Roasted Pineapple is a tasty way to kick refreshing pineapple up a notch. Before the fruit is cooked, it’s well coated in a simple glaze that pairs great with the natural sweetness of the fruit. Perfect for a side of pork for dinner or for an extra special breakfast treat.
I love to use fresh pineapple. These are two of my favorites: my pineapple lemonade recipe and my Pineapple Popsicle recipe.
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Why this Roasted Pineapple Recipe is a Keeper
I love this pineapple dish because has an incredible richness from the caramel. It’s a great recipe to add to an easy and unique side recipe stash.
- Intensified Sweetness and Flavor: Roasting brings out the natural sugars in pineapple, caramelizing the edges and deepening its tropical flavor. It becomes richer, sweeter, and slightly smoky – a completely different experience than fresh pineapple.
- Enhanced Texture: The heat softens the sometimes tough core and edges, creating a beautifully tender and juicy interior with slightly caramelized, chewy edges.
- Versatility Extraordinaire: Roasted pineapple is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own as a dessert, used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, incorporated into savory dishes, added to salads, or even grilled further.
- Simple Yet Impressive: The process is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet the results are often perceived as gourmet or special.
- Naturally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: It’s a naturally inclusive dessert or side, fitting many dietary needs.
- Adds a Tropical Twist: It instantly elevates any dish or meal with its vibrant flavor and aroma, bringing a taste of the tropics to your kitchen.
Do I Need to Use Fresh Whole Pineapple?
It’s best to use fresh pineapple or canned pineapple so that the cinnamon sugar sticks well, but frozen pineapple can also work.
Pro Tip for this Brown Sugar Roasted Pineapple
Adjust Roasting Time Based on Thickness: Thicker pieces will take longer to roast than thinner ones.
Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions for the Grilled Pineapple
A great thing about this recipe is that it’s really to customize. I like to take it to the next level by trying different flavors.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Pineapple: I like to cut up a whole pineapple to make roasted pineapple in oven.
- Lime or Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh citrus juice brightens the flavor and adds a touch of acidity.
- Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting provides a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Rum or Tequila: A splash of rum or tequila can be brushed over the pineapple before roasting for a boozy infusion.
- Nuts: Sprinkle crushed walnuts over the fruit.
- Soy Sauce or Teriyaki: A marinade of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce creates a delicious caramelized glaze for stir-fries or skewers.
- Coconut Oil: Add a little melted coconut oil in with the pineapple before roasting to add another layer flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme can add an unexpected savory note.
How to Make Pineapple Cinnamon Pineapple Side Dish
This recipe is super easy to make. It comes together in just 3 quick steps and is perfect for summer barbecues.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Prep Pan and Pineapple: Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Cut the rind off of the pineapple, and slice into rings, removing the hard core.
- Coat Pineapple: In a large zipper bag, or bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Add each pineapple slice to the bag or bowl, and toss the pineapple to coat completely.
- Bake the Pineapple: Lay the pineapple slices on the baking dish. Bake until brown sugar has completely melted and lightly caramelized.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Tropical Caramelized Pineapple
Preparing ahead of time can be the best way to go. Prep steps and ingredients in advance to be able to enjoy the recipe whenever.
- Prep the Pineapple: You can peel, core, and cut the pineapple into your desired shapes (rings, chunks, spears) up to 1-2 days in advance. Store the pineapple chunks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Coating/Marinade (Optional): If your recipe includes a coating or marinade (like brown sugar, spices, lime juice), you can mix this together a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on the ingredients.
- Combine Pineapple and Coating (Just Before Roasting): It’s generally best to toss the cut pineapple with any coating or marinade just before you’re ready to roast it. This prevents the pineapple from releasing too much liquid prematurely.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Baked Pineapple
- Storing: Store caramelize pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days.
- Reheating: You can enjoy this decadent fruit treat cold or warm. Feel free to reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
- Using Leftovers: Enjoy leftovers as a side dish for Ham. It also will complement Pulled Pork Tacos or grilled meats like Lemon Rosemary Grilled Chicken or Grilled Salmon Salad.
Common Questions to Love this Recipe
What’s the Best Way to Cut a Pineapple for Roasting?
Using a cutting board, start by cutting off half an inch from the top of the fruit. Stand the pineapple upright and slice the skin in thin slices. Remove all of the brown bumps on the surface. Then slice into rings or chunks.
Can I Roast Pineapple With the Core In?
I recommend removing the core before roasting, but you can roast with the core intact. Just be sure to then remove after baking.
Can I Use Different Spices?
Yes, try chili powder or smoked paprika for a smoky and slightly spicy flavor. You could also try herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme.
Expert Tips for Making Oven Roasted Pineapple Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange the pineapple pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and caramelization. Overcrowding will steam the pineapple instead of roasting it.
- Roast Until Golden Brown and Tender: The pineapple is ready when it’s softened and the edges are nicely caramelized and golden brown.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, especially if using sugary coatings.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different spices, extracts, or a touch of heat to customize the flavor profile.
- Serve Warm or Cold: Roasted pineapple is delicious served warm right out of the oven or chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Pair with Contrasting Flavors: Consider serving it with vanilla ice cream, coconut yogurt, salty ham, spicy salsa, or tangy lime crema for a more complex dish.
- Don’t Discard the Core (Optional): Pineapple cores, while tough, can be simmered in water to make a flavorful and slightly sweet juice.
- Serve Recipe With: Easy roasted pineapple is great for breakfast. Try it with Breakfast Sausage Casserole, Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Pancakes or an Air Fryer Cherry Danish.
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Roasted Pineapple
Roasted Pineapple is a tasty way to kick refreshing pineapple up a notch. Before the fruit is cooked, it's well coated in a simple glaze that pairs great with the natural sweetness of the fruit.
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Ingredients
- 1 Pineapple, sliced
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, or use a casserole dish. Set aside.
- Cut the rind off of the pineapple, then cut into rings or slices, removing the hard core from each piece.
- In a large zipper bag, or bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Add each pineapple slice to the bag or bowl, and shake to coat completely.
- Place the cinnamon sugar-coated pineapple slices on the baking tray or casserole dish.
- Repeat with all pineapple slices.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until brown sugar has completely melted and appears to have lightly caramelized on the pineapple.
Christina’s Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Arrange the pineapple pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and caramelization. Overcrowding will steam the pineapple instead of roasting it.
- Roast Until Golden Brown and Tender: The pineapple is ready when it’s softened and the edges are nicely caramelized and golden brown.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking, especially if using sugary coatings.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different spices, extracts, or a touch of heat to customize the flavor profile.
- Serve Warm or Cold: Roasted pineapple is delicious served warm right out of the oven or chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Pair with Contrasting Flavors: Consider serving it with vanilla ice cream, coconut yogurt, salty ham, spicy salsa, or tangy lime crema for a more complex dish.
- Don’t Discard the Core (Optional): Pineapple cores, while tough, can be simmered in water to make a flavorful and slightly sweet juice.
- Serve Recipe With: Easy roasted pineapple is great for breakfast. Try it with Breakfast Sausage Casserole, Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Pancakes or an Air Fryer Cherry Danish.
Helpful Tips for All RecipesThese quick tips will help you get perfect results every time.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Nutrition
Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 84gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 18mgPotassium: 324mgFiber: 4gSugar: 76gVitamin A: 134IUVitamin C: 108mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
Did You Make This Recipe?Leave a review & star rating to let everyone know what you thought.
This appears absolutely delightful! I could devour the whole batch on top of a bowl of ice cream! It must taste even better than pineapple upside-down cake, with the added bonus of being lower in carbs and flour!