Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a delightful treat that serves as the perfect side dish or a light dessert. The sweet, caramelized flavor from grilling combined with the rich honey and cinnamon drizzle elevates this dish to another level. Ideal for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The combination of grilled pineapple with a honey-cinnamon drizzle offers a delightful twist on traditional desserts.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish at cookouts or as a refreshing dessert; it’s perfect for any occasion!
• Healthy Indulgence: This recipe is lower in calories compared to many desserts, making it a guilt-free treat.
• Great for Summer: Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the pineapple, making it an ideal choice for warm weather.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious recipe, make sure you have all necessary tools ready for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Non-stick spray
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char and caramelization on the pineapple.
• Non-stick spray: Prevents sticking and ensures easy flipping of pineapple slices.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining honey and cinnamon thoroughly.

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: Preheat the Grill

Start by preparing your grill with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Grill the Pineapple Slices

1. Place the sliced pineapple on the grill over medium heat.
2. Grill each side for about three minutes until you see nice grill marks.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

While the pineapple is grilling:
1. Softening honey in the microwave for about 30 seconds makes it easier to mix.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine softened honey with cinnamon until well blended.

Step 4: Serve Your Dish

Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill:
1. Drizzle your honey-cinnamon mixture generously over each slice.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious treat!

How to Serve Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a delightful treat that can elevate any meal or serve as a refreshing dessert. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious dish.

As a Refreshing Dessert

• Serve warm: The warmth of the grilled pineapple enhances the sweetness of the honey drizzle.
• Add ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm pineapple.

As a Side Dish for Grilled Meats

• Pair with grilled chicken: The sweet and smoky flavors complement grilled chicken nicely.
• Serve alongside beef kebabs: The pineapple adds a fruity contrast to savory beef flavors.

In a Fruit Salad

• Mix with other fruits: Combine grilled pineapple with strawberries, mangoes, and kiwi for a colorful fruit salad.
• Drizzle more honey: For added sweetness, drizzle extra honey over the entire salad.

As a Topping for Pancakes or Waffles

• Use as a pancake topping: Grilled pineapple adds a tropical twist to your breakfast stack.
• Enhance waffles: Top your waffles with warm grilled pineapple and drizzle with maple syrup for an indulgent treat.

How to Perfect Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

To make sure your Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe pineapples: Look for pineapples that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. This ensures maximum sweetness.
• Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is hot before placing the pineapple on it. This will help create nice grill marks and caramelize the sugars in the fruit.
• Soak wooden skewers: If using skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes prior to grilling. This prevents burning on the grill.
• Adjust cinnamon levels: Feel free to add more or less cinnamon based on your preference for spice and flavor intensity.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut over the finished dish for extra texture and flavor.
• Enjoy immediately: Serve right after grilling for the best taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Quinoa Salad – A light salad made with quinoa, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
2. Grilled Veggies – A medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus adds vibrant colors and smoky flavors to your meal.
3. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that balances out the sweet grilled pineapple.
4. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs can serve as a neutral base that allows the pineapple flavors to shine through.
5. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes create a refreshing side that pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes.
6. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful texture contrast alongside your grilled treats.
7. Couscous Salad – Light couscous mixed with herbs and lemon juice makes for an easy-going side that harmonizes well with grilled flavors.
8. Sweet Potatoes – Baked or mashed sweet potatoes add earthiness which contrasts beautifully against the bright sweetness of grilled pineapple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling pineapple can seem simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Insufficient Grilling Time: Many people underestimate the time needed to grill pineapple. Ensure you grill each side for at least three minutes to achieve those perfect grill marks and caramelization.

• Not Using Fresh Pineapple: Using canned pineapple can lead to a mushy texture. Always select a fresh pineapple for the best results, ensuring it’s ripe for sweetness.

• Skipping the Marinade: Some might skip the honey and cinnamon drizzle. Don’t miss this step! Mixing honey with cinnamon enhances the flavor significantly, making your grilled pineapple irresistible.

• Ignoring Grill Temperature: A common mistake is grilling on too low heat. Medium heat is ideal for cooking the pineapple evenly while achieving that delicious char without burning.

• Overcooking the Pineapple: It’s easy to overcook grilled pineapple, which can make it tough. Keep an eye on it, and remove it from the grill as soon as it becomes tender and slightly caramelized.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• Place grilled pineapple in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s well-sealed to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the pineapple on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 20-30 seconds until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle:

How do I choose the right pineapple?

Selecting a ripe pineapple involves looking for a sweet aroma at the base and checking that it has firm skin with a slight give when pressed.

Can I use other fruits instead of pineapple?

Absolutely! This honey drizzle works wonderfully with other fruits like peaches or nectarines, making them great alternatives.

What can I serve with Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle?

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, enhancing both savory and sweet dishes.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare grilled pineapple ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, making it an easy addition to meals throughout the week.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan as long as you ensure your honey substitute is plant-based, such as agave syrup or maple syrup.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is not only delicious but also versatile! It’s perfect as a side dish or light dessert and can easily be customized by adding different spices or toppings. Enjoy grilling this delightful treat at your next gathering!