Smoked Pineapple in Brown Sugar (In 4 Easy Steps)

Yes, you read that right….smoked pineapple.

Prepare to have your taste buds blown AWAY!

Forget pineapple on pizza – this will be your new pineapple obsession!

Once you’ve tried this you’ll be coming back again and again.

Why Smoke A Pineapple?

Smoking anything gives it a depth of flavor that is hard to beat.

Fresh smoked pineapple is no exception.

As the fruit cooks, the natural sugars caramelize and intensify. Add a smoky flavor element and you’ve got a delicious dish to complement almost anything.

The best part is, it takes no prep time at all. You can cut it in half and throw it on the grill exactly as it is.

What To Serve It With

You can serve smoked pineapple with savory or sweet dishes. It is delicious as a topping pulled pork tacos.

Or the sweetness of pineapple goes perfectly with smoky pork loin, there is something magical about pork and pineapple.

Choosing The Perfect Pineapple

Choose a pineapple that’s fresh and ripe. The more natural sugar it has developed, the better the result.

Preparing the Pineapple

There are several ways to grill a pineapple.

Whole Pineapple

Leave the top on, or remove it.

Slice lengthwise down the center and grill flesh side down.

Or remove the outer skin and grill the entire ripe fresh pineapple.

From here you can slice and dice any way you like.

Pineapple Wedges

If you’d prefer more surface area soaking up the smokey goodness, cut into wedges.

Cut the whole fruit into quarters lengthwise. Remove the fibrous centers, then cut into smaller wedges, and lay on the grill.

Pineapple Slices

Remove the skin from the ripe pineapple and cut it into whole slices. Slice as thick or thin as you desire.

Pineapple Rings

Cut the skinned pineapple into whole slices and remove the core. A biscuit cutter or pineapple corer will make this job much easier. 

Adding Flavors To The Pineapple (Sugar Is Key)

Now, grilled pineapple is divine as it is. But if you have the urge to spice it up, there are several ways to achieve this with a few basic ingredients.

If you prefer to draw out the sweet, go for brown sugar, honey syrup, bourbon, or maple syrup.

A kosher salt and brown sugar mixture makes a nice sweet and salty glaze.

For a more savory option, you can test out traditional BBQ rubs or barbecue sauces. Throw a little cayenne pepper or black pepper in for some zing.

How to Smoke

Fire up your smoker setup 10-15 minutes before smoking. 

Set it to a temperature of between 225-250°F. Anything higher will burn the sugars in the fruit.

It will only take about an hour to smoke half a pineapple, even less for smaller pieces.

Place the halves face down on the grill grates. You’ll get gorgeous grill marks over the flesh, and allow it to absorb the smokey flavors.

Use a cast-iron skillet for smaller pineapple chunks or pineapple quarters. This will save them from falling through.

Wood Chip Ideas

Light fruity flavors like apple, oak, and cherry wood are perfect for fruit. They bring out the natural sweetness while adding some smoky elements.

You could push the envelope with hickory. But the stronger mesquite chips will overpower the fruit.

Times and Temperatures

Keep the temperatures low, so the natural sugars don’t burn.

Smoked pineapple will need about an hour of cooking time on medium heat, around 225-250°F.

Flip over about 30-40 minutes into the cook.

You’ll know it’s ready when the fruit has begun to caramelize and golden brown around the edges.

As the fruit is safe to eat raw, it’s not necessary to check the internal temperatures with a temp probe.

Brown Sugar Smoked Pineapple Recipe

This delicious recipe combines fresh pineapple with a delicious brown sugar rub.

Ingredients:

• Whole Pineapple
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Honey
• 2 tbsp Cinnamon

Method:

• Remove the pineapple skin.
• Cut the pineapple any way you desire – wedges, halved, rings.
• Mix the sugar and honey.
• Coat over the entire pineapple.
• Place on the grill at 225-250°F
• Grill for 30-60 minutes
• Remove and serve as desired.

Want More Dessert Recipes?

Do you love dessert as much as me? I have lots of delicious dessert recipes below.

Smoked Pumpkin Pie

Smoked Pineapple in Brown Sugar

Smoked Cookies

Smoked Peaches Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Drizzle

Prosciutto-Wrapped Smoked Brie Recipe 

Smoking pineapple brings out the glorious natural sweetness. Combined with a distinctive smoke flavor, it’s well worth the effort.

This meaty fruit takes on a whole new life after a bit of time on the grill!

Smoke On!

Charlie

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