Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a delightful treat that easily elevates any meal. Its sweet, caramelized flavor from the grill combined with a warm cinnamon honey drizzle makes it perfect for summer barbecues or as a light dessert after dinner. You can enjoy this dish on various occasions, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just three simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Healthier Dessert Option: Grilled pineapple offers natural sweetness and fewer calories compared to traditional desserts, allowing you to indulge without guilt.
• Versatile Serving Ideas: Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing dessert topped with your favorite ice cream or yogurt.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of warm cinnamon and honey complements the grilled pineapple beautifully, creating a deliciously unique taste experience.
• Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with this easy yet elegant dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle, you’ll need a few essential tools. These items will help ensure everything goes smoothly while preparing your dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Non-stick spray
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving those beautiful char marks and enhancing the pineapple’s natural sweetness through caramelization.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining the honey and cinnamon evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

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 grate with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Grill the Pineapple

• Place the sliced pineapple spears on the grill.
• Grill for about three minutes on each side until you see nice grill marks and the pineapple is slightly softened.

Step 3: Mix the Drizzle

While the pineapple is grilling:
* In a mixing bowl, soften the honey in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
* Add in the cinnamon and stir well until fully combined.

Step 4: Serve

Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill and drizzle it generously with the honey-cinnamon mixture. Enjoy your delicious Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle!

How to Serve Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a delightful treat that can elevate any meal. Its sweet and smoky flavors pair well with various dishes, making it an excellent choice for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

As a Standalone Dessert

• Enjoy the grilled pineapple on its own, drizzled generously with the cinnamon honey. The warm fruit combined with the sweet sauce creates a comforting dessert.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve slices of grilled pineapple alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the juicy pineapple perfectly, creating a delicious contrast.

On a Fruit Salad

• Add pieces of grilled pineapple to a fresh fruit salad for an extra layer of flavor. The warm, caramelized notes enhance the sweetness of other fruits like berries and melons.

With Greek Yogurt

• Top Greek yogurt with grilled pineapple and cinnamon honey for a delicious breakfast or snack. This combination provides protein and probiotics while remaining indulgent.

As a Topping for Pancakes or Waffles

• Use grilled pineapple as a topping for pancakes or waffles. The sweet drizzle adds a fantastic twist to your breakfast favorites.

In a Tropical Smoothie Bowl

• Blend grilled pineapple into your smoothie bowl for added texture and flavor. Pair it with coconut milk and other tropical fruits for a refreshing treat.

How to Perfect Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

To achieve the best results when making Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose ripe pineapples: Ripe pineapples have more natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

• Preheat the grill: Ensure your grill is hot enough before placing the pineapple on it. This helps achieve those perfect grill marks and caramelization.

• Use fresh honey: Opt for high-quality, pure honey for an authentic taste in your drizzle.

• Adjust cinnamon to taste: Feel free to modify the amount of cinnamon based on your personal preference; more can add warmth and depth.

• Experiment with spices: Consider adding nutmeg or ginger for extra spice variation in your honey mixture.

• Serve immediately: Grilled pineapple tastes best when served right off the grill while it’s warm and juicy.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside:

1. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and vegetables adds freshness to your meal.

2. Grilled Veggies
   Charred vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complement the sweetness of the pineapple nicely.

3. Coconut Rice
   Fluffy coconut rice provides a creamy backdrop that enhances tropical flavors.

4. Chicken Skewers
   Tender chicken skewers seasoned simply allow the sweetness of the pineapple to shine through without overpowering it.

5. Black Bean Tacos
   Spicy black bean tacos offer a hearty option that contrasts well with the sweetness of your dessert.

6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes creates balance when paired with grilled pineapple.

7. Mixed Green Salad
   A light mixed green salad dressed in vinaigrette will refresh your palate between bites of rich flavors.

8. Corn on the Cob
   Grilled corn brushed with lime butter brings out vibrant flavors that pair wonderfully together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling pineapple with a cinnamon honey drizzle can be simple, but certain missteps can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Preheat: Failing to preheat the grill can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill for even heat distribution.
• Not Using Enough Honey: Underestimating the amount of honey can result in a less flavorful dish. Make sure to use enough for a rich drizzle that complements the pineapple.
• Ignoring Grill Marks: Cooking pineapple too quickly can prevent those desirable grill marks. Take your time grilling on medium heat for perfect caramelization.
• Overcooking the Pineapple: Cooking pineapple for too long can make it mushy. Aim for about three minutes per side to retain its firm texture.
• Poor Storage Choices: Storing grilled pineapple improperly can affect its taste and texture. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store 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

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe bags.
• Frozen grilled pineapple is best used within 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making grilled pineapple with cinnamon honey drizzle.

How do I choose the best pineapple for grilling?

Selecting a ripe pineapple is key. Look for one that has a sweet aroma and slightly soft spots. A golden color indicates ripeness as well.

Can I use other fruits besides pineapple?

Absolutely! Other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or even bananas work beautifully when grilled. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What else can I pair with Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle?

This dish pairs wonderfully with yogurt, ice cream, or as a topping on pancakes or waffles, enhancing any breakfast or dessert spread.

How do I store leftover Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them if you wish to keep them longer.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is not only a delightful treat but also incredibly versatile. Whether served as a side dish at summer barbecues or enjoyed as a light dessert, it’s sure to please everyone. Feel free to customize by adding different spices or serving it alongside your favorite toppings!