Get ready to fall in love with a fantastic new addition to your weeknight lineup! These Hot Honey Pineapple Wedges are pure bliss—fresh, fiery, tangy, and satisfyingly creamy. Imagine sweet pineapple, kissed by a quick char, with the zesty kick of jalapeño-infused honey and the salty crumble of feta. You won’t believe how quickly this crowd-pleaser comes together, or how addictively delicious it tastes. Perfect for last-minute entertaining, hectic family dinners, or simply brightening up a regular Tuesday night—this recipe is as easy as it is irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: This dish is ready in under 20 minutes, making it a savior when you’re short on time but want something special.
- Incredible Flavor Play: Sweet pineapple is paired with spicy-sweet honey, smoky paprika, and creamy, salty feta—every bite hits all the right notes.
- Minimal Effort, Major Reward: There are very few steps, and you don’t need any fancy tools or advanced skills.
- Versatile: This recipe suits any occasion—served as an appetizer, side, or even dessert!
- Impressive but Simple: No one will believe how easy it was to pull off something that looks and tastes this good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pineapples: Go for the ripest pineapples you can find. Their sweetness balances the heat, and a good wedge will hold its shape during cooking.
- Honey: Essential for drizzling and infusing with jalapeño heat. The honey gets all warm and drippy—absolutely essential for the “hot honey” factor.
- Jalapeño Pepper: Thinly sliced and left with seeds for maximum heat and flavor. Infuses the honey with a punchy warmth. Don’t be shy—keep the seeds if you like real heat!
- Smoked Paprika: A sprinkle of smoky goodness adds depth and a beautiful color. Try not to skip this ingredient—it’s the secret to elevating the flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled over the top for a creamy, tangy finish that’s just unbeatable with sweet and spicy flavors. If possible, use block feta and crumble it yourself for the best texture and taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
There are so many ways to put your own twist on Hot Honey Pineapple Wedges:
- Cheese Swap: Swap feta for creamy goat cheese or even Cotija for a different salty kick.
- Herbaceous Touch: Add a sprinkle of chopped mint or cilantro for fresh, summery vibes.
- Vegan Version: Use a plant-based feta and substitute maple syrup or agave for honey.
- Different Peppers: Serrano peppers add even more zip, or try milder peppers for less heat.
- Grill or Oven: You can grill the pineapple wedges for extra char, or broil them in your oven if you don’t want to fire up the grill.
How to Make Hot Honey Pineapple Wedges
Step 1: Infuse the Honey
Combine the honey and jalapeño slices in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat for a few minutes—just until the honey is runny and the jalapeño has released its spicy flavor. Let it sit while you prepare the pineapple so the flavors marry.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Pineapple
Cut the pineapples into generous wedges (leave the core on for easy handling). Arrange on a baking sheet or a large plate. Sprinkle the wedges all over with smoked paprika—don’t be too dainty! The more contact, the more flavor.
Step 3: Char the Pineapple
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high (or your oven broiler on high). Cook the pineapple wedges for a couple of minutes per side, just until you see deep caramel marks and the fruit is warm. This quick char intensifies the sweetness and brings out tropical aromas.
Step 4: Plate and Finish
Arrange the caramelized pineapple wedges on a platter. Drizzle generously with the spicy hot honey—make sure you scatter some jalapeño slices over the top too. Shower with a heavy handful of crumbled feta. That’s it—time to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t rush the honey infusion: Allowing the jalapeños to steep in the warm honey makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Fresh pineapple is a must: Canned pineapple won’t caramelize or hold its shape as beautifully as fresh.
- Char is flavor: Don’t be afraid of a dark grill mark! That’s where incredible smoky-sweet flavor comes from.
- Serve immediately: These wedges are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese starts to melt and the honey is luscious.
How to Serve
Serve these pineapple wedges hot, straight from the grill or pan, and watch them disappear! They are heavenly as a starter for any backyard BBQ, the star of a light brunch with friends, or even as a playful dessert paired with crisp white wine or sparkling water.
Try serving alongside grilled meats, spicy shrimp skewers, or even as a zesty side for tacos or jerk chicken. For a showstopping appetizer spread, plate with extra jalapeño slices, fresh herbs, and a little side of hot honey for drizzling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra (though you probably won’t!), store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit.
Freezing
Not recommended. Pineapple changes texture after freezing and feta doesn’t hold up well to thawing.
Reheating
Warm the pineapple gently in a skillet or microwave, then sprinkle fresh feta on top before serving to restore that creamy bite.
FAQs
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Can I make Hot Honey Pineapple Wedges ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the hot honey and cut the pineapple wedges a day in advance. Grill or broil the wedges just before serving for fresh flavor and the best texture. If storing, keep the honey and cheese separate until ready to serve.
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What if I don’t like things too spicy?
No problem—simply remove the seeds from the jalapeño before infusing the honey, or use only half a jalapeño for a milder touch. You’ll still enjoy a lovely warming flavor without the intense heat.
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Can I use another fruit besides pineapple?
Definitely! Mango, peaches, or even watermelon hold up well to grilling and pair beautifully with spicy honey and feta. Just slice thickly so the pieces don’t fall apart.
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Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes! Try a vegan feta (available in most supermarkets) or leave out the cheese altogether and add extra smoked paprika and fresh herbs for plenty of punch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about Hot Honey Pineapple Wedges—the way sweet, smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors all collide is just magic. Quick to make, packed with personality, and endlessly adaptable, this is a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether for a gathering or a speedy family treat, don’t wait to give this a try—once you taste that jalapeño-kissed honey cascading over caramelized pineapple, you’ll be hooked!
PrintHot Honey Pineapple Wedges Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Honey Pineapple Wedges are a bold and vibrant appetizer or snack featuring sweet pineapple wedges that are lightly spiced with smoked paprika and drizzled with spicy homemade hot honey infused with jalapeño. Finished with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta for a perfect balance of sweet, heat, and savory flavor.
Ingredients
For the Hot Honey
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (seeds in)
For the Pineapple
- 2 pineapples, cut into wedges
- Sprinkle of smoked paprika
For the Topping
- 4 ounces feta cheese, finely crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and sliced jalapeño. Let the honey warm gently for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. Be careful not to let the honey boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Strain out the jalapeño slices if desired for a milder flavor.
- Prep the Pineapple: While the honey is infusing, cut the pineapples into even wedges. Arrange the wedges on a platter or serving tray.
- Season the Pineapple: Sprinkle the pineapple wedges lightly with smoked paprika, ensuring each piece has a touch of smoky flavor for added depth.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the warm hot honey liberally over the pineapple wedges. Top with the finely crumbled feta cheese, making sure each wedge has a bit of cheese to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the hot honey is still warm, and enjoy as an appetizer, snack, or dessert with a spicy kick.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of jalapeño or by removing the seeds for a milder honey.
- You can prep the hot honey ahead of time and store it in a jar for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based feta or omit the cheese.
- This recipe works well with fresh or grilled pineapple wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe (approx. 2 wedges)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg