When it comes to sweet and tangy flavors, there’s one fruit that stands out from the rest: pineapple! Whether you’re looking for a refreshing dessert or a savory main dish, pineapple is the perfect ingredient to add some tropical flair to your meal. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 delicious pineapple recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor.
From classic desserts like Pineapple Upside-Down Cake to savory dishes like Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers, there’s something for everyone in this collection of recipes. And the best part? Most of these recipes can be made in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each recipe and explore the flavors, ingredients, and techniques that make them so delicious. So grab a cup of coffee, get ready to get cooking, and let’s start our pineapple adventure!
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
This classic dessert is a staple of warm weather gatherings and special occasions. The caramelized pineapple rings add a touch of sweetness and tropical flavor to this moist and flavorful cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple rings
– Cherry halves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add pineapple juice and mix well.
4. Arrange pineapple rings in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour batter over pineapple rings.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers Recipe
Experience the flavors of the islands with these sweet and savory skewers, featuring juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a hint of tropical spices.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10-12 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken and toss to coat.
3. Thread chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with toasted coconut flakes if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Easy Pineapple Fried Rice
This simple recipe combines the flavors of pineapple, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs with leftover rice to create a delicious and quick meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll be enjoying this tasty dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the scrambled eggs and cook until set, breaking them up with a spatula as they cook.
3. Add the diced pineapple and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with the spatula.
4. Add the soy sauce and stir-fry for an additional minute, until the rice is well coated.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pineapple Coconut Smoothie
Start your day with a refreshing twist on a classic smoothie, combining the sweetness of pineapple and the creaminess of coconut.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pineapple, coconut milk, banana, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend the mixture on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
4. Blend again until the ice is fully incorporated.
5. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Grilled Pineapple with Honey Glaze
Elevate your summer barbecue or picnic game with this simple yet impressive dessert: grilled pineapple rings smothered in a sticky honey glaze. The caramelized sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the floral notes of the honey, making it a delightful treat for any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch thick slices
– 1/4 cup pure honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and salt until smooth.
3. Brush both sides of the pineapple slices with the honey glaze.
4. Grill pineapple for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pineapple Salsa with Tortilla Chips
Add a tropical twist to your snack time with this refreshing pineapple salsa recipe, perfect for dipping crispy tortilla chips. This sweet and spicy combination is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt to taste
– 6-8 tortilla chips
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine pineapple, red bell pepper, cilantro, and jalapeño.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Stir in honey until well combined.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled, accompanied by tortilla chips.
Cooking Time: None
Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs Recipe
This sweet and savory recipe combines the flavors of teriyaki sauce, pineapple, and meatballs for a unique twist on traditional meatball dishes. Serve these delicious bites at your next gathering or game day party.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, pineapple juice, teriyaki sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pineapple Mango Sorbet
Experience the sweetness of tropical paradise with this refreshing pineapple mango sorbet recipe. This sweet and tangy treat is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a taste of sunshine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1 cup fresh mango puree
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pineapple chunks, mango puree, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or fibers.
3. Add water and lemon juice to the mixture. Stir well.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once set, scoop the sorbet into cones or bowls and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus churning time)
Pineapple BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Pineapple BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: Sweet and Savory Perfection
These bite-sized sliders combine the tender pulled pork with a sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ sauce, all wrapped up in a soft bun.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– 4 slider buns
– Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and pineapple juice.
3. Place the pork shoulder in a large baking dish and pour the sweet and tangy mixture over it.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 6-8 hours or until tender.
5. Shred the pork with two forks.
6. Mix shredded pork with chopped pineapple.
7. Split slider buns in half and toast.
8. Assemble sliders by spooning pork mixture onto bun, followed by coleslaw (if using).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Pineapple Coconut Popsicles
Beat the heat with these refreshing Pineapple Coconut Popsicles! Made with juicy pineapple, creamy coconut milk, and a hint of sweetness, these pops are perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 10-12 popsicle sticks
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pineapple juice, coconut milk, honey, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or small cups.
3. Insert popsicle sticks into each mold.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Once frozen, remove from molds and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours (depending on desired level of freezing)
Pineapple Shrimp Stir-Fry
A sweet and savory twist on traditional shrimp stir-fries, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with juicy pineapple and crunchy vegetables for a flavorful and healthy dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side; remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, bell peppers, and pineapple; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Return cooked shrimp to the pan and stir in soy sauce and honey.
5. Cook for an additional minute, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, featuring sweet pineapple and spicy jalapeño peppers. Perfect for a warm summer evening or a festive gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped (depending on desired level of heat)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Fresh pineapple wedges and lime slices, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, pineapple juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add chopped jalapeño peppers to the shaker and fill with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into prepared glass and garnish with pineapple wedges and lime slices.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Pineapple Coleslaw
A refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw, this pineapple version adds a sweet and tangy flavor to any barbecue or picnic. Perfect for warm weather gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and diced pineapple.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pineapple Bread Pudding
Transform your leftover bread into a scrumptious dessert with this easy-to-make pineapple bread pudding recipe.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup crushed pineapple
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Pour in melted butter, eggs, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with salt.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pineapple Coconut Overnight Oats
Start your day with a tropical twist on traditional oatmeal. These creamy, dreamy Pineapple Coconut Overnight Oats are the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, honey, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
2. Stir in diced pineapple, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Just before serving, sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional pineapple chunks and toasted coconut flakes if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-12 hours
Pineapple Rum Glazed Ham
Pineapple Rum Glazed Ham: A sweet and savory twist on a classic ham recipe, featuring the bold flavors of pineapple and rum.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, rum, honey, mustard, cloves, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the surface in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Pineapple Avocado Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of pineapple with the creaminess of avocado, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch. With its vibrant colors and tangy flavors, this tropical fusion is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado, pineapple chunks, red onion, and jalapeño pepper.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss gently to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Pineapple Cinnamon Pancakes
Start your day with a sweet and savory twist on classic pancakes! These Pineapple Cinnamon Pancakes combine the warmth of cinnamon with the tropical flavor of pineapple for a delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, pineapple juice, and chopped pineapple.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in cinnamon.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a tropical culinary adventure with these 18 delicious pineapple recipes! From classic desserts like Pineapple Upside-Down Cake and Pineapple Bread Pudding, to savory dishes such as Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Skewers and Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs, there’s something for everyone. Refresh your taste buds with cool treats like Pineapple Coconut Smoothie and Pineapple Mango Sorbet, or kick things up a notch with spicy recipes like Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita and Pineapple Salsa with Tortilla Chips. With so many easy and flavorful options, you’ll be spoiled for choice!