How to cut a pineapple the easy way! Less waste and more pineapple to love! Includes step by step video.
Try your freshly cut pineapple in this Pineapple Crisp, Pineapple Smoothie or serve it with this Cream Cheese Fruit Dip.
In keeping with my theme of back to the basics, I’m sharing the easiest way to cut a pineapple today!
Fresh pineapple is one of our favorite snacks all on its own, but we love it in so many other things as well. These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are always a hit, and this Pineapple Upside Down Cake is the perfect way to end a meal!
First, I’m going to share a quick overview of my method for how to cut a pineapple, and then I’m going to share some bonus pineapple tips.
If you’re a visual person, I’ve got a step by step video in the recipe card below.
What is the easiest way to cut a pineapple?
I spent many years struggling to cut a pineapple before I settled on this quick and easy method! Now, instead of passing the task off to my husband it takes no time at all.
I prefer to trim all of the skin off of the pineapple before chopping it, to make it as simple as possible and ensure we get every last bit.
Here is a quick visual, but I’ve included all of the steps in the pink recipe card below!
How do you know when a pineapple is ripe and ready to cut?
A pineapple is ripe when it is golden yellow. A green pineapple is unripe, and an orange-y pineapple is overripe. Since pineapples won’t ripen after being picked, you want to choose a good one right from the start!
They do become juicier as they sit, so I still like to let mine rest on the counter for a few days after buying — because I love a good juicy pineapple!
What can I do with a pineapple that isn’t sweet?
If you think you’ve picked a good pineapple but cut it open to find it isn’t that sweet, here are a few ways to put it to good use!
- Cook or bake with it! Baking pineapple makes it even sweeter. Try chopping it up fine in a food processor and making this Pineapple Cake or Pineapple Coconut Cake recipe.
- Use it in smoothies! Since a smoothie has so much else going on, you won’t notice a less-sweet pineapple nearly as much as when eating it on its own. This Tropical Smoothie is one of our favorites!
- Grill it! Cut the pineapple into spears and throw them on the grill. Serve Grilled Pineapple with ice cream for an incredible summer dessert!
- Freeze it! I’ve included more specific instructions below.
How to freeze pineapple:
Now that we know how to cut a pineapple, we can fill our freezer stash, too!
I love having a bag of frozen pineapple on hand for smoothies and summer drinks. Instead of buying a bag at the store, you can freeze any pineapple that you’ve cut but won’t get around to eating — or one that just wasn’t as sweet as you’d hoped.
Simply cut the pineapple as directed and slice into small pieces. Place pineapple chunks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, not touching each other. Freeze for 2 hours or until solid, then transfer to a large freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 year.
Got extra pineapple? Try some of our favorite pineapple recipes!
- Ham and Pineapple Rice
- Hawaiian Chicken Burgers with Grilled Pineapple
- Ham and Pineapple Sliders
- Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers
How to cut a pineapple
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 whole pineapple
Instructions
- On a large cutting board with a large, sharp knife, cut the crown or the top off the pineapple.
- Cut the bottom off the pineapple, about half an inch from the end.
- Stand your pineapple upright on the cutting board, and use your knife to shave the skin off the pineapple. Try not to cut off more fruit than necessary, but try to get most of the eyes.
- Use your knife to trim any remaining "eyes" — the pokey brown parts that aren't very appetizing! You can also use the point of the knife to dig out any small brown seeds that are in the flesh.
- Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, and then in half again so you have quarters.
- Use your knife to cut the core off of each quarter — I show extra tips on this in the video.
- Cut the pineapple quarters lengthwise into spears, and they can be used this way (great for grilling!) or cut down further into chunks.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Want to save this recipe?
Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
Tag @thereciperebel
Eden says
So helpful!! Thank you for sharing this! We are pineapple freaks in our house!!
Ashley Fehr says
We are too!
Heather Seeley says
This is a great tutorial! We love pineapple and I will be using these tips.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Heather!
Nellie Tracy says
Great step-by-step process for cutting a pineapple. I used to always feel like I wasted so much of the pineapple when I would cut it, but cutting it this way helps that!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Nellie!