Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a perfect side dish or light dessert! Its sweet and caramelized flavor, enhanced by the grill, makes it an appealing choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a picnic, or simply craving a light treat, this recipe shines with simplicity and deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just three ingredients and minimal cooking time, anyone can whip this up effortlessly.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of grilled pineapple with honey and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering taste that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a refreshing side at cookouts or as a delightful dessert—this dish fits any meal!
• Healthy Option: Low in calories and packed with natural sweetness, it’s a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Perfect for Summer: The grilling adds a smoky flavor that embodies summer vibes, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for an easy cooking experience. Having everything on hand ensures smooth preparation and cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides the high heat necessary for caramelizing the pineapple while adding that signature grilled flavor.
• Non-stick spray: Prevents the pineapple from sticking to the grill, ensuring even cooking and easy removal.
• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine honey and cinnamon effectively for an evenly flavored drizzle.

Ingredients

For the Drizzle

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Pineapple

• 1 pineapple (sliced into spears)

This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a perfect side dish or light dessert! The extra flavor added with the grilling combined with the amazing sauce makes this the most delicious tasty recipe.

How to Make Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

• Preheat your grill over medium heat. Lightly grease the grill grates with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Grill the Pineapple

• Place pineapple slices over medium heat on the grill.
• Cook for about three minutes on each side until you see nice grill marks.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• While the pineapple is grilling, soften honey in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
• In a mixing bowl, combine softened honey and cinnamon until well mixed.

Step 4: Serve

• Once grilled, remove pineapple from the grill.
• Drizzle the honey-cinnamon mixture over the warm grilled pineapple and serve immediately. Enjoy!

How to Serve Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle makes an excellent addition to any meal. Its sweet and spicy flavor pairs well with various dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

As a Refreshing Dessert

• Serve chilled: Let the grilled pineapple cool slightly before serving for a refreshing treat.
• Top with whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess and flavor.

With Savory Dishes

• Pair with grilled chicken: The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory flavors of grilled chicken.
• Serve alongside fish tacos: The tangy taste of fish tacos balances perfectly with the sweet pineapple.

In a Fruit Salad

• Mix with berries: Combine grilled pineapple with strawberries and blueberries for a colorful fruit salad.
• Add mint leaves: For an extra layer of freshness, toss in some chopped mint leaves.

As a Topping for Toast

• Use on French toast: Place slices of grilled pineapple atop French toast for a delicious breakfast option.
• Spread on buttered toast: A slice of grilled pineapple on warm buttered toast makes for a quick snack.

How to Perfect Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

To make your grilled pineapple truly shine, follow these simple tips that will enhance its flavor and presentation.

• Choose ripe pineapples: Select pineapples that have a sweet aroma and are slightly soft to ensure maximum sweetness when grilled.
• Preheat your grill: Ensure your grill is hot before adding the pineapple to achieve those perfect grill marks and caramelization.
• Use non-stick spray: Lightly coat the grill grates with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger to the honey mixture for additional layers of flavor.
• Serve warm: The flavors are best enjoyed when the grilled pineapple is warm, as this enhances its sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance its deliciousness. Here are some great options:

1. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the sweetness of the pineapple.
2. Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add color and nutrition to your meal.
3. Coconut Rice: The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of coconut rice create a delightful contrast to the grilled pineapple.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunchy texture and balances out the sweetness of the dish.
5. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad mixed with herbs complements the flavors beautifully while adding heartiness.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes goes hand-in-hand with cinnamon and honey notes in the pineapple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling pineapple can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly choosing underripe pineapple – Using a pineapple that isn’t ripe can lead to a less sweet and flavorful dish. Ensure your pineapple is golden and fragrant before grilling.
• Neglecting to preheat the grill – Skipping this step can cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium heat for consistent results.
• Overcooking the pineapple – Cooking it for too long can make the fruit mushy. Grill for just three minutes on each side for perfect caramelization.
• Forgetting the honey mix – Not mixing the honey with cinnamon beforehand can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Blend them together while the pineapple grills.
• Using cold honey – When using honey straight from the fridge, it can be hard to drizzle. Warm it in the microwave for better consistency before mixing with cinnamon.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat on high for 30-second intervals until warm, being careful not to overcook.
• Stovetop – Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle.

How do I know when my pineapple is ripe?

Look for a golden color and a sweet aroma emanating from the base of the fruit. A slight give when squeezed indicates ripeness.

Can I use other fruits instead of pineapple?

Yes! Other fruits like peaches or mangoes also grill well and can be drizzled with cinnamon honey.

What is the best way to serve Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle?

This dish makes an excellent side for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light dessert topped with yogurt or ice cream.

How do I customize my Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle?

You can add spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract to your honey mix or try different types of sweeteners such as agave syrup.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is not only delicious but also versatile. It serves beautifully as a side dish or light dessert, adding a touch of sweetness to any meal. Feel free to experiment with various fruits and toppings, making this recipe truly your own!