These Grilled Pineapple Skewers are a vibrant and healthy treat, bursting with sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors thanks to a zesty jalapeno-honey glaze.
Naturally rich in fiber and antioxidants, low in saturated fat, and featuring plant-based goodness, they make a quick, satisfying dessert or side dish that’s perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prep with minimal effort.
40-Minute Quick Grilled Pineapple Skewers
Equipment
- 10 skewers (wooden or steel)
- Small mixing bowl
- Grill or grill pan
- Brush for glazing
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Flat serving plate
Ingredients
For Pineapple Skewers:
- 1 ripe pineapple
For Jalapeno Honey Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 small jalapeno finely chopped
- 1 large lime juiced
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers for Grilling: If using wooden skewers, begin by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents the skewers from burning or catching fire on the grill. Steel skewers can be skipped for soaking. While the skewers soak, you can move on to prepping the pineapple and glaze.
- Preheat Your Grill: Turn on your grill and set it to high heat, aiming for an internal temperature around 400°F (204°C). A properly heated grill ensures the pineapple caramelizes nicely, creating those signature dark grill marks and intensifying the natural sweetness. Clean the grill grates beforehand to avoid sticking.
- Cut the Pineapple into Spear Shapes: Carefully trim the top and bottom of the pineapple, then remove the tough outer skin. Slice the pineapple into long, even spears—roughly 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Consistency is key for even cooking. If helpful, refer to photos or instructional videos to perfect the spear size.
- Mix the Jalapeno Honey Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup honey, the juice of 1 large lime, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 finely chopped small jalapeno. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste carefully and adjust sweetness or spice according to your preference.
- Skewer the Pineapple Spears: Take each pineapple spear and carefully insert a skewer through the center, stopping about 1 inch from the top to ensure stability. Take your time to avoid splitting the pineapple. Lay the skewered spears flat on a plate as you work.
- Apply the Glaze: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat both sides of each pineapple spear with the jalapeno honey glaze. Make sure each piece is fully coated to enhance flavor and help with caramelization on the grill. Save a small portion of glaze for basting later.
- Position Pineapple on Grill: Place the skewered pineapple directly over the flames at a slight angle, such as the 10 o’clock position. Close the grill lid to trap heat and smoke, which will impart a subtle charred flavor.Avoid moving the skewers too much to allow grill marks to form.
- Rotate and Baste for Even Caramelization: After about 5 minutes, use tongs to gently rotate the skewers to a 2 o’clock angle, keeping the same side down. Baste each spear with the reserved glaze, allowing the honey mixture to caramelize and coat the pineapple beautifully. Close the lid and grill for a few more minutes.
- Check for Perfect Grill Marks: Keep an eye on the pineapple as it cooks. You are aiming for deep, clean grill marks without burning the fruit. The skewers should be tender yet firm. Adjust grill heat or timing as needed depending on your grill’s strength.
- Remove and Chill: Once the pineapple is evenly grilled and glazed, carefully remove the skewers from the grill.Arrange them on a large flat serving plate. Brush with any remaining glaze for extra shine and flavor. Let the skewers chill for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavor and make them refreshing for serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the skewers chilled or at room temperature. They make a sweet, slightly spicy, and smoky dessert or side dish, perfect for BBQs, picnics, or a light treat after dinner. Pair with fresh mint, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of coconut flakes for extra flair.
Notes
- Use only fresh, ripe pineapple for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
- Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent burning.
- Do not move the skewers frequently while grilling; rotate only once for even char marks.
- Adjust the jalapeno in the glaze according to your preferred spice level.
- Chill skewers after grilling for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and refresh the dessert.
- Leftover glaze can be stored in the fridge and used for smoothies or drizzling on other fruits.
- For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the skewers before serving.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavorful Skewers
The key to these skewers’ standout flavor lies in balancing sweet, spicy, and smoky notes.
Always use fully ripe pineapple, as under-ripe fruit will taste tart and less juicy.
When preparing the glaze, finely chop the jalapeno to infuse just enough heat without overpowering the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
Proper grill technique is essential: allow the skewers to stay in place long enough to develop rich caramelization and grill marks, rotating only once.
Brushing with the remaining glaze after grilling ensures a shiny, flavorful finish that elevates the presentation and taste.
Creative Serving Suggestions for Guests
These skewers are versatile and visually stunning, making them ideal for both casual and festive gatherings.
Serve chilled with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a dollop of coconut yogurt for tropical flair.
They also pair wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or chicken as a side dish, offering a refreshing contrast.
For a fun dessert twist, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate.
Present them on a platter with fresh mint leaves to enhance both aroma and visual appeal.
Smart Storage Tips for Skewers
Grilled pineapple skewers are best served fresh but can be stored for later enjoyment.
Place the cooled skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Keep the glaze separate if possible to prevent the pineapple from becoming overly sticky.
For longer storage, pineapple can be removed from skewers and frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet; once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before serving and re-brush with glaze for optimal flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh pineapple is strongly recommended because it provides natural juiciness, fiber, and flavor that canned pineapple lacks.
Canned pineapple may be too soft and sugary, resulting in mushy skewers and reduced grill texture.
2. How spicy is the jalapeno in this recipe?
The spice level is mild to moderate.
You can reduce heat by removing the seeds and ribs of the jalapeno or increase it by adding more finely chopped jalapeno. The honey in the glaze balances the spice beautifully.
3. Can I grill these indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works well.
Preheat it on medium-high heat, lightly oil the surface, and follow the same skewer placement and rotation method for caramelization.
4. Can I prepare these skewers in advance?
Absolutely. You can cut, skewer, and glaze the pineapple ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours.
Grill just before serving for the freshest taste, or grill in advance and chill the skewers for a refreshing, ready-to-serve treat.
5. What else can I do with leftover glaze?
Leftover jalapeno honey glaze is incredibly versatile. Drizzle it over oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.
It can also be used in smoothies or as a tropical salad dressing, adding a perfect mix of sweetness and subtle heat.
