Fiji By Food Enthusiasts · 5 min read

National Dish Fiji: Roasted Pineapple with Honey Glaze (Recipe)

Caramelised pineapple slices glazed with honey and garnished with fresh mint

In this article

Bring a little Pacific sunshine to your kitchen with roasted pineapple with honey glaze, a simple yet stunning dessert from Fiji. Juicy slices of fresh pineapple are brushed with a sweet, fragrant honey glaze and caramelised until golden, releasing all their tropical sweetness. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it is the perfect way to round off a warm summer evening or a festive meal. Let these fruity flavours transport you straight to the islands.

About Roasted Pineapple with Honey Glaze

Roasted pineapple with honey glaze is far more than a feast for the senses — it brings a genuine taste of Fiji to your table. The combination of fresh, juicy pineapple and a sweet honey glaze creates an unforgettable flavour experience. This easy but delicious dessert comes together quickly and is ideal for warm summer evenings or as the crowning finish to a celebratory dinner. Let the fruity aromas work their magic and enjoy a slice of the Pacific in your own home.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

1 ripe pineapple
2–3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
Fresh mint, to garnish (optional)

Shopping for the ingredients

The first step towards making your roasted pineapple with honey glaze is shopping for the ingredients. Take care to choose a ripe pineapple with a golden colour that yields slightly to gentle pressure. Most supermarkets also stock good-quality honey for the glaze, much like you would reach for in a Sweet Potato Mash with Honey. Don’t forget to pick up some fresh mint to finish the dish off, both in flavour and in looks.

Preparing the dish

Before you start making your roasted pineapple with honey glaze, prepare the ingredients thoroughly. Cut the pineapple into even slices or wedges so they cook through at the same rate. If you like, you can also remove the skin, though this is entirely optional. In a small bowl, mix the honey with the cinnamon to create a fragrant glaze ready for brushing.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the grill or a griddle pan to a medium heat.
Brush the pineapple slices generously with the honey and cinnamon mixture.
Grill the slices for about 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and lightly caramelised.
Serve the roasted pineapple warm, garnished with fresh mint.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Roasted pineapple with honey glaze is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, making it an ideal choice for anyone with food intolerances. No special adjustments are needed to enjoy the gluten- and lactose-free version. Just make sure the honey you use is pure, to avoid any unwanted additives. That way, even those with allergies can enjoy this delicious dessert with complete peace of mind.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For a vegan version of roasted pineapple with honey glaze, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. These alternatives offer a similar sweetness and are perfectly suited to a plant-based diet. Take care that no animal-derived ingredients sneak into the glaze. This keeps the dessert just as delicious while staying entirely animal-friendly — much like the fruit-forward Grilled Banana with Honey you can adapt the same way.

More tips and tricks

To draw out the full aroma of your roasted pineapple with honey glaze, try marinating the pineapple before grilling. Leave the slices to soak for around 30 minutes in a mixture of honey, cinnamon and perhaps a splash of lime juice. This adds an extra depth of flavour and makes the pineapple even juicier. Feel free to experiment with different spices to find the perfect balance for your palate.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Roasted pineapple with honey glaze lends itself wonderfully to personal preference. Scatter over some toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts, for instance, to add a satisfying crunch. Experimenting with different sweeteners can be fun too. If you prefer things less sweet, simply reduce the amount of glaze and let the natural sweetness of the pineapple shine through.

Ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have pineapple to hand, or simply fancy a change, you can grill other fruits just as easily. Peaches, mango or watermelon all make excellent alternatives that caramelise beautifully and taste delicious. For a crisper glaze, you can swap the honey for a little brown sugar. The same fruity, caramelised charm shines in Caramelized Banana with Coconut, so the recipe stays exciting and versatile.

Drink pairing ideas

To play up the tropical vibe of roasted pineapple with honey glaze, reach for refreshing drinks such as fresh pineapple juice or a lively cocktail with rum and lime. An ice-cold mocktail of mint and lemon also pairs wonderfully with this dessert. For those who prefer alcohol-free options, coconut water or a sparkling mineral-water cooler is a great choice. Let your creativity run free and mix and match to your heart’s content.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation plays an important part when serving roasted pineapple with honey glaze. Arrange the pineapple on a pretty plate, garnished with fresh mint and a pinch of cinnamon for a touch of elegance. Decorative skewers can also help break up the plate nicely. Set out small dishes of extra honey glaze so guests can add a little more sweetness as they please, making the whole spread even more inviting.

A bit of history

Roasted pineapple with honey glaze is a much-loved dish across the South Pacific islands, and especially in Fiji, where pineapple grows in abundance. Grilling fruit has a long tradition in the region and is often enjoyed at festivals and gatherings. It is a way to highlight the natural sweetness of tropical fruit and create a simple dessert prized both at home and abroad. This treat has since won fans worldwide and enjoys huge popularity — a delicious ambassador for Fijian cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Roasted Pineapple with Honey Glaze

In short, roasted pineapple with honey glaze is a delicious and effortless way to bring the tropical flavours of Fiji into your kitchen. Not only is this dish quick to prepare, it is also wonderfully adaptable to suit your own tastes. With fresh ingredients and a touch of creativity, this dessert becomes a real highlight. Give it a try and savour the sunny flavours of the Pacific.