Texas Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar

Introduction

This Texas-style grilled pineapple with brown sugar is the perfect sweet and smoky side or dessert that caramelizes beautifully on the Arteflame Grill’s flat cooktop griddle. By grilling over the open fire and brushing it with brown sugar and butter, you’ll get that rich, charred flavor that brings out the natural sweetness of the pineapple—ideal for any barbecue or cookout. With the Arteflame’s precise heat zones, you can control the caramelization perfectly every time.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for smoky warmth)
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the center of the grill and pour some vegetable oil on them.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the firewood burn down for about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the pineapple

1. Peel and core the pineapple, then slice it into 1/2-inch rounds.
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with light brown sugar and cinnamon (if using).

Step 3: Grill the pineapple

1. Place pineapple slices directly on the flat top griddle closer to the center for higher heat zones.
2. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until dark grill marks form and the sugars begin to caramelize.
3. Brush each side with the brown sugar-butter mixture as it grills to build up that caramel crust.
4. Lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for flavor contrast.

Tips

• Use fresh ripe pineapple for the best sweetness and flavor.
• Grill near the center of the cooktop for a faster sear, or move to the cooler outer zone for slower caramelization.
• Brush frequently with the butter mixture to achieve deep caramelization.
• No lid needed—the open-flame exposure helps concentrate the flavor.
• Use real butter instead of olive oil for richer flavor and crispier edges.

Variations

1. Honey-Chili Pineapple: Replace brown sugar with honey and add a pinch of chili powder for heat and sweet.
2. Lime Zest Pineapple: Add fresh lime zest in the butter mixture for a citrusy zing.
3. Bourbon Glazed Pineapple: Mix 1 tbsp bourbon into the melted butter for a smoky kick.
4. Maple Cinnamon Pineapple: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup and increase cinnamon for a fall-inspired version.
5. Spiced Rum Pineapple: Add a splash of spiced rum and nutmeg to the glaze for a dessert with flair.

Conclusion

With the Arteflame grill’s wide flat top and precise heat control, this Texas grilled pineapple with brown sugar comes together beautifully every time. It’s a simple yet irresistible dish that complements any meal or stands alone as a sweet grilled treat.

Best pairings

• Grilled pork or chicken with a smoky BBQ glaze
• Vanilla bean ice cream for a tropical dessert
• Fresh mint lemonade or a rum-based cocktail
• Texas brisket for a sweet-savory contrast