This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

These grilled pineapple spears are coated in a buttery brown sugar cinnamon glaze that is caramelized with 3 simple ingredients and then grilled to perfection.  This will be one of the most amazing sides that you grill this summer!
Grilling outside is one of my favorite things to do! This grilled pineapple goes well with so many recipes of mine like this grilled honey mustard chickenhoney chipotle BBQ chicken or grilled honey balsamic chicken.
Pineapple spears grilled on a white plate stacked on top of each other.

Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

This caramelized brown sugar cinnamon grilled pineapple was the 4th recipe on the blog. As soon as I started my blog I had to put this recipe on it. We make this grilled pineapple every single time that we grill. It is to die for. It is my favorite and adds so much to any grilling or BBQ dish. With this quick and easy recipe you will be sure to have the MOST delicious pineapple and your family will be raving about it.
Have you ever been to Rodizio Grill? Then you know all about the amazing pineapple that they serve! I have been trying to make the amazing sauce that they drizzle over these, and I think I have it perfected. Using only 3 ingredients makes this brown sugar cinnamon glaze to die for. It is so simple to make and will whisk up quickly. Grilling only takes a few minutes and this grilled pineapple will complete any meal as a delicious side dish.
Pineapple cut into spears.

Pineapple Ingredients:

When I tell you that this is one of the best sides that you will grill this summer, it is no joke! It goes great with anything that you will grill and it will be the talk of the barbecue. I know that you will love this just as much as we did. It is truly a five star recipe!

  • Pineapple: The main ingredient turned into something spectacular.
  • Brown Sugar: Sweeten the sauce with brown sugar.
  • Butter: Melting the butter will help spread the glaze evenly.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a little sweetness with a hint of spice. Sprinkle some cinnamon overtop of the spears as well as adding it to the glaze.

How to Grill Pineapple:

The sauce is incredible. It is a buttery brown sugar cinnamon glaze. When the pineapple cooks on the grill, the sauce caramelizes and becomes absolutely incredible on top of these! The pineapple stays juicy and grills to perfection. You will be amazed with your first bite!

  1. Making the caramelized glaze: Lay the pineapple spears on a pan. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Whisk together the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. (If it seems thick, I always put it in the microwave for a few seconds so that it can easily pour on top of the pineapple.)
  2. With a brush: Spread on top of the pineapple.
  3. Grilling pineapple: Grill for about 7-10 minutes on medium heat or until it is starting to turn golden brown. I always like to brush the excess sauce from the pan back on top of the pineapple before serving.

The Recipe Critic Pro Tip:

Spray or wipe the grill before oil or use a grill pan to cook the pineapple on the grill.

Pineapple spears lined up in a white dish getting brushed with a caramelized glaze.

Variations of Glaze:

It is always fun to try new things and with pineapple it makes it even more delicious. Try these amazing flavors that also compliment the grilled pineapple.

  • Honey: Substitute the brown sugar for honey for a sweeter glaze or even half brown sugar and half honey.
  • Spicy: Add a little spice with chili powder or cayenne pepper in the glaze.
  • Coconut and Fruit Juice: This is a citrus favorite. Use lime, orange or lemon juice to infuse the pineapple with a bold citrusy flavor.
Pineapple spears on a grilling pan.

What to Serve with Grilled Pineapple:

This grilled pineapple is perfect as a side dish, adding it to salads or salsa. This pineapple tastes delicious once grilled and can be served so many ways.

  • Appetizer: Add some extra flavor to this pineapple cheese ball
  • Side Dish: Pineapple is sweet and subtle for any home cooked meal like this honey lime ginger pork or grilled flank steak.
  • Salad: This grilled mango and pineapple salad is perfect for adding in grilled pineapple.
  • Burger or Sandwich: Most burgers or sandwiches taste better with a citrus pineapple slice that is grilled up.
  • Salsa: Chop up the pineapple spears and add in some extra flavors to your salsa.
  • Topping: Pineapple topping with various ingredients added on top of steak, pork or chicken makes a great topping.
  • Stir Fry: Cook some rice and vegetables and add in grilled pineapple chunks for more sweet and citrusy texture and taste.
Pineapple stacked on top of each other on a white plate.

More Ways to Enjoy Pineapple:

Pineapple is one of my favorite fruits in the summer. Try these delicious recipes with pineapple this summertime.

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

Caramelized Brown Sugar Cinnamon Grilled Pineapple

5 from 7 votes
By: Alyssa Rivers
Pineapple spears that get coated in a buttery brown sugar cinnamon glaze and caramelize on the grill! This will be one of the most amazing sides that you grill this summer!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Lay the pineapple spears on a pan. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Whisk together the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. (If it seems thick, I always put it in the microwave for a few seconds so that it can easily pour on top of the pineapple.) Spread on top of the pineapple using a cooking brush.
  • Grill for about 7-10 minutes on medium heat or until it is starting to turn golden brown. I always like to brush the excess sauce from the pan back on top of the pineapple before serving.

Video

Notes

Updated on May 9, 2020
Originally Posted on June 4, 2012

Nutrition

Calories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 1gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 142mgPotassium: 189mgFiber: 2gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 560IUVitamin C: 72mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

More Ideas

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




81 Comments

    1. By the wsy, made it in an iron grill pan, but would be easier on a real grill as sugar tends to burn. I made it just before it started to burn in the slats, but still had the marks. It had started to rain, and I was all resdy to go to book club and hubs was not home yet to ho out and get messed up in the weather for me! Still tasted great, just be very csreful. You could try broiling, just no marks.

  1. Hi Alyssa, This looks so interesting & tempting… Would like to know if you use salted or unsalted butter. Planning to cook these on my daughter’s bday.

    1. I usually do unsalted butter for cooking but with these salted butter would be just as great! Hope that helps! Happy birthday to your daughter! XOXO

  2. Question: Has anyone ever tried this recipe over a campfire? I am supposed to take an appetizer for our camping trip this weekend, and this looked fun! Trying to decide whether the campfire flavor would go with the pineapple or not.. ?

    1. So excited to try this tonight with your Huli Huli grilled chicken. Busy quarantining and trying new recipes because what else are we gonna do?? It all looks and sounds delicious!

    1. Yes! Pure coconut oil, brown sugar and toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on after grilling or pan searing. The best with grilled shrimp and Jasmine rice

  3. Do you have a good recipe for Honey Walnut Shrimp? The version from Panda Express is a little bland for my tastes.

  4. I don’t have a grill. I’d really like to make these pineapple spears. Could I use a pan on my stove?

    1. I think certainly this could be done. In fact, I use the side burner on my grill to get them started. Melt the butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar together in a large frying pan, then add the spears and get them cooking. I finish them on the grill to get the char marks, but you certainly wouldn’t have to. Just cook till glazed and tender. Another thing I’ve done is use the leftover liquid to mix with rice. Delicious!

  5. I just found this on Pinterest. HOLY MOLY!!!!! This is awesome. This is going to be a regular on the menu at my house

  6. Whooohoo! You wrote down so many exclamation marks that I just HAVE to make this come camping week (oh, in southern France. But they’ll eat it as a side to their grilled snails.)!

    !!!!

    😉

      1. Usually in a recipe the small “t” represents teaspoons and an uppercase “T”
        represents tablespoons.

  7. Made last weekend! The cinnamon smelled wonderful while grilling! Smell brought neighbors out to find out what smelled so good! Shared all around! Neighbors and family agreed “Best pineapple they ever ate!” Big hit!

    1. Note: I cut the pineapple into 1/2 thick rings and marinated them in the sugar/cinnamon for about an hour before grilling. Pics on my FB page!

  8. This makes it sounds like you have to cook this in a pan on the grill? I’ve never cooked in a pan on the grill … though I have used foil.