Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

This Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light dessert! The grilling adds a smoky flavor to the sweet pineapple, while the cinnamon honey drizzle elevates it to a whole new level. Perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or even a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just three simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish in under 20 minutes!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of grilled pineapple with the warm cinnamon honey creates a mouthwatering flavor that is both sweet and aromatic.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish at cookouts or enjoy it as a stand-alone dessert. It pairs well with ice cream or yogurt too!
• Healthy Alternative: This recipe uses natural ingredients and offers a lighter option compared to traditional desserts.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a summer barbecue, holiday feast, or cozy family dinner, this dish fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious grilled pineapple, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Gathering these items will ensure you have everything ready for smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks and enhancing the flavor of the pineapple.
• Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents the pineapple from sticking to the grill, ensuring easy flipping and removal.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients smoothly without spills.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Grilled 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 coat the grill grates with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Grill the Pineapple

1. Place the sliced pineapple spears on the grill.
2. Grill for about three minutes on each side until they show nice char marks and are heated through.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

While the pineapple is grilling:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened honey and cinnamon.
2. Stir until well blended, creating a smooth drizzle.

Step 4: Serve Your Dish

Once grilled, remove the pineapple from the grill. Drizzle the warm cinnamon honey mixture generously over each piece before serving. Enjoy this delicious Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle fresh off the grill!

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. Whether you’re looking for a light dessert or a flavorful side dish, this recipe fits perfectly into any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

As a Standalone Dessert

• Serve the grilled pineapple warm, drizzled generously with the cinnamon honey mixture for a sweet treat.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Pair the grilled pineapple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, sweet flavors beautifully.

On Top of Yogurt

• Add grilled pineapple pieces to a bowl of creamy yogurt. A touch of honey and cinnamon on top creates a delicious breakfast or snack option.

In a Fruit Salad

• Mix grilled pineapple with other fresh fruits like strawberries and mangoes for a refreshing fruit salad that’s both colorful and tasty.

As a Topping for Pancakes or Waffles

• Use the grilled pineapple as a topping for pancakes or waffles. The honey drizzle adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates your breakfast.

With Grilled Chicken or Fish

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. The sweet and savory combination will surprise your taste buds and enhance your main dish.

How to Perfect Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

To achieve the best results when preparing Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe pineapples – Select pineapples that are fragrant and yield slightly to pressure for optimal sweetness.
• Preheat the grill – Make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat before placing the pineapple on it for even cooking.
• Use a non-stick spray – Lightly coat the grill grates with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping.
• Cut uniform slices – Slice the pineapple into even spears for consistent grilling and even caramelization.
• Monitor grilling time – Keep an eye on the cooking time; three minutes per side usually works well, but adjust based on thickness.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or ginger for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs offers a healthy contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.
2. Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and zest, balancing out the softness of the grilled fruit.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complement the dish’s flavors when grilled alongside.
4. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs provides a neutral base that allows the pineapple’s sweetness to shine.
5. Black Bean Salad – A black bean salad with corn, lime juice, and cilantro brings protein and freshness to your meal.
6. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread can serve as an excellent accompaniment, providing texture and flavor contrast.
7. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers loaded with grains and vegetables make for an eye-catching addition to your plate.
8. Potato Wedges – Spicy baked potato wedges give a hearty touch that balances well with the tropical flavors of grilled pineapple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilling pineapple is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to keep your Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle perfect.

• Skipping the marinade: A quick soak in honey and cinnamon enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step for a delightful taste.
• Not preheating the grill: A properly heated grill ensures even cooking. Always preheat for best results.
• Cutting uneven slices: Ensure uniform slices for even grilling. Uneven pieces cook at different rates, leading to inconsistent results.
• Overcooking the pineapple: Keep a close eye on grilling time. Overcooked pineapple becomes mushy and loses its texture.
• Neglecting to clean the grill: A dirty grill can lead to sticking and burning. Clean it before use for a smooth grilling experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• For longer storage, freeze grilled pineapple in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I choose the best pineapple?

Look for pineapples that are firm with a sweet aroma at the base. The leaves should also be vibrant and green.

Can I use other fruits instead of pineapple?

Yes! Other fruits like peaches or mangoes work well too. Just adjust the grilling time as needed.

What can I serve with Grilled Pinapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle?

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

How do I make it vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Honey Drizzle is not just delicious; it’s versatile too! Perfect as a side dish or light dessert, this recipe allows you to customize flavors easily. Try adding additional spices or serving it over different bases—your options are endless!