If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed treat that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, then this Grilled Pineapple with Lime, Cinnamon, and Chili Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dish combines the sweet juiciness of ripe pineapple with a tangy and spicy glaze that dances on your taste buds, delivering a perfect balance of warmth, zest, and a subtle kick. Whether it’s for a summer BBQ, a refreshing dessert, or a unique addition to your dinner plate, this recipe never fails to impress with its lively colors and unforgettable flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Pineapple with Lime, Cinnamon, and Chili Glaze Recipe lies in its simplicity—all ingredients are straightforward yet essential. Each item brings its unique charm: the sweetness of brown sugar, the tang from lime juice, the gentle heat of chili powder, and the aromatic cinnamon work together to create a glaze that enhances the natural flavor and caramelization of the grilled pineapple.
- Pineapple: Fresh, cored, and sliced into rings to ensure even grilling and perfect texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to bind the glaze ingredients and add a rich, smooth finish.
- Lime juice: Adds bright acidity that balances the sweetness and spices.
- Brown sugar: Provides deep, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- Chili powder: Introduces a mild heat that pairs surprisingly well with the tropical fruit.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers warmth and a subtle depth to the flavor profile.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the glaze balanced.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple with Lime, Cinnamon, and Chili Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Begin by heating your grill to medium temperature. This moderate heat is ideal for cooking pineapple rings evenly, allowing for beautiful grill marks without burning the sugars in the glaze. Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, fresh lime juice, chili powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. This glaze is what transforms simple pineapple into a sensational dish, combining sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in perfect harmony.
Step 3: Brush the Glaze Over Pineapple Rings
Generously brush the glaze onto each pineapple ring, making sure every slice is well-coated. Set aside any remaining glaze to brush on later. This step is essential because it allows the pineapple to start absorbing that incredible flavor before hitting the grill.
Step 4: Grill the Pineapple
Place the glazed pineapple rings directly on the grill. Cook for approximately 3 minutes on each side or until the pineapple has those signature grill marks and starts to caramelize. The heat will intensify the glaze flavors and soften the pineapple’s natural texture without losing its fresh bite.
Step 5: Finish with a Glaze Brush Before Serving
Once the pineapple is grilled to perfection, give it a final brush with the reserved glaze for an extra glossy, flavorful finish. This final touch seals in the moisture and spices and makes your pineapple even more irresistible. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple with Lime, Cinnamon, and Chili Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your grilled pineapple further with colorful garnishes. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes add a refreshing brightness and contrasting texture. A light drizzle of honey or a dusting of chili flakes can also elevate the presentation and flavor complexity beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken or pork for a tropical-inspired main course. It also complements creamy coconut rice or cooling cucumber salad, creating a balanced meal that’s both vibrant and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer grilled pineapple rings on skewers with chunks of bell pepper, red onion, and shrimp to make tantalizing kabobs. Alternatively, chop the grilled pineapple and mix it into salsas or top your tacos for an unexpected burst of flavor. The versatility of this Grilled Pineapple with Lime, Cinnamon, and Chili Glaze Recipe makes it perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the grilled pineapple in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftover pineapple an easy treat to enjoy cold or warmed up the next day.
Freezing
Freezing grilled pineapple is not recommended as it can alter the texture, making it mushy upon thawing. To enjoy this recipe at its best, it’s better to consume the grilled pineapple fresh or store any extras in the refrigerator as described above.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the pineapple slices in a warm skillet or back on the grill for a minute or two on each side. This will revive the caramelized glaze and warm the pineapple without sacrificing any of the juicy texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pineapple tough.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Fresh pineapple is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor, but if canned pineapple is all you have, drain it well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture before grilling. The glaze might not caramelize as beautifully, but it will still taste great.
How spicy is the chili powder in this glaze?
The chili powder adds a mild and pleasant warmth, not intense heat. If you prefer a spicier punch, you can easily increase the amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to customize the kick to your liking.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Give it a quick whisk before brushing onto the pineapple to recombine any separated ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make the Grilled Pineapple with Lime, Cinnamon, and Chili Glaze Recipe vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
What is the best way to pick a ripe pineapple?
Choose a pineapple that is heavy for its size with a sweet, fragrant aroma at the base. The skin should be vibrant and slightly soft when pressed. This ensures your pineapple will be juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Pineapple with Lime, Cinnamon, and Chili Glaze Recipe quickly becomes a shining star in any meal lineup, offering a refreshing and exciting twist to grilled fruit. Its simplicity means you don’t need to be a grill master to achieve incredible results, but the flavors will make it feel like something truly special. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again to delight your friends and family. So fire up the grill and get ready for a tropical flavor adventure you won’t forget!
Print
Grilled Pineapple with Lime, Cinnamon, and Chili Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This grilled pineapple recipe offers a deliciously sweet and tangy treat enhanced by a spiced buttery glaze. Perfect as a side dish or a dessert, the pineapple is grilled to bring out its natural sugars and infused with a blend of lime, brown sugar, chili powder, and cinnamon for a unique flavor experience. Simple to prepare, it takes just 20 minutes from start to finish and yields four servings.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple, cored and sliced into rings
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (½ stick)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from ½ lime)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Begin by heating your grill to medium heat to prepare for grilling the pineapple rings evenly without burning.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, lime juice, chili powder, cinnamon, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Apply Glaze on Pineapple: Brush the prepared glaze generously over both sides of the pineapple rings, reserving any extra glaze for later use.
- Grill the Pineapple: Place the pineapple rings on the preheated grill and cook for 3 minutes per side, allowing the pineapple to caramelize and develop grill marks.
- Finish with Remaining Glaze: Remove the pineapple from the grill and brush the reserved glaze over the grilled rings before serving to add an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe pineapples for the best sweetness and flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted using a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to make the flavor more or less spicy according to your preference.
- Serve grilled pineapple as a dessert with ice cream or as a side dish with grilled meats.
- Make sure to oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking of the pineapple slices.
