Grilled Cinnamon Pineapple Skewers
Juicy, caramelized pineapple chunks kissed by smoky grill heat and coated in warm cinnamon. These simple skewers are the perfect quick dessert or a sweet side dish, turning ordinary pineapple into a tropical treat in under 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~30 min
Soak the skewers and preheat the grill.
1.Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.2.Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. - prep · ~5 min
Prepare the pineapple.
1.Peel the pineapple, remove the core, and cut the flesh into 2-inch chunks.2.Thread the pineapple chunks evenly onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.TIPChoose a pineapple with a sweet aroma at the stem end for the best flavor. - mix · ~1 min
Season the skewers.
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon powder and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over all sides of the pineapple skewers.
- grill · ~8 min
Grill the skewers until caramelized.
1.Brush the hot grill grates lightly with oil.2.Place skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.3.Rotate until all sides have light char marks and the pineapple is heated through, about 6-8 minutes total.TIPDon't move the skewers for the first 2 minutes so you get clean, crisp grill marks. - garnish
Finish with honey and serve.
Transfer the skewers to a serving platter and drizzle generously with honey while still warm. Serve immediately.
TIPWarm the honey slightly for easier drizzling.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a ripe pineapple with yellow-golden flesh for maximum natural sweetness and caramelization.
- 2Soak bamboo skewers for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- 3Cut pineapple chunks into uniform 2-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
- 4Leave a small gap between chunks on the skewer for even heat circulation and char marks.
- 5Don't move the skewers for the first 2 minutes on each side to get clean grill marks.
- 6Drizzle honey immediately after grilling while the pineapple is still hot so it absorbs better.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy chili-lime
Add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and a squeeze of fresh lime juice after grilling for a sweet-spicy-tangy twist.
coconut rum glazeCoconut rum glaze
Replace honey with a mixture of 1 tablespoon coconut cream and 1 teaspoon rum, brushed on during the last minute of grilling for tropical richness.
veganVegan
Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the recipe fully plant-based.
low sugarLow-sugar
Omit the honey drizzle entirely; the natural sugars in the pineapple caramelize sufficiently on their own on the grill.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Pineapple is packed with immune-supporting vitamin C, and grilling helps retain much of its nutritional value.
Good Source of Manganese
Pineapple provides a significant amount of manganese, a mineral essential for bone health and metabolism.
Low in Added Sugar
With only 1 tablespoon of honey for the whole recipe, this dessert is far lower in added sugar than most baked sweets.
Anti-Inflammatory Bromelain
Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, a natural enzyme that may help reduce inflammation and aid digestion.
High in Dietary Fiber
Pineapple is a good source of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps keep you full.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but pat the slices very dry with paper towels first, as canned pineapple is packed in syrup and will be too wet for good caramelization.
