Christmas Pineapples – Warm Spiced Roasted Pineapple for the Holidays

For the Festive Touch (Optional but Recommended)

• ¼–½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries

• A handful of pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped

• Extra cinnamon stick(s) for decoration

Step 1 – Prep the Pineapple

If using fresh pineapple:

1. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple.

2. Stand it upright and slice off the skin, following the curve of the fruit.

3. Remove any remaining “eyes” with the tip of a knife.

4. Slice the pineapple into rounds about 1–1.5 cm (½ inch) thick.

5. Use a small cutter or knife to remove the tough core from the center of each slice.

If using canned pineapple rings, simply drain them very well and pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2 – Make the Christmas Spice Mixture

In a small bowl, mix:

• Brown sugar

• Honey (or maple syrup)

• Melted butter

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Ginger (if using)

• Vanilla extract

• Orange zest

• Orange juice

Whisk until you have a smooth, fragrant mixture.

It should smell like Christmas in a bowl – sweet, spicy and citrusy.

Step 3 – Arrange in the Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C / 375°F.

2. Lightly butter or spray a baking dish large enough to fit the pineapple slices in one layer (or slightly overlapping).

3. Lay the pineapple slices in the dish.

4. Scatter cranberries and chopped nuts around and on top of the pineapple slices if you’re using them.

Step 4 – Coat the Pineapple

1. Pour the Christmas spice mixture evenly over the pineapple slices.

2. Use a spoon or brush to make sure each slice is well coated.

3. If you like, tuck a couple of cinnamon sticks in the dish for extra aroma while baking.

Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the pineapple starts to soak up the flavors while the oven heats fully.

Step 5 – Bake Until Caramelized

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven.

2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning the slices once halfway through:

   • The pineapple should look soft, juicy and slightly golden at the edges.

   • The sauce in the dish will thicken into a light caramel.

If you want more color, you can switch to broil/grill for the last 2–3 minutes—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6 – Serve Your Christmas Pineapples

You can serve them:

• Warm, straight from the oven

• Or at room temperature, if you’ve prepared ahead

Serving Ideas

• Dessert:

  • On a plate with 1–2 pineapple rings, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

  • Drizzle with some of the spiced syrup from the baking dish

• Side dish:

  • Served next to roasted ham, turkey, duck or chicken

  • The sweet acidity of pineapple balances salty meats beautifully

• Brunch:

  • Over pancakes, waffles or French toast

  • Add extra nuts and a drizzle of the syrup for a Christmas brunch topping

Garnish with a few extra fresh cranberries, orange zest, or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.

Tips & Variations

• More caramel:
  Add 1 extra tablespoon of brown sugar if you want a thicker, stickier sauce.

• Coconut twist:
  Sprinkle a little toasted shredded coconut on top before serving for a tropical Christmas vibe.

• Spiced rum version (adults only):
  Add 1–2 tablespoons spiced rum to the sauce mixture before baking.

• Healthier version:
  Reduce sugar slightly and use more orange juice + a bit of honey instead of extra sugar.

• Grilled Christmas Pineapple:
  Instead of baking, grill the marinated pineapple slices on a grill pan or barbecue, then drizzle with the cooked sauce made separately on the stove.