Sweet & Savory Hot Honey Pineapple Feta Lunch Bowl

Hot Honey Grilled Pineapple & Feta Cubes – The Perfect Appetizer for Summer Gatherings

In just 15 minutes, you can put together this sweet, spicy, and salty appetizer that will absolutely disappear at your next party. The caramelized pineapple gets a kick from hot honey while creamy feta cubes balance everything with a cool, tangy finish. I first made these on a whim for a backyard barbecue last July, and now I can’t imagine a summer menu without them. This recipe is incredibly simple and uses just a handful of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep work
• The combination of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors hits every craving
• No grill required – a grill pan or skillet works perfectly
• Made with just 4 main ingredients you can find at any grocery store
• Feels elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight treat

Ingredients

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 ounces feta cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons hot honey, plus more for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh mint or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• Flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, toss the pineapple cubes with olive oil until evenly coated.
• Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
• Place the pineapple cubes on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until you see nice char marks.
• Remove the grilled pineapple from the heat and transfer to a serving platter.
• Drizzle the hot honey over the warm pineapple and toss gently to coat.
• Add the feta cubes to the platter, nestling them among the pineapple pieces.
• Drizzle with additional hot honey and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh herbs.
• Serve immediately while the pineapple is still warm and the feta is cool.

Pro Tips

• For the best texture, cut your pineapple into even 1-inch cubes so they cook uniformly and don’t burn before caramelizing.
• Don’t skip drying the pineapple cubes with a paper towel before grilling – excess moisture prevents proper caramelization.
• If using a wooden skewer, soak it in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
• For a milder heat, use regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne instead of commercial hot honey.
• The feta should be added at the very end and served cold or at room temperature – warm feta loses its structure and becomes too soft.

Variations

• Swap feta for halloumi or grilled paneer for a firmer, saltier option that holds up better on skewers.
• Add a splash of lime juice and a pinch of chili powder to the hot honey for a tangier, smoky kick.
• Thread the pineapple and feta onto skewers with fresh basil leaves between each piece for a beautiful presentation.
• Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or crushed pistachios over the top before serving for extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use canned pineapple? Yes, but pat it very dry and expect less caramelization since canned pineapple contains more moisture.
• What if I don’t have hot honey? Mix 3 tablespoons of regular honey with 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and let it sit for 10 minutes.
• Can I make this ahead of time? This dish is best served immediately, but you can grill the pineapple up to 2 hours ahead and add the feta and honey just before serving.
• What kind of feta works best? A block of feta in brine is ideal – pre-crumbled feta won’t hold its shape when cubed.
• Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
• Can I use a regular outdoor grill? Absolutely, just place the pineapple directly on the grill grates over medium heat.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Charred Peach Apricot Burrata Bites
• Peach Brie Nachos Hot Honey
• Tropical Mango Mozzarella Basil Honey
• Cucumber Mango Feta Honey Lime
• Baked Feta with Honey Appetizer Recipe

Shaykee

I’m Shaykee—born in Morocco, seasoned across continents. From airplane galleys to home kitchens, I share the flavors and stories that shaped my journey.