If you’re craving a sweet, tangy, and irresistibly smoky treat, you’re going to love this Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Honey, Lime, and Cinnamon Recipe. It’s a vibrant celebration of fresh pineapple chunks that get lovingly coated in a luscious honey, lime, and warm cinnamon glaze before hitting a hot grill to caramelize and char to perfection. The end result is a dish bursting with tropical flavors that’s as wonderful as a side for your summer barbecue or a healthy, refreshing dessert. Trust me, once you try these skewers, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been grilling pineapple this way all along!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of ingredients that work harmoniously to create a deliciously balanced flavor. Each item is essential, bringing sweetness, acidity, warmth, and freshness that elevate the natural pineapple flavor into something truly special.
- Fresh pineapple: Choose a ripe one for juicy, tender chunks that caramelize beautifully on the grill.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that helps the pineapple glaze and caramelize.
- Lime juice: Brings brightness and a zesty contrast to the sweet honey.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the tropical fruit.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for threading the pineapple chunks and making grilling effortless; soak wooden ones to prevent burning.
- Optional garnish – fresh mint or chili powder: Mint adds freshness while chili powder gives a spicy kick and visual contrast.
How to Make Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Honey, Lime, and Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers and Glaze
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes to keep them from burning during grilling. In the meantime, whisk together the honey, lime juice, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze will give the pineapple a beautiful sheen and infuse every bite with sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
Step 2: Thread the Pineapple Chunks
Take your fresh pineapple chunks—cut into 1.5-inch pieces for the perfect bite size—and thread them onto the soaked skewers. Leave a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking and allow the glaze to coat every side during grilling.
Step 3: Glaze and Grill
Brush the honey-lime-cinnamon mixture generously over every side of the pineapple chunks. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Keep turning the skewers until the pineapple develops light char marks and caramelizes; this enhances both the taste and texture.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once grilled, remove the skewers from heat and, if you like, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh mint for a burst of herby brightness or a dash of chili powder for a subtle spicy surprise. These finishing touches elevate the dish from simple to extraordinary.
How to Serve Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Honey, Lime, and Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped mint bring a lovely cooling element that pairs perfectly with warm grilled pineapple, while a sprinkle of chili powder introduces some exciting heat if you’re feeling adventurous. A light dusting of toasted coconut flakes also works beautifully for a tropical flair.
Side Dishes
These skewers make an excellent companion to grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or shrimp, bringing a sweet balance to smoky flavors. Alternatively, serve them over fluffy coconut rice or alongside a crisp green salad for a complete, vibrant meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the skewers on a bed of fresh greens or in small individual glasses layered with Greek yogurt for a delightful dessert parfait. You can even mix in other fruits like mango or strawberries on the skewers for colorful variety and added flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled pineapple skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making them perfect for a quick snack or topping on ice cream.
Freezing
While fresh grilled pineapple tastes best, you can freeze the cooked skewers for up to a month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the skewers in a grill pan or under a broiler for a few minutes just until heated through and slightly caramelized again. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture and prevent the pineapple from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
Fresh pineapple is preferred for its firm texture and vibrant flavor that holds up well to grilling. Canned pineapple tends to be softer and may become mushy on the grill, so fresh is best for the Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Honey, Lime, and Cinnamon Recipe.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning or catching fire while grilling. 20 minutes in water is usually sufficient to keep them moist and safe for grilling.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to keep the dish completely vegan without sacrificing that sweet glaze.
How spicy does the chili powder garnish make the dish?
Just a light sprinkle of chili powder adds a gentle warmth that enhances the sweetness without overpowering the pineapple. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, or omit it entirely.
Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
Yes, you can thread the pineapple on skewers and mix the glaze ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated and brush with the glaze just before grilling to keep the pineapple fresh and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Honey, Lime, and Cinnamon Recipe is a simple yet delightful way to bring tropical sunshine to your table. Its bright, sweet, and warming flavors make it a perfect treat for any occasion, from summer cookouts to a wholesome dessert any time of year. Give it a try—you might just make it a new favorite that your friends and family ask for again and again.
Print
Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Honey, Lime, and Cinnamon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 skewers
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tropical, American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy these sweet and tangy Pineapple Skewers, perfect as a refreshing summer side dish or a healthy dessert. Fresh pineapple chunks are coated with a honey-lime-cinnamon glaze, then grilled to caramelized perfection, creating a tropical treat with a delightful balance of flavors and a hint of smokiness from the grill. Garnish with fresh mint or chili powder to add an extra layer of freshness or kick.
Ingredients
Skewers
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1.5-inch chunks
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes before use)
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh mint
- Chili powder
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, and ground cinnamon until well combined to create a flavorful glaze for the pineapple.
- Thread Pineapple: Thread the pineapple chunks onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even grilling and caramelization.
- Brush with Glaze: Generously brush the honey-lime mixture over all sides of the pineapple chunks on the skewers to coat them evenly.
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to the appropriate temperature before placing the skewers on it.
- Grill Pineapple: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning carefully until the pineapple is lightly charred and caramelized on all sides.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill, sprinkle with chopped fresh mint or a pinch of chili powder if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These pineapple skewers make a perfect summer side dish or a healthy dessert option.
- Try adding other fruits like mango or strawberries on the skewers for a delicious variation.
- Serve alongside grilled meats or over coconut rice for a tropical-inspired meal.
