Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting a truly exceptional sweet side dish that promises to steal the show at any gathering: our incredibly easy and utterly delicious **Pineapple Stuffing recipe**. Forget complicated preparations; this delightful casserole, made with simple pantry staples like soft bread and luscious crushed pineapple, is designed for effortless holiday cooking. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a unique, sweet-and-savory creation that comes together in mere minutes, leaving you more time to cherish those precious festive moments. You’re about to discover a new holiday favorite!
Pineapple Stuffing: A Sweet Twist on a Holiday Classic
There’s something truly special about a dish that can effortlessly bridge the gap between a savory side and a delightful dessert. Our Pineapple Stuffing embodies this versatility perfectly. Whether served warm, fresh from the oven, or cool as a refreshing treat, its sweet and tangy profile is simply irresistible. I must confess, any leftovers of this delectable concoction rarely survive the next day in our household – it’s just that good! Its rich sweetness and tender texture remind me of a luxurious pineapple bread pudding, yet it boasts the hearty satisfaction of a classic stuffing. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules.
This unique stuffing offers a delightful contrast to traditional holiday fare. It pairs exquisitely with a succulent CrockPot ham, where the pineapple’s natural acidity beautifully cuts through the richness of the meat. Imagine serving it alongside your holiday turkey, Easter lamb, or even a simple Sunday roast – its bright flavor will elevate any meal. I’ve even considered baking it directly with leftover ham pieces to create a truly integrated sweet and savory casserole – a culinary experiment waiting to happen!
One of the greatest charms of this pineapple stuffing is its dual appeal. It’s hearty enough to be considered a robust side dish for your main course, yet its inherent sweetness allows it to transition seamlessly into a lighter dessert option. This flexibility is fantastic, especially during festive gatherings where guests often have varied preferences. I love setting out a spread of both sweet and savory choices, allowing everyone to craft their perfect holiday plate. This delicious pineapple stuffing ensures there’s always an option that caters to the sweet-toothed attendees without straying too far from the main meal. It’s truly the perfect accompaniment for Thanksgiving, Easter, or Christmas – a quick, easy, and unforgettable addition to your holiday menu that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Pineapple Stuffing
Creating an epic Pineapple Stuffing requires only a handful of readily available ingredients, ensuring this recipe is as accessible as it is delicious. Below is a quick overview of the simple components you’ll need. For precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check the full printable recipe card towards the end of this article.
- Softened Butter
- Large Eggs
- Granulated Sugar
- Crushed Pineapple (canned)
- White Bread Slices
Deep Dive into Ingredient Choices & Substitutions
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your pineapple stuffing. Let’s explore them in more detail, along with some helpful variations to suit your preferences:
Bread: The foundation of any good stuffing, the bread choice here influences the final texture significantly. While we typically opt for plain white sandwich bread for its soft crumb and neutral flavor profile, feel free to experiment. Brioche bread will lend a richer, more buttery note, while Hawaiian bread will enhance the tropical sweetness. Any soft, day-old bread will work wonderfully as it absorbs the sweet pineapple mixture beautifully.
Butter: Softened butter is key to creating a creamy, smooth base for our stuffing. For those looking for a vegan alternative, simply substitute with your favorite plant-based or vegan butter. This small adjustment makes the recipe accessible to more dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Sugar: Granulated white sugar provides the core sweetness that makes this stuffing so appealing. However, you have control over the final sweetness level. If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to cut the sugar quantity in half. For a richer, more complex flavor with delightful caramel undertones, consider using a 50/50 mix of white and brown sugar. This simple swap can add another layer of depth to your stuffing.
Crushed Pineapple: The star of the show! Canned crushed pineapple is convenient and consistent. You have a choice regarding how much liquid to include:
- Drained: If you prefer a firmer, more bread-like stuffing texture, draining the pineapple juice is recommended. This prevents the stuffing from becoming overly moist.
- Undrained: For a softer, more pudding-like consistency, you can incorporate the crushed pineapple with its juice. This will result in a more custardy and very moist stuffing. We typically drain the juice to achieve a balanced texture.
- Pineapple Chunks: For those who love a more distinct bite and textural variety, using pineapple chunks instead of crushed pineapple can add a lovely chewiness to the dish.
Recipe Variations for Enhanced Flavor & Texture:
- Crunch Factor: For an added layer of texture, sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans/walnuts (about ⅓ cup) over the top of the stuffing before baking, or stir them into the mixture. The warmth of the oven will toast them beautifully.
- Aromatic Boost: A dash of vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) can enhance the overall sweetness and complexity of the pineapple flavor. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg could also add a subtle warmth, especially if you’re leaning into the “bread pudding” aspect.
- Fruity Additions: Stir in a handful of dried cranberries for a pop of tartness and color, creating a more festive appeal.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you dive into mixing your ingredients, ensure you have the following kitchen tools at hand. Having everything ready will make the preparation process smooth and enjoyable.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray
- Hand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming the butter, eggs, and sugar to perfection.
- Large Mixing Bowl: We highly recommend a glass batter bowl with a handle – it provides stability and ease during mixing.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Knife & Cutting Board: For cubing your bread.
- Measuring Cups
- Casserole Dish (approximately 9×13 inches or similar)
How to Create the Perfect Pineapple Stuffing: Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, promising a delightful dish with minimal fuss. While the complete, detailed instructions are available in the printable recipe card below, here’s an easy-to-follow overview of the process:
Detailed Preparation Steps:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your mixture is!
Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients. In your large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, large eggs, and granulated sugar. Using your hand mixer or electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until they are light, fluffy, and beautifully creamy. This creates the rich, custardy base for your stuffing.
Step 2: Incorporate the Crushed Pineapple. Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple into the creamy butter and egg mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure the pineapple is thoroughly and evenly distributed throughout the base.
Step 3: Add the Bread Cubes. Now, add your bread cubes, cut into approximately 1-inch squares, to the bowl. Carefully stir everything together, ensuring each bread cube is generously coated with the sweet pineapple mixture. This step is crucial for the stuffing to absorb all the wonderful flavors and bake into a cohesive casserole.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish. Lightly grease your casserole baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the pineapple stuffing mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the casserole dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the top of the stuffing is beautifully golden brown and the center is set. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving and enjoying this delightful creation!
Mastering Make-Ahead & Storage for Pineapple Stuffing
One of the best features of this Pineapple Stuffing recipe is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation and convenient storage. This means less stress on busy holiday cooking days!
Preparing in Advance:
You can easily prepare your Pineapple Stuffing a day or two ahead of time, either baked or unbaked, depending on your preference and schedule.
- Unbaked: Assemble the entire stuffing mixture in your prepared baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Pre-baked: Bake the stuffing completely, let it cool, then cover it tightly in the baking dish and refrigerate. When it’s time to serve, simply re-heat it in the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) until warmed through. This method is perfect for potlucks or when you want a completely hands-off approach on the day of your meal.
Storage Guidelines:
Store any leftover Pineapple Stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for enjoying as a quick snack or a side with subsequent meals.
Freezing for Later:
If you have a larger batch or want to prepare this dish even further in advance, Pineapple Stuffing freezes beautifully. Allow the cooked stuffing to cool completely, then transfer portions into an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It can be safely stored in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
To bring your Pineapple Stuffing back to its glorious best, you have a few options:
- Oven: This is generally the best method for maintaining texture. Preheat your oven to 300-325°F (150-160°C). Place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If it seems a little dry, you can sprinkle a tablespoon or two of pineapple juice or milk over it before reheating.
- Microwave: For individual servings, the microwave is a quick option. Heat on medium power in 30-60 second intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the bread tough.
For more comprehensive advice on reheating various stuffings, this helpful guide by Good Housekeeping covers all the methods for reheating your holiday stuffing effectively!
Enhancing Your Pineapple Stuffing: Expert Tips & Variations
While the base recipe is fantastic as is, there are many ways to customize your Pineapple Stuffing to perfectly match your taste and dietary needs. Here are some expert tips and exciting variations to consider:
- Control the Sweetness: As mentioned, you can easily adjust the sugar. For a less sweet profile, reduce the white sugar by half. To add a delightful depth and a hint of caramel, use a 50/50 mix of white and light brown sugar. This small change can create a noticeably richer flavor.
- Textural Delights: Introduce a pleasing crunch by stirring in ⅓ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts to the mixture before baking. For a slightly savory and buttery note, toasted sliced almonds sprinkled on top during the last 15 minutes of baking are superb.
- Flavor Boosters: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can truly elevate the pineapple’s natural sweetness and give the stuffing a more “dessert-like” quality. A tiny pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can also complement the pineapple beautifully for an exotic twist.
- Fruity Accents: Dried cranberries or golden raisins can be a fantastic addition, offering bursts of tartness or chewiness that contrast wonderfully with the sweet pineapple. Stir them in along with the bread cubes.
Dietary Adaptations:
- Vegetarian Option: This sweet holiday side dish is naturally 100% vegetarian, making it a wonderful choice for everyone at your table!
- Vegan Option: To transform this recipe into a vegan-friendly delight, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based vegan butter, replace the eggs with a suitable egg replacer (such as flax eggs or a commercial vegan egg substitute), and ensure your chosen bread is vegan.
- Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions, swap out traditional white bread for your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread. Make sure to cube it and use it as directed.
- Sugar-Free: The original recipe contains 36 grams of sugar per serving. To create a sugar-free version, replace the granulated white sugar with a sugar-free alternative (e.g., erythritol or stevia-based sweeteners). Additionally, double-check that your canned pineapple is packed in juice or water with no added sugar, and choose a bread that is also sugar-free.
- Adjusting Serving Size: The written recipe yields eight generous servings. It’s incredibly easy to scale up or down to suit your needs, whether you’re feeding a smaller family dinner or a larger festive gathering. Simply adjust all ingredient quantities proportionally.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pineapple Stuffing
Our Pineapple Stuffing offers a delightful sweet, tropical twist on a beloved holiday side. Its versatility means it can complement a wide array of dishes. Here are some menu planning suggestions to create a truly festive and memorable feast:
Complementary Side Dishes:
Balance the sweetness with savory and hearty accompaniments.
- Apple Stuffing: For those who love a variety of stuffings, apple offers a different fruity dimension.
- Carrot Soufflé: A light, airy, and slightly sweet vegetable dish that would pair wonderfully.
- Creamed Corn Casserole: A creamy and comforting classic that always pleases.
- Crock Pot Mashed Cauliflower: A lighter alternative to potatoes, perfect for balancing rich flavors.
- Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: A classic, savory choice that grounds the meal.
- Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream: Sweet and tender cornbread provides a lovely textural contrast.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Yams: For a truly sweet and decadent holiday spread.
- Southern Style Green Beans: A fresh, vibrant green vegetable offering a savory counterpoint.
- CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans: Hearty and flavorful, these beans add a rich, smoky sweetness.
Delicious Main Courses:
The sweetness of the pineapple stuffing makes it an excellent match for various roasted or slow-cooked meats.
- Crock Pot Turkey: The tropical notes of the stuffing are a fantastic complement to traditional turkey.
- Crock Pot Bourbon Maple Pork Loin: Pork and pineapple are a classic pairing, and this rich pork loin would be superb.
- Crock Pot Guinness Corned Beef & Cabbage: An unexpected but delightful contrast to the robust flavors of corned beef.
- Crock Pot Chicken & Stuffing: For a comforting, all-in-one meal, this pairing works wonderfully.
- Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham: The citrus from the orange glaze will harmonize beautifully with the pineapple.
- Crock Pot Coke Glazed Ham: Another sweet and savory ham option that finds its perfect match in pineapple.
- Bourbon Baked Ham: The rich, smoky notes of bourbon ham are fantastic with the bright, sweet pineapple.
Irresistible Desserts:
If you’re serving pineapple stuffing as a side, these desserts offer a sweet finale.
- Eggnog Cookies: Spiced, festive cookies for a touch of holiday cheer.
- 4 Ingredient Christmas Crack: A quick, addictive, and crowd-pleasing sweet treat.
- Easy Holiday Reindeer Chow: A fun, snackable dessert that kids and adults adore.
- Church Window Cookies: Colorful and festive, these no-bake cookies are a retro delight.
- No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dip: A lighter, fruity dessert option.
- Easy Eggnog Cake with Eggnog Glaze: A rich, moist cake perfect for special occasions.
- Ambrosia Salad: A classic fruit salad that keeps the tropical theme going.
- Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball: A decadent and fun dessert appetizer.
- Cranberry Fluff Salad: Light and fruity, a great palate cleanser.
Festive Beverages:
Complete your holiday table with these refreshing or spirited drink options.
- Eggnog White Russian: A creamy, seasonal cocktail for adults.
- Spiced Cranberry Cocktail: A vibrant, warm-spiced drink.
- Cranberry Moscow Mule: A fizzy, refreshing, and festive choice.
- RumChata Pudding Shots: A fun, boozy treat for grown-ups.
- Pomegranate Breeze Martini: Elegant and fruity for a special toast.
- Mulled Cherry Cider Cocktail: Warm, comforting, and non-alcoholic friendly.
When to Enjoy This Delightful Dish
The beauty of Pineapple Stuffing lies in its versatility. While it’s an undeniable star during the festive season, its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor make it suitable for many occasions throughout the year.
- Holiday Feasts: A quintessential side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter celebrations, offering a refreshing break from traditional savory stuffings.
- Potlucks & Gatherings: Easy to transport and universally loved, it’s a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or family get-together.
- Weekend Dinners: Simple enough to whip up for a special weekend meal with roast chicken or pork.
- Special Occasions: Birthdays, anniversaries, or any event where you want to serve something a little out of the ordinary but guaranteed to be a hit.
- Leftover Reinvention: Don’t underestimate its deliciousness as leftovers for breakfast or a sweet snack!
Other Must-Try Holiday Side Dishes
If you’re looking to round out your holiday menu with more incredible sides, here are some other fantastic options that are sure to impress:
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Orange Relish
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
- Carrot Souffle
- Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
- Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and our ever-popular CrockPot Recipes for more culinary inspiration.
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Pineapple Stuffing
15
1
1
15
8
314
kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- ½ cup Butter softened, room temperature
- 4 Eggs
- 1 cup White Sugar
- 20 Ounce Crushed Pineapple drained
- 5 slices white bread cut in 1 inch cubes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, and sugar. Using a hand mixer, cream them together until nice and creamy.
- Add in the drained crushed pineapple and stir to mix evenly with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Add in the 1-inch cubed bread and mix everything together until the bread pieces are well coated.
- Pour the pineapple mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is set. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Kitchen Tools
- Hand Mixer
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 126