Grilled Pineapple: A Brazilian-Inspired Tropical Delight

Introduction

There’s something absolutely magical about the transformation that happens when you take a juicy, ripe pineapple and let it caramelize over hot coals. Brazilian Grilled Pineapple, known as “abacaxi na brasa” in Portuguese, elevates this tropical fruit to extraordinary heights with just a few simple ingredients and techniques. The heat of the grill coaxes out the natural sugars, creating a delectable caramelized exterior while maintaining that perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that makes pineapple so irresistible.

I first encountered this delightful treat during a trip to a churrascaria, where it was served as the perfect palate cleanser between servings of rich, savory meats. The memory of that first bite—warm, sweet, and slightly smoky—stayed with me for years until I finally mastered making it at home. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. It works beautifully as a side dish alongside grilled meats, as a topping for vanilla ice cream, or even as a standalone dessert.

Unlike our popular Caramelized Banana Foster recipe, which requires a bit more technique with the flambé, this grilled pineapple comes together in minutes with minimal preparation. Perfect for summer cookouts, year-round entertaining, or simply when you’re craving something sweet but not overly indulgent. Trust me—once you’ve tried Brazilian Grilled Pineapple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been grilling this fruit all along!

What is Brazilian Grilled Pineapple?

Ever wondered what happens when you take Brazil’s vibrant culinary traditions and apply them to one of nature’s most perfect tropical fruits? That’s exactly what Brazilian Grilled Pineapple is all about! This simple yet spectacular treat features fresh pineapple coated in cinnamon sugar and grilled until caramelized and irresistibly fragrant. Known as “abacaxi na brasa” throughout Brazil, it’s a staple at churrascarias (Brazilian steakhouses) where it serves as the perfect palate cleanser between servings of succulent meats. Why is it so popular? Well, as they say in Brazil, “a sobremesa perfeita conquista até os corações mais cheios”—the perfect dessert conquers even the fullest hearts! The contrast between the caramelized exterior and juicy interior creates a taste sensation that’s simply unforgettable. Ready to bring a taste of Brazilian barbecue tradition to your own backyard?

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pineapple:

This Brazilian Grilled Pineapple recipe will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire for so many reasons! First and foremost, the transformation that happens when pineapple meets heat is nothing short of miraculous—the natural sugars caramelize to create complex flavors that balance sweetness with a hint of smokiness that’s absolutely irresistible. The texture contrast between the caramelized exterior and the juicy interior creates a perfect bite every time.

From a practical standpoint, making grilled pineapple at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to ordering it at restaurants. A single pineapple typically costs between $2-4 and can easily serve 6-8 people as a dessert, making it an economical choice for entertaining. Plus, you control the quality and ripeness of the fruit, ensuring optimal flavor.

The cinnamon-sugar coating elevates this simple fruit to gourmet status, creating a warm, aromatic experience that appeals to all the senses. The spice perfectly complements the tropical sweetness of the pineapple, creating a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exotic. Some variations even include a brush of honey or a splash of rum for added dimension—feel free to experiment!

If you enjoy this recipe, you’ll also love our Grilled Peaches with Honey-Mascarpone, which uses similar techniques but with stone fruit. Why not try both and create a spectacular grilled fruit dessert platter for your next gathering? Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you!

How to Make Brazilian Grilled Pineapple:

Quick Overview

This Brazilian Grilled Pineapple recipe is the epitome of simplicity meeting extraordinary flavor. With just three ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time, you’ll create a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a high-end churrascaria. The beauty lies in how the heat transforms the pineapple, intensifying its natural sweetness while adding a subtle smokiness that perfectly balances the fruit’s acidity. Total preparation and cooking time is approximately 15-20 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute dessert for impromptu gatherings or a quick sweet treat after a weeknight dinner.

Key Ingredients for Grilled Pineapple:

• 1 large, ripe pineapple (look for one with a sweet aroma at the base and golden-yellow color)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• Optional: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 2 tablespoons dark rum or cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane spirit)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the pineapple: Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple to create flat surfaces. Stand the pineapple upright and carefully slice away the outer skin, making sure to remove all the “eyes” (the small brown spots). Cut the pineapple into rings approximately ½-inch thick. For easier grilling, you can leave the core intact and remove it after cooking, or use a small round cookie cutter to remove it before grilling.
2. Make the cinnamon sugar mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing thoroughly until well integrated. The ratio should be approximately 1 part cinnamon to 5 parts sugar, but adjust according to your preference for cinnamon intensity.
3. Coat the pineapple: Pat the pineapple rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere better and promotes caramelization. Dredge each pineapple ring in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Press gently to help the mixture stick to the fruit.
4. Preheat your grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. If using a grill pan indoors, heat it over medium-high heat until hot.
5. Grill the pineapple: Place the coated pineapple rings directly on the grill grates. Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until you see nice grill marks and the sugar begins to caramelize. Be watchful as the sugar can burn quickly. If using the optional butter, brush it lightly on the pineapple during the last minute of grilling.
6. Add optional flavoring: If using rum or vanilla, brush or sprinkle it over the pineapple rings just before removing them from the grill. This adds an aromatic dimension without overwhelming the natural pineapple flavor.
7. Serve immediately: Grilled pineapple is best enjoyed warm, when the contrast between the caramelized exterior and juicy interior is most pronounced. Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.

What to Serve Grilled Pineapple With:

Brazilian Grilled Pineapple is remarkably versatile and can be incorporated into various parts of your meal. For an authentic Brazilian experience, serve it alongside grilled meats like picanha (sirloin cap), linguiça (Portuguese sausage), or other churrasco favorites. The sweet, caramelized fruit provides a perfect counterpoint to savory, smoky proteins.

As a dessert, this grilled pineapple shines when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts slightly when placed on the warm fruit, creating a delightful sauce. A light dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint make for an elegant presentation. For added indulgence, consider a drizzle of dulce de leche or a dollop of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream.

For a refreshing summer option, chop grilled pineapple into smaller pieces and use it to top Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola for a balanced breakfast or afternoon snack. Alternatively, incorporate it into tropical cocktails or mocktails – a grilled pineapple wedge makes an impressive garnish for a piña colada or caipirinha.

Top Tips for Perfecting Grilled Pineapple:

To achieve truly exceptional Brazilian Grilled Pineapple, keep these professional tips in mind:

1. Choose the right pineapple: Look for a pineapple that feels heavy for its size with a slight give when squeezed. The color should be golden-yellow at the base, and it should emit a sweet fragrance. If your pineapple isn’t fully ripe, leave it at room temperature for 1-2 days before grilling. A perfectly ripe pineapple will caramelize better and have superior flavor.
2. Uniform thickness matters: Cut your pineapple slices to an even thickness of approximately ½-inch. Too thin, and they’ll fall apart on the grill; too thick, and they won’t caramelize properly in the center. Using a sharp knife ensures clean cuts that help the slices maintain their integrity on the grill.
3. For deeper flavor: Let the pineapple rings marinate in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for 15-30 minutes before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate and the sugar to begin drawing out the juices, resulting in a more intense caramelization.
4. Heat management is crucial: If your grill is too hot, the sugar will burn before the pineapple cooks through. If it’s not hot enough, you won’t get proper caramelization. Start with medium-high heat and adjust as needed. A good indicator: when you can hold your hand about 5 inches above the grill for 4-5 seconds before it feels too hot.
5. Don’t over-flip: Resist the urge to constantly turn the pineapple. Let each side cook undisturbed for at least 2 minutes to develop those beautiful grill marks and proper caramelization. Only flip once if possible.
6. Ingredient substitutions: If you’re watching your sugar intake, try a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon, using about half the amount. The molasses in brown sugar adds depth without requiring as much sweetener. For a different flavor profile, experiment with other spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or star anise in place of some of the cinnamon.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

While Brazilian Grilled Pineapple is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, you can store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Allow any uneaten grilled pineapple to cool completely before refrigerating. Place the slices in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Properly stored, grilled pineapple will maintain good quality for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

To reheat, avoid the microwave which can make the pineapple soggy. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the pineapple slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through but not overcooked. Alternatively, use a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of butter for 1-2 minutes per side to restore some of the caramelization.

For longer storage, grilled pineapple can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place cooled slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the oven method above.

Grilled pineapple can also be repurposed in creative ways. Chop chilled leftovers for a tropical salsa to accompany grilled fish or chicken, blend into smoothies for a caramelized flavor boost, or dice and fold into muffin or quick bread batters for a sweet surprise element.

End your meal on a sweet note with one of our irresistible(desserts), from classic treats to unique creations.

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