This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a delightful dish that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a light dessert, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of pineapple through the grilling process. The added honey and cinnamon drizzle elevates the flavors, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just three simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.
- Delicious Flavor: Grilling caramelizes the pineapple, enhancing its sweetness while the cinnamon honey drizzle adds a warm, comforting touch.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish at barbecues or enjoy it as a light dessert after dinner—this recipe fits seamlessly into any meal.
- Healthier Choice: Packed with vitamins from fresh pineapple and sweetened naturally with honey, it’s a guilt-free indulgence!
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and enticing aroma make this dish visually appealing, sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delicious grilled pineapple dish, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Non-stick spray
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: A grill is essential for achieving that perfect char on the pineapple, adding depth to its flavor.
- Non-stick spray: This prevents the pineapple from sticking to the grill grates, ensuring easy flipping and clean removal.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is necessary for combining the honey and cinnamon evenly for the drizzle.
Ingredients
For the Drizzle
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Pineapple
- 1 pineapple (sliced into spears)
How to Make Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. Spray the grates lightly with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Grill the Pineapple
- Place the sliced pineapple spears on the grill.
- Grill each side for about three minutes or until you see nice grill marks.
Step 3: Make the Drizzle
While grilling, take your softened honey (microwave for about 30 seconds if needed) and mix it in a bowl with cinnamon until well combined.
Step 4: Serve
Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill and drizzle generously with your cinnamon honey mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!
This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle recipe not only brings joy to your taste buds but also adds a special touch to any gathering. Enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle makes for a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light dessert, there are numerous creative options to enhance your dining experience.
As a Dessert
- Serve warm: The warmth of the grilled pineapple complements the sweet cinnamon honey drizzle perfectly.
- Add ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm pineapple.
As a Side Dish
- Accompany grilled meats: This sweet and tangy dish works well alongside grilled chicken or turkey, balancing savory flavors.
- Pair with salads: Toss some grilled pineapple into a fresh salad for added sweetness and texture.
In Breakfast Dishes
- Top pancakes or waffles: Use the grilled pineapple as a topping for fluffy pancakes or waffles for a tropical breakfast twist.
- Blend into smoothies: Incorporate pieces of grilled pineapple into smoothies for a refreshing morning drink.
How to Perfect Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
Perfecting your Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle can elevate the dish to new heights. Here are some helpful tips:
- Choose ripe pineapples: Select pineapples that are slightly soft and fragrant for the best flavor.
- Preheat your grill: Ensure your grill is hot enough before adding the pineapple to achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Use fresh honey: Fresh honey enhances the flavor; ensure it’s not crystallized for easy mixing.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger along with cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.
- Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here’s a list of excellent side dishes to complement this delicious recipe:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs make a perfect match for the sweet pineapple.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with vegetables adds a nutritious element alongside the dessert.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut rice brings tropical flavors that harmonize beautifully with grilled pineapple.
- Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black bean tacos create an exciting fusion when served with this sweet side.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad topped with nuts offers crunch that balances out the sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling pineapple can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
Not Preheating the Grill – Failing to preheat your grill can lead to uneven cooking and sticking. Always ensure your grill is hot before placing the pineapple on it.
Using Unripe Pineapple – An unripe pineapple will lack sweetness and flavor. Choose a ripe pineapple by checking for a sweet aroma and slightly soft skin.
Overcooking the Pineapple – Cooking for too long can make the pineapple mushy. Aim for about three minutes on each side for the best texture.
Skipping the Honey-Cinnamon Mixture – Missing this step means sacrificing flavor. Mix honey with cinnamon while the pineapple grills to enhance its taste significantly.
Not Using Non-Stick Spray – Not applying non-stick spray may cause your pineapple to stick to the grill grates. A quick spray before grilling helps prevent this issue.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the grilled pineapple has cooled completely before sealing.
Freezing Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
- Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Lay flat in the freezer to save space, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals of 20 seconds until warm, avoiding overcooking.
- Stovetop – Sauté on medium heat for a few minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe raises several questions that can help enhance your grilling experience.
How do I know when my grilled pineapple is done?
The grilled pineapple is ready when it has nice grill marks and is tender but still firm.
Can I use other fruits instead of pineapple?
Absolutely! You can experiment with peaches, mangoes, or even apples for delicious variations.
What is the best way to serve Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle?
Serve it warm as a side dish or light dessert, topped with yogurt or nuts for added texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! Simply use agave syrup instead of honey, and follow the same instructions for grilling.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is an easy yet delightful dish perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners. The combination of sweet fruit and a warm drizzle creates a refreshing treat that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or serving it alongside ice cream!
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle
Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a refreshing and delightful dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of caramelized pineapple with the warmth of cinnamon-infused honey. This dish is ideal for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or as a light treat after dinner. The grilling process enhances the natural sugars in the pineapple, creating a deliciously juicy and tender fruit. Topped with a simple drizzle of honey and cinnamon, this recipe is both easy to prepare and visually stunning, making it a surefire hit at any occasion.
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple (sliced into spears)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly spray the grates with non-stick spray.
- Place the pineapple spears on the grill and cook for about three minutes on each side until you see nice grill marks.
- While grilling, mix softened honey with cinnamon in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill and drizzle generously with the cinnamon honey mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled pineapple spear (100g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg