Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a perfect side dish or light dessert! Its vibrant flavors and unique grilling method make it an excellent choice for barbecues, picnics, or any casual gathering. The combination of sweet pineapple with a warm cinnamon honey drizzle creates a delightful treat that will impress your guests while being incredibly easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal preparation and cook time, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: The grilling enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple, while the cinnamon honey adds a delightful warmth.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or as a light dessert option after a hearty meal.
• Healthy Option: With fresh fruit and natural sweeteners, this dish is low in calories and high in flavor.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of grilled pineapple make for an eye-catching addition to any table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment will help you achieve that perfectly grilled pineapple.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Non-stick spray
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon for drizzling

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor on the pineapple.
• Non-stick spray: Prevents the pineapple from sticking to the grill, ensuring easy flipping and removal.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the honey and cinnamon to create the perfect 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. Lightly spray the grill grates with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Grill the Pineapple

• Place the pineapple spears on the grill.
• Grill for about three minutes on each side until they have nice grill marks and are slightly softened.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• While grilling, soften honey in the microwave for about 30 seconds until it’s easy to mix.
• In a mixing bowl, combine softened honey and cinnamon. Stir well until fully blended.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Once grilled, remove pineapple from the grill.
• Drizzle generously with your cinnamon honey mixture before serving. Enjoy this delicious treat warm!

How to Serve Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle makes for a delightful addition to any meal. Its sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes, enhancing your dining experience.

As a Dessert

• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm pineapple contrasts beautifully with cold ice cream, creating a delicious combination.
• Top with Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the pineapple.

With Savory Dishes

• Accompany Grilled Chicken: The sweetness of the grilled pineapple complements the savory flavors of chicken perfectly.
• Pair with Fish Tacos: Add grilled pineapple as a topping for tacos for an extra burst of flavor.

In Salads

• Tropical Salad Mix: Toss grilled pineapple into a mixed green salad with avocado and cilantro for a refreshing twist.
• Fruit Salad Addition: Combine it with other fruits like mango and kiwi for a vibrant fruit salad.

How to Perfect Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

To achieve the best flavor and texture from your grilled pineapple, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly choose ripe pineapples: Ripe pineapples have a sweet aroma and give in slightly when pressed, indicating readiness for grilling.
• Boldly preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is hot before placing the pineapple on it; this helps create those beautiful grill marks and caramelization.
• Boldly soak wooden skewers: If using skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
• Boldly adjust honey thickness: Depending on your preference, you can alter the honey’s consistency by warming it more or adding a touch of water.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle works well alongside various side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to complement your meal.

1. Bold Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing adds freshness to your plate.
2. Bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until tender provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the grilled pineapple.
3. Bold Coconut Rice: Fluffy coconut rice offers a creamy texture that pairs nicely with grilled flavors.
4. Bold Black Bean Salsa: A zesty salsa made from black beans, corn, and lime enhances both color and flavor on your table.
5. Bold Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balance against the sweet grilled pineapple.
6. Bold Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes harmonizes well with cinnamon and honey notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling pineapple may seem simple, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Boldly skipping the marinade: Not marinating the pineapple can lead to a lack of flavor. To enhance the taste, soak the pineapple in honey and cinnamon briefly before grilling.

• Boldly using unripe pineapple: Grilling unripe pineapple can result in a tough texture. Choose a ripe pineapple that gives slightly when pressed for the best flavor and tenderness.

• Boldly overcrowding the grill: Placing too many slices on the grill at once can cause uneven cooking. Grill in batches to allow each slice to caramelize properly.

• Boldly ignoring grill temperature: Grilling at too high or low temperatures can burn or undercook the fruit. Aim for medium heat to achieve perfect grill marks without burning.

• Boldly neglecting presentation: Serving grilled pineapple without a drizzle can make it look plain. Always drizzle with cinnamon honey for an appealing finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• Place grilled pineapple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat for about 5 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 best pineapple for grilling?

Select a ripe pineapple by looking for one that is fragrant and has slight give when pressed. This ensures sweetness and tenderness after grilling.

Can I use other fruits instead of pineapple?

Yes! Consider using peaches or mangoes as alternatives. They also caramelize beautifully on the grill and pair well with honey and cinnamon.

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

Serve it warm as a side dish or dessert. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or yogurt for added richness.

Can I prepare the honey mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix honey and cinnamon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and versatile. This recipe is perfect as both a side dish or light dessert, making it suitable for various occasions. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or coconut flakes for extra texture!