Charcoal-Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet pineapple chunks glazed with a warm cinnamon and brown sugar mixture, grilled over charcoal for a smoky, caramelized finish. This brazilian-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Brazilian cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter until smooth and well combined.
  2. Step 2: Thread the 1-inch pineapple chunks onto 6 soaked wooden skewers, distributing evenly.
  3. Step 3: Brush each skewer generously with the cinnamon brown sugar glaze on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the pineapple skewers directly on the grill grates.
  5. Step 5: Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, brushing with additional glaze and turning until the pineapple is caramelized with grill marks and slightly softened.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and serve warm as a sweet, smoky dessert or side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep packed brown sugar from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Pineapple Skewers with Cinnamon Glaze?

Brazilian grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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