Grilled Pineapple

Every now and then, a recipe comes along that feels like a little tropical vacation—and friends, this is one of those recipes. Grilled pineapple is already one of my favorite summertime treats, but this version? It’s downright dreamy.

You start with big, juicy slices of fresh pineapple, then soak them in a marinade made with lime juice, a splash of coconut rum (this adds to the tropical vibes!), a drizzle of dark agave syrup for some extra sweetness and depth of flavor, and a pinch of salt to balance everything out. Let it all mingle in the fridge for a bit—just enough time to get the grill hot.
Then comes the magic: toss those pineapple rounds on a hot grill or grill pan, and in just a few minutes, you’ve got beautiful, golden grill marks and a warm, caramelized flavor that’ll stop you in your tracks. Finish with a drizzle of agave syrup and maybe a little fresh lime zest if you’re feeling wild.

Serve these alongside grilled pork chops or shrimp, tuck them into tacos, top them with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, or honestly? Just eat them warm right off the platter!

How should you prep pineapple before grilling it?

First, you’ll want to peel, core, and slice your pineapple into 1-inch thick rounds—this gives them enough surface area to get those beautiful grill marks without falling apart. I like to soak the slices in a simple marinade (lime juice, coconut rum, agave, and a pinch of salt) to really bring out their flavor and add a little tropical flair. Let the pineapple sit in the marinade for at least 20 minutes so it can soak up all that goodness before it hits the grill.

How long should you grill pineapple for?

Not long at all! Just about 3 minutes per side over medium heat is all it takes to cook pineapple on the grill. You’re looking for nice grill marks and a warm, slightly caramelized surface, but the fruit should still be firm enough to hold its shape. Be sure to keep an eye on it—pineapple has natural sugars that can burn quickly!

What type of pineapple is best for grilling—canned or fresh?

Fresh is definitely the way to go! Fresh pineapple has the perfect texture and natural sweetness for grilling. Canned pineapple tends to be softer and can fall apart or get mushy on the grill. Plus, with fresh pineapple, you can cut thick rounds just the way you like them. Trust me—it’s worth the extra couple of minutes to prep!