It’s sweet as can be, a stunning shade of bright yellow and as exotic as summer fruit gets, thanks to a cone-shape husk that’s begging to be a part of a bar cart setup or table-scape moment. And once you figure out how to cut a pineapple, you’re in business in terms of the best pineapple recipes you can make. Take these 30 for example, that range from sweet to savory and everything in between.
Best Pineapple Recipes
Whether you’re using fresh, crushed, dried or canned pineapple, these easy recipes (including smoothies and drinks!) will definitely come in handy for summer. For appetizers, why not make a batch of pineapple-ham fritters? Or perhaps some bacon-wrapped pineapple mozzarella rings? There are also plenty of condiment ideas in the form of salsas and relish, plus pineapple salads and nachos you won’t be able to resist. When it comes to main dishes, there are tacos, skewers and baked hams studded with vibrant yellow rings, as well as chili and pineapple chicken recipes. As for mouthwatering desserts, there are the usual suspects like pineapple upside-down cake of course, and baked pineapple casserole, but then there are some unique new riffs such as pineapple fluff and pineapple inside-out cake. Last but not least, we’ll be making fruity drinks, smoothies and martinis all summer long, plus a pineapple mint julep that’s half beverage, half dessert, 100% delish.
Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Mozzarella Rings
The saltiness of the bacon combines with the sweetness of the pineapple, the tang of the onion and the gooeyness of the cheese for a creation few backyard cookouts have ever experienced. Get the recipe
Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Bacon Coleslaw
All you need is a handful of ingredients to make this pineapple bacon coleslaw from The Official John Wayne 5-Ingredient Homestyle Cookbook. Pineapple adds sweet tang, making this slaw a great side with rich ribs. Get the recipe
Pineapple Cornbread Shortcake Trifle
Give this impressive, change-of-pace dessert a place at your summer table and settle in for the compliments. Get the recipe
Rosemary Grilled Pineapple with Coconut Milk Anglaise and Turmeric Puff Pastry
This delicious dessert was created by Chris Cunningham, Head Chef of Hopsmith Tavern, using ingredients that his dinner guests chose on the spot. Get the recipe
Pineapple Coconut Cooler
Inspired by the agua fresca, or “fresh water” drinks in her native Mexico, Silvia Martinez, who blogs at mamalatinatips.com makes this version for her two boys in California. Get the recipe
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
Love pineapple? Try this trick: Cut the “meat” out of the pineapple and sauté it with butter. The heat brings out the juices from the pineapple and caramelizes it. Then, add chicken and it all comes together beautifully. Get the recipe
Pineapple and Sage Martini
Zachary Taylor: This teetotaling president was known for pushing rules on what food was considered healthy to eat and often indulged in fruits, vegetables and fresh milk, which actually led to acute gastroenteritis, the illness that killed him. Sage would have been good for soothing stomach issues and may have even eased Taylor’s discomfort. Get the recipe
Golden Pineapple Relish
Pro tip: For the best consistency, do not double this recipe. Rather, microwave two separate batches. Get the recipe
Pineapple-Glazed Ham
If you ask us, the only way to glaze and cook a boneless ham is with pineapple! There’s just no better combo really. Get the recipe
Chicken and Pineapple Teriyaki
Watch chef Jon Ashton make this delicious—and super easy—chicken-pineapple dish. Perfect for weeknight meals. Get the recipe
Kalua Pork & Pineapple Nachos
The only thing better than piling a heaping of pulled pork on top of nachos is adding sweet pineapple to the mix. You won’t want nachos any other way! Get the recipe
Baked Pineapple Casserole
This recipe for Baked Pineapple Casserole works as a hot side dish for a meal with pork, but you can easily wait and serve it as a dessert. Get the recipe
Hawaiian Chili with Pineapple
This tangy, spicy-sweet chili is an homage to professional knife sharpener Lisa Weiss’s childhood in Hawaii. And the recipe is from Sharp, a new book by Josh Donald, owner of Bernal Cutlery in San Francisco and the go-to knife expert for the Bay Area’s top food pros. How to Cut Up a Pineapple—Lay pineapple on its side; cut off top and bottom. Stand pineapple on 1 flat end. Following contour of fruit, cut downward to remove skin. Cut deeply enough to remove spiny “eyes”. Cut pineapple into quarters lengthwise. Stand each quarter on end and cut downward to remove core. Place each quarter flat side down and cut into ¼-inch slices. Turn and cut crosswise ¼ inch thick. Cut into ¼-inch cubes. Get the recipe
Jicama, Pineapple and Orange Salad
You can make this especially pretty and refreshing salad with winter or summer produce. To save time, you can use canned pineapple chunks instead of fresh. Be sure to cut the jicama into bite-size pieces just a bit smaller than the pineapple chunks. Get the recipe
Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers
Add some south-of-the-border sizzle to your next barbecue with these Chipotle Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers. Get the recipe
Pineapple-Peach Smoothie
This refreshing pineapple-based summer drink is both delicious and nutritious. Get the recipe
Pineapple Salsa
Fire up the grill and make this pineapple fruit salsa at your next backyard bbq! Get the recipe
Hoisin Beef Kabobs with Pineapple Salsa
Great for grilling season, this colorful, tasty meal is ready to serve in under 30 minutes. Get the recipe
Roast Butternut Squash and Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
In this autumnal taco, butternut squash is roasted with warm spices and tossed with shredded chicken. The meat and squash filling is placed over a corn tortilla, and before it’s folded in half to enclose it, pineapple salsa is spooned on top for a fresh and sweet taste. Get the recipe
Pineapple Fluff
No-bake sweet treats are a host or hostess’ best friend on a hot day. Something sweet, cool and creamy, like this Pineapple Fluff! Get the recipe
Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini
Looking for a unique and refreshing cocktail to kick off your Fourth of July bash? Think pineapple with a dash of zing—a cool combo for slow sipping and a surefire way to impress your guests. Get the recipe
Grilled Polynesian Chicken Salad with a Pineapple Vinaigrette
The flavors in this salad are beautifully balanced between the savory grilled chicken, sweet pineapple chunks and sharp blue cheese. The pineapple vinaigrette is light and refreshing, just as a summer salad dressing should be. Get the recipe
Pineapple Mint Julep
The bourbon in this light dessert becomes a marinade for sweet, ripe pineapple. Get the recipe
Crock Pot Cherry-Pineapple Dump Cake
There are few desserts easier to make than dump cakes. Just as the name suggests, the ingredients are dumped into one baking dish or Crock Pot with very little prep work required. Get the recipe
Pineapple Coconut Upside-Down Cake
Assemble this light, gooey classic in just minutes with a box of doctored-up yellow cake mix. Get the recipe
Carrot, Raisin and Pineapple Salad
Shredded carrots, golden raisins and pineapple come together in this summery side dish with a quick dressing of lemon juice, mayonnaise and yogurt. Get the recipe
Fresh Pineapple Relish
When choosing a pineapple for this relish, sniff it: If ripe, it will smell absolutely delicious. Leave it out of the fridge for a day before using so it’s as ripe as possible. Get the recipe
30-Minute Pineapple Chicken Skillet with Broccoli
This Pineapple Chicken Skillet with Broccoli certainly satisfies that desire for island flavors. And the mixture of pineapple chunks and juice with soy sauce, honey, ginger and garlic will make your taste buds sing. Get the recipe
Pineapple Inside-Out Cake
The cake is extremely moist, made with crushed pineapple and more pineapple on top after it’s been glazed. This cake definitely outshines the rest. Get the recipe
Crispy Ham, Pineapple and Corn Fritters
These crispy Ham and Corn Fritters are one delicious way to use leftover baked ham. Served with a simple salad, this quick appetizer or main-dish recipe is a tasty twist on the classic ham and pineapple flavor combo. You can use fresh pineapple or canned tidbits. Get the recipe
