This grilled pineapple is a fun and tasty treat! Soaked in rum, it gets a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky grill marks.
It’s so easy to make—just soak, skewer, and grill. When I serve it at BBQs, everyone loves the tropical twist! Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing! 🍍🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pineapple: Choose a ripe pineapple for the best sweetness. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple rings can work; just drain them well. However, fresh gives that perfect texture!
Dark Rum: The rich flavor of dark rum is essential here. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with spiced rum for a similar taste. For a non-alcoholic version, use a mix of pineapple juice and a bit of vanilla extract.
Brown Sugar: This adds a nice molasses flavor. If you’re out, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses, or even coconut sugar as a healthier alternative. I personally love using dark brown sugar for an extra depth of flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the sweetness. You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version. It adds a little tropical flair which pairs perfectly with pineapple!
Spices: Cinnamon is a must for warmth. Nutmeg is optional, but if you have warm spice blends like pumpkin pie spice, feel free to use that instead.
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Pineapple?
Grilling pineapple can be easy, but there are a few tips for making sure they come out perfectly caramelized. The goal is to enhance the natural sweetness and get those lovely grill marks.
- Start by soaking the pineapple rings in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to absorb well. You can even let them soak longer in the fridge for a more intense flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. If you’re using a grill pan, that works great too!
- When grilling, ensure that the grill is hot enough before placing the pineapple rings on. This helps to sear the sugars effectively.
- Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until you see nice caramelization and good grill marks without letting them sit too long!
- After grilling, let them cool slightly to help maintain their texture and avoid burning your tongue. Trust me, the patience is worth it!
How to Make Easy Rum-soaked Grilled Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Pineapple:
- 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into rings (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert takes about 10 minutes to prep. You’ll let the pineapple soak for at least 30 minutes, but you can do this up to 2 hours ahead of grilling. Overall, set aside about 40-60 minutes, including grilling time and serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dark rum, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you like), and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This yummy mixture will soak into the pineapple!
2. Soak the Pineapple:
Add the pineapple rings to the bowl with the rum mixture. Gently toss them around to make sure every ring is well-coated. Let them soak at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or if you have more time, place them in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
3. Grill the Pineapple:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Be sure to give the grates a light grease with oil to keep the pineapple from sticking. Once hot, take the pineapple rings out of the marinade and place them directly on the grill. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they get beautiful caramelized marks and are just heavenly!
4. Serve the Grilled Pineapple:
Once off the grill, let the pineapple cool slightly. Then, to serve, place a warm grilled pineapple ring on a plate, top it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, and if you fancy, drizzle on some caramel sauce. For a lovely finishing touch, add a few fresh mint leaves on top.
5. Enjoy!
Now dig in and savor this delightful dessert! The combination of warm, rum-soaked pineapple and cooling vanilla ice cream is just divine!
Can I Use Fresh or Canned Pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is ideal for this recipe, as it provides the best flavor and texture. However, if you don’t have fresh pineapple, canned pineapple rings can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well to minimize excess moisture before soaking them in the rum mixture.
How Long Can I Soak the Pineapple?
You can soak the pineapple rings for a minimum of 30 minutes, but letting them marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator will enhance the flavor significantly. Just be mindful not to soak them too long, as they might become too soft and difficult to handle on the grill!
Can I Omit or Substitute the Rum?
If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute the dark rum with coconut water or a mixture of pineapple juice and a splash of vanilla extract. For a different flavor twist, try using spiced rum or even a flavored soda if you’re looking for something fun!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pineapple?
Store any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold as a snack or reheat it on the grill or in the microwave for a few seconds before serving it again with ice cream!
