Our Best Pineapple Recipes

The golden color and sweet flavor of pineapple work wonderfully in both desserts and savory dishes. Our pineapple recipes taste and look like sunshine.

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Don't be deterred by this fruit's prickly exterior; fresh pineapple is the perfect sweet, sunny treat to brighten up any day. Once rare in the United States, pineapple was served only on special occasions, so it became a symbol of hospitality.

Because pineapple doesn't ripen further after being picked, select a ready-to-eat one. Look for fruit that's heavy for its size, with a rich, sweet fragrance. The leaves should be green and fresh-looking. If you can pull one from the center of the stem with only slight resistance, you'll know it's ripe.

Ripe pineapple will keep at room temperature for about two days and in the refrigerator (either in a plastic bag or in the crisper) for about four days. The flesh could develop dark spots from temperature changes, so refrigerate pineapple that was bought chilled.

To prepare, slice away the spiky skin to reveal the juicy golden flesh, and cut it into chunks or rounds. Use raw pineapple in smoothies or spritzes, like a Pineapple Highball or Crushed Pineapple-Rosemary Limeade. Bake it into desserts like an old-fashioned Pineapple Upside-Down Cake or a gorgeous presentation of Caramelized Pineapple with Vanilla Ice Cream. It's also wonderful for savory fare: An enzyme in pineapple breaks down protein molecules, making it a great meat tenderizer in marinades. It's delicious when grilled for Pork-and-Pineapple Tacos, or served alongside these tropical Mexican inspired Spicy Shrimp Fajitas with Grilled Pineapple Pico. Plus, it pairs well with fresh herbs, soy sauce, or chile peppers.

Here are our best recipes highlighting the tropical fruit, so go ahead and start cooking.

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Baked Pineapple

Kirsten Francis

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30 Pineapple Recipes That Will Make You Fall for the Sweet, Juicy Fruit

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Baked Pineapple

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Hummingbird Carrot Cake

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Spicy Pork-and-Pineapple Stir-Fry

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Spicy Pineapple-Peanut Salad

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Tropical-Fruit Salad with Coconut Crunch

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Pineapple Highball

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Grilled-Pork-and-Pineapple Tacos

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Old-Fashioned Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

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Crushed Pineapple-Rosemary Limeade

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Pineapple-Raspberry Bellini

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Spicy Shrimp Fajitas with Grilled Pineapple Pico

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Pineapple-Cucumber Spritz

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Pineapple-Coconut Smoothie

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Caramelized Pineapple with Vanilla Ice Cream

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Yogurt with Caramelized Pineapple and Hazelnuts

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Spicy Pineapple Slaw

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Hawaiian Meatballs

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Lattice-Topped Vanilla Bean Pineapple Tart

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Thai Coconut Chicken with Pineapple Salsa

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Pineapple-Mint Daiquiris

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Pineapple-Mustard-Glazed Ham

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Ceviche with Tropical Fruit and Habanero

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Broiled Spicy Pork and Pineapple

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Whipped Yogurt with Pineapple and Dried Fruit

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Jerk Pineapple Pork Chops

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