If you’ve never tried Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple, you’re in for an absolute treat! This delightful recipe transforms an ordinary pineapple into a sweet, caramelized masterpiece, perfect for summer barbecues or a simple family dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is as simple as it is delicious, requiring just a few steps and minimal cleanup.
- Naturally Sweet: Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple gets its sweetness from the fruit itself and a touch of maple syrup, making it a healthier option for dessert.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a standalone snack, a delightful side, or a topping for your favorite dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple are simple yet potent. Each one plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall flavor profile, from the juicy freshness of the pineapple to the warm notes of cinnamon.
- 1 large pineapple: The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a tropical vibe.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the pineapple.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Introduces a warm, spicy element that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
- Generous pinch of salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Freshly chopped mint leaves and grated lime zest: For garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh finish.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to experiment with Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple! This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it according to your taste or dietary preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a surprising heat.
- Alcoholic Twist: Drizzle a bit of rum over the pineapple before grilling for a Caribbean flair.
How to Make Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Start by slicing the top and bottom off the pineapple. Stand it upright and carefully slice off the peel, making sure to remove the thorny eyes. Cut the pineapple into eight long wedges, like you would a pizza, and remove the core if necessary.
Step 2: Marinade the Pineapple
Skewer the pineapple wedges and place them in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt, then drizzle over the pineapple. Use your hands to rub the mixture evenly over each piece, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Heat your grill or a grill pan over high heat. Once hot, place the pineapple skewers on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden with nice grill marks. Don’t rush this step; the caramelization is key to deep flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple
- Ideal Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is hot enough to quickly sear the pineapple; this creates lovely char marks and enhances flavor.
- Quick Prep: Use skewers to manage the pieces with ease on the grill and avoid flipping them by hand.
- Make Ahead: Marinade the pineapple ahead of time to allow the flavors to deepen before grilling.
- Ingredient Selection: Choose a ripe yet firm pineapple for the best grilling experience.
How to Serve Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple
Garnishes
Top your Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple with freshly chopped mint leaves and a sprinkle of lime zest. These garnishes add a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet pineapple.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when accompanied by creamy coconut yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a balanced dessert with rich, creamy, and sweet notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate the presentation by serving the skewers vertically in a tall glass, allowing the grilled marks and vibrant colors to be the visual focus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, although it’s best enjoyed on the day it’s made.
Freezing
To freeze, place the grilled pineapple pieces on a tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat the pineapple on a grill or in a pan over medium heat for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through, to enjoy warm, caramelized flavor once again.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is recommended for the best texture and flavor, as canned versions can be too soft and lack the caramelizing qualities needed for grilling.
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Is there a non-alcoholic alternative to rum?
You can substitute the rum with a splash of pineapple juice for a similar tropical flavor without the alcohol.
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What if I don’t have maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup is a great alternative, providing the necessary sweetness and sticky texture for grilling.
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How do I prevent the pineapple from sticking to the grill?
Ensure the grill is preheated and lightly oil the grates before adding the pineapple. This will help in preventing sticking and ensuring easy removal.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple is a delightful dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or an elegant dinner party, its simple preparation and exotic flavors make it a must-try. Dive in and experience this tasty creation for yourself!
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Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical, Summer
Description
Enjoy a tropical twist with this easy-to-make Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple. Juicy pineapple slices are pierced with bamboo skewers, coated in a fragrant cinnamon-maple syrup mixture, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a sweet and smoky treat perfect for summer or any occasion. Served hot with a sprinkle of fresh lime zest and mint leaves, this recipe pairs wonderfully with coconut yogurt or ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Pineapple
- 1 large pineapple
For the Glaze
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- generous pinch of salt
To Serve
- Freshly chopped mint leaves
- Grated lime zest
- Coconut yogurt or ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the pineapple: Slice off the top and bottom of the pineapple to create flat surfaces. Stand it on one of the sliced ends and carefully peel off the skin, making eight sections around the fruit. Remove any remaining thorny bits and cut the pineapple into eight long chunks, trimming the hard core if necessary.
- Skewer the pieces: Thread each pineapple chunk lengthwise onto bamboo skewers, creating eight pineapple lollipops. Place the skewered pieces in a large bowl.
- Make the glaze: Combine the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Coat the pineapple: Drizzle the cinnamon-maple mixture over the pineapple skewers, rubbing gently to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Grill the pineapple: Heat a chargrill pan or grill plate over high heat. Place a few skewers at a time on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and grill marks appear. Repeat with remaining skewers, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly grated lime zest and chopped mint leaves. Serve hot with coconut yogurt or ice cream on the side for an added indulgence.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the size and ripeness of your pineapple.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated for best grill marks and caramelization.
- Use bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- This recipe can be made ahead and reheated briefly on the grill before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pineapple skewer
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
