This grilled pineapple recipe is sweet, spicy, and caramelized with brown sugar, cayenne, and lime. An easy side dish or dessert for summer grilling!

Grilled pineapple is one of those easy recipes that always feels a little fun. It comes off the grill warm, juicy, caramelized around the edges, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting.

This version skips the usual cinnamon and goes in a bolder direction with cayenne, brown sugar, and a little salt. The sweet-spicy combo is so good, whether you're serving it as a side dish at a cookout or as a simple dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Fresh pineapple: Fresh pineapple is the star here, and it really is best for grilling. It holds its shape, gets beautifully caramelized, and turns extra juicy over the heat. Canned pineapple rings can work in a pinch, but fresh will give you the best flavor and texture and hold together best on the grill.

Melted coconut oil: This helps the sugar and spice mixture cling to the pineapple and adds a little richness. Coconut oil is my preferred dairy-free option. But if that's not a consideration for you, you can substitute butter.

Brown sugar: A little sweetness helps the pineapple caramelize and balances the heat from the cayenne pepper. Brown sugar gives you that deeper, molasses-like flavor. You can also substitute honey or agave syrup if you prefer.

Cayenne pepper: This is what gives the pineapple its kick. You can start small and adjust to taste. If you prefer, chili powder or tajín can be used instead.

Salt: Just a pinch helps bring everything together and makes the sweet and spicy flavors pop.

Lime juice: Adds a fresh, bright finish that works really well with the sweet pineapple and spicy cayenne. If you don't have lime juice, you can skip it entirely or use lemon juice as an alternative.

Tips & Tricks

Choose a very ripe pineapple: A ripe pineapple will be sweeter, juicier, and more flavorful once grilled. Look for one that smells sweet at the base and has a little give when pressed.

Cut it evenly: Try to slice your pineapple into pieces that are about the same thickness so everything cooks at the same rate. Rings and long spears both work well.

Don't overdo the cayenne: A little goes a long way. Start with the smaller amount if you're unsure, especially if you're serving this to kids or people who don't love spicy foods.

Watch it closely on the grill: Pineapple can go from perfectly caramelized to too dark pretty quickly because of its natural sugars. A few minutes per side is usually all it needs.

Oil the grill if needed: If your grill tends to stick, lightly oil the grates before adding the pineapple. That makes flipping much easier.

Variations

Use tajín: For more of a chili-lime flavor, swap the cayenne for tajín.
Make it smokier: Add a pinch of chipotle powder instead of cayenne for sweet heat with a smoky finish.
Try hot honey: Swap the brown sugar for hot honey if you want the spicy-sweet flavor built right in.
Serve it as dessert: Top warm grilled pineapple with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Serving Ideas

This grilled pineapple is really versatile. You can serve it warm straight off the grill as a side dish, add it to a summer barbecue spread, or turn it into a simple dessert.

It's also great chopped up and spooned over yogurt, ice cream, pound cake, or even tacos. If you're entertaining, it makes an easy dish that looks impressive without much effort.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftover grilled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture will soften a bit, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Reheat: You can enjoy it cold, let it come to room temperature, or warm it briefly in a skillet, microwave, or on the grill.

More Veg-Friendly Ideas!

If you love this grilled pineapple, be sure to check out these other delicious pineapple inspired recipes:

📖 Recipe