly if it’s too thick to drizzle.
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Drizzle over sugar-free grilled pineapple and, if you like, sprinkle with hot pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Video
Notes
Oven option: To capture all the caramel sauce, bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15–20 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet. You won’t get grill marks, but you’ll collect more of the sweet sauce to spoon over ice cream or pancakes.
Honey-lime glaze: A tangy finish for those who prefer less sweetness; add red pepper flakes for extra zing.
Nutrition facts are approximate and based on one wedge with the brown sugar glaze.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
More tips and recipes
If you’d like more ideas for using fresh pineapple or other grilling inspiration, try a few of the recipes on this site including tips on selecting and cutting pineapple, grilled fruit salads, and grilled pork chops.
- How to Select and Cut Fresh Pineapple
- Grilled Chicken and Fruit Salad
- Grilled Pork Chops
- Grilled Pineapple Power Bowl
Will you make the brown sugar version or the sugar-free version? Both are excellent. Share your results and tag #getgettys if you post a photo — I’d love to see it!
Cook with the seasons, effortlessly! I’m Getty, a food educator and Professional Home Economist focused on helping you select, store, and serve seasonal ingredients in simple, delicious meals.