Fire up those pellet grills and surprise your taste buds with the irresistible fusion of smoky and naturally sweet flavors in this easy Smoked Pineapple recipe! It’s the perfect side dish or dessert to cap off all your summer barbecues!
Confession time.
I may never grill with propane again.
Since moving to Georgia, we’ve switched over to a pellet grill, and it has been the most amazing addition to our lives!
And as it turns out, you can cook just about anything on a smoker with amazing results. It’s not all about slow-smoked meats, my friends!
This page includes step by step instructions, as well as tips and notes. If you’d like to skip all that, feel free to scroll down to the full, printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. There is also a “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page if you’d rather not exercise your scrolling finger!
So you might be thinking, “Smoked pineapple? Really?”
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look back.
The unexpected sweet and smoky flavor combo will have you buying pineapples way more often than ever before. You’re going to want to use this kind of pineapple in and on everything!
Ingredients
- Fresh pineapple – do not skip this! Canned pineapple has its uses, but fresh is the way to go here for the best flavor.
- Brown sugar – dark or light, up to you. Pineapple is already sweet enough, but this sugar caramelizes on the outside a little bit, making the end result irresistible!
- Tajín – this unique chili-lime seasoning is what makes this smoked pineapple really sing! We love to put fresh lime on a lot of our favorite fruits, but this works so well in this smoker recipe.
- Sea salt – just a little bit will do, and you can even leave it off if the Tajín is salty enough for you.
How do I pick a ripe pineapple?
Selecting a ripe pineapple is crucial to ensure maximum sweetness and juiciness. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect pineapple:
- Choose a pineapple with a bright golden or yellow color on the skin. Avoid pineapples with greenish tones, as they are likely underripe. Some green areas are fine as long as the other signs indicate ripeness.
- Gently squeeze the pineapple to check for firmness. It should give slightly when pressed, but still feel firm overall. Pineapples that are too soft may be overripe.
- Smell the pineapple’s base. If it smells sweet and fragrant, you’ve found a ripe one! If there is no scent, or it smells fermented, the pineapple may be pre- or past its prime.
- Examine the crown of leaves on top. Look for leaves that are green, fresh, and firmly attached. Dry, wilted, or yellowing leaves are a sign of overripeness.
How to make smoked pineapple
- Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 250 degrees F. Rub down the grill grates with a bit of oil if you’d like, to help keep the pineapple from sticking.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the crown and base off of the pineapple, then carefully run the knife down the sides to remove the skin and “eyes.” Cut the remaining pineapple into quarters or several spears.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Tajín, and salt. Rub the mixture over the pineapple spears.
- Place the spears directly onto the grates of the smoker and smoke for 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Flip the pineapple and smoke for another 20-30 minutes, until it is browned on both sides.
- Remove the pineapple from the smoker and serve as desired.
FAQ
What kind of wood chips or pellets should I use for this recipe?
Mild flavors work best when it comes to smoking fruit. Try apple, cherry, maple, or pecan, or even alder or oak for a little bit more of a flavor punch.
Are there any flavor variations to try?
Absolutely! If you don’t have any Tajin, or you’re not a fan of the chili-lime flavor in this recipe, you can experiment. Add a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick, a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness, or a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy twist. Get creative and let your palate guide you!
Can I smoke pineapple indoors?
While outdoor grilling is the traditional method, you can achieve a similar effect indoors using a stovetop smoker or a smoking gun. Just ensure proper ventilation and follow safety instructions.
What can I pair smoked pineapple with?
The options are endless! Serve it as a side dish with your favorite smoked or grilled meats (like these chicken leg quarters or a nice skirt steak), dice it up and add it to a tropical salsa (it’s a perfect addition to carnitas tacos), or add it to your favorite salads and desserts.
Also, try adding it to a bowl of ice cream or yogurt for a little extra something-something. The smoky sweetness pairs well with savory and spicy flavors, making it a versatile ingredient.
More pineapple recipes to love!
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Smoked Pineapple
Ingredients
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Tajin
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 whole pineapple peeled and cut into spears
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 250 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Tajin, and salt. Rub the mixture over the pineapple spears.
- Place the spears directly onto the grates of the smoker and smoke for 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Flip the pineapple and smoke for another 20-30 minutes, until it is browned on both sides.
- Remove the pineapple from the smoker and serve as desired.
Sherry Ronning says
I am always looking for great smoker recipes. After coming across your smoked pineapple recipe, I had to try it. This is such an amazing recipe and my family loved this tasty sweet treat.
Sue says
What a delicious way to enjoy pineapple – YUM!
Puja says
I love grilled pineapple! This recipe sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it!
Claire says
I made this pineapple the other day as they were on sale and it was just AMAZING!!!
I fear I maybe buying a lot of pineapples as it really was delicious.
We had it with some shrimp tacos and it worked so well!
THNAK YOU
Angela Pagliarello says
It was the first time I tried making Smoked Pineapple, it was delicious! Definitely to be made again!
Chichi says
Caramelized pineapples are always s delightful treat. These smoked pineapples were so good.
Sara says
Can this be made ahead and stored overnight?
Erica says
Never tried doing that, but I don’t see why you couldn’t pop it in some tupperware and chill it!
Jim friday says
Trying it today