Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is not just a delightful treat; it’s a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you serve it as a refreshing side dish or a light dessert, this recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or casual family dinners. The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple, while the cinnamon honey drizzle adds an irresistible flavor. You’ll find that this dish is simple to prepare and sure to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just three ingredients, this recipe comes together in under 20 minutes.
• Rich in Flavor: Grilling caramelizes the sugars in the pineapple, creating a deliciously sweet taste that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and honey.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a stand-alone dessert, or serve it alongside grilled meats for a unique twist on traditional sides.
• Healthy Dessert Alternative: With natural sweetness from the pineapple and honey, it satisfies your sweet tooth without guilt.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet night at home, this dish fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Provides the heat needed to caramelize the pineapple for rich flavor.
• Non-stick spray: Prevents the pineapple from sticking, making flipping easy.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine honey and cinnamon efficiently.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Pineapple

• 1 pineapple (sliced into spears)

For the Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon

How to Make Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

On a grill prepared with non-stick spray, place pineapple slices over medium heat for about three minutes on each side.

Step 2: Make the Drizzle

While the pineapple is grilling:
1. Mix together the honey (softened in the microwave for about 30 seconds) and cinnamon until well combined.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Drizzle the grilled pineapple with the honey mixture and serve immediately to enjoy warm.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 130 kcal, Carbs: 35 g, Protein: 1 g, Sodium: 2 mg, Sugar: 28 g

How to Serve Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Its sweet and spicy flavor pairs well with many dishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

As a Standalone Dessert

• Serve the grilled pineapple slices warm on their own, letting the caramelized edges shine through.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Top a scoop of vanilla ice cream with the grilled pineapple and drizzle more cinnamon honey for an indulgent dessert.

In Fruit Salad

• Chop grilled pineapple into bite-sized pieces and mix it into a fresh fruit salad for added sweetness and texture.

As a Topping for Pancakes or Waffles

• Use grilled pineapple as a topping for your morning pancakes or waffles, adding a tropical twist to your breakfast.

Alongside Savory Dishes

• Pair the grilled pineapple with grilled chicken or pork to balance savory flavors with its sweetness.

In a Tropical Smoothie Bowl

• Blend the grilled pineapple into smoothies for bowl toppings, enhancing the taste and presentation of your dish.

How to Perfect Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Perfecting Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle can elevate your dish. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve delicious results every time.

• Choose ripe pineapples: Look for pineapples that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma, ensuring maximum sweetness.

• Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is hot before placing the pineapple; this helps achieve those lovely grill marks and caramelization.

• Use fresh honey: Opt for high-quality honey to enhance flavor; avoid overly processed options that may lack depth.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or ginger along with cinnamon to create unique flavor profiles.

• Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve your grilled pineapple right after cooking while it’s still warm.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle makes an excellent addition to many meals. Here’s a list of side dishes that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Coconut Rice: The creaminess of coconut rice balances well with the sweetness of the grilled pineapple.

2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with lime juice and cilantro adds freshness to your meal.

3. Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful black bean tacos bring in savory elements that contrast nicely against sweet pineapple.

4. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies provides a hearty side, creating a colorful plate alongside your dish.

5. Cilantro Lime Slaw: The tangy crunch from cilantro lime slaw offers an excellent contrast to the soft grilled fruit.

6. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Savory garlic butter shrimp pairs wonderfully, blending flavors from land and sea seamlessly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling pineapple can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your dish. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Skipping the marinade – Not soaking or marinating the pineapple before grilling can lead to bland flavors. A quick soak in honey and cinnamon enhances taste.
• Using cold pineapple – Grilling cold pineapple can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure your pineapple is at room temperature for even grilling.
• Not preheating the grill – Failing to preheat the grill can result in sticking and uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill for better sear marks.
• Overcooking the pineapple – Overcooked pineapple becomes mushy and loses flavor. Grill just until caramelized, about three minutes per side.
• Ignoring presentation – A beautifully presented dish enhances enjoyment. Arrange the grilled pineapple on a platter and drizzle with cinnamon honey for visual appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen grilled pineapple can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I choose a ripe pineapple?

Selecting a ripe pineapple involves checking for a sweet aroma at the base and ensuring the skin is golden rather than green.

Can I use other fruits instead of pineapple?

Yes, you can experiment with fruits like peaches or mangoes. Just adjust grilling time based on their firmness.

Is Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle healthy?

This dish is relatively healthy, providing vitamins from fresh fruit and natural sweetness from honey. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet!

What can I serve with grilled pineapple?

Grilled pineapple pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a topping on desserts like ice cream or yogurt.

How long does it take to grill the pineapple?

Grilling takes about 6 minutes total, with each side grilling for around three minutes until caramelized.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe can serve as an amazing side dish or a light dessert, perfect for summer gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding different spices or serving it alongside various dishes!