If you’ve never tried a pineapple stuffing recipe, you’re in for a delightful surprise. I still remember the first time I was introduced to it, at a friend’s Easter brunch, nestled right next to the glazed ham. One bite in and I was hooked. This pineapple stuffing recipe balances sweet and savory in the most comforting way. Soft, buttery bread meets juicy pineapple in a side dish that almost tastes like dessert, yet pairs beautifully with roasted meats.
This recipe fits perfectly into any holiday meal, especially Easter, Thanksgiving, or even Christmas. But I won’t judge if you whip it up for a midweek treat or weekend brunch. It’s one of those unique dishes that’s incredibly easy to make but feels special every time you serve it.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to impress guests or just want to bring more excitement to the dinner table, this pineapple stuffing recipe is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to revisit often.
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Why This Pineapple Stuffing Recipe Works Like Magic
There’s something truly comforting about warm, baked bread soaked in sweet pineapple juices and rich butter. This pineapple stuffing recipe shines because it strikes that perfect balance between sweet and savory. The tropical tang of crushed pineapple cuts through the richness of eggs and butter, while cubed bread adds a soft yet textured base that holds everything together.
Unlike traditional savory stuffings that rely heavily on herbs and stock, this one leans into the natural sweetness of the fruit and enhances it with sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla. The result is a versatile side dish that works equally well alongside ham, turkey, or roast chicken.
Customization is a breeze. Want to reduce the sugar? Swap some for maple syrup or honey. Need a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free bread without compromising on texture. You can also go dairy-free by using plant-based butter and a milk alternative. For a more decadent touch, try adding golden raisins or chopped pecans to bring even more texture and flavor.
And did I mention how easy it is? You mix a few pantry staples, bake until golden, and you’re done. No stove time, no complicated prep, just a comfort dish that looks and tastes like you’ve gone the extra mile.
The Pineapple Stuffing Recipe You Need
Pineapple Stuffing Recipe
8
servings10
minutes50
minutes280
kcalThis pineapple stuffing recipe combines buttery richness with tropical sweetness for a side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners or brunch spreads. Easy to make and utterly delicious, it’s a must-try recipe pineapple stuffing lovers will adore!
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Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
6 large eggs
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
6 slices of white bread, cubed
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Incorporate Pineapple: Stir in the drained crushed pineapple until evenly combined.
- Mix in Bread Cubes: Gently fold in the bread cubes, ensuring they are well-coated with the mixture.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and the stuffing is set.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use slightly stale bread, as it absorbs the mixture better.
- Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid making the stuffing too soggy.
- This dish pairs beautifully with baked ham or roasted turkey for a sweet and savory balance.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Tips for Perfect Pineapple Stuffing Recipe
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the pineapple mixture better, resulting in a fluffy but cohesive stuffing.
- Thoroughly Drain Pineapple: Excess liquid can make the stuffing soggy. Let the pineapple sit in a strainer for a few minutes before adding.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet stuffing, reduce the sugar slightly or use unsweetened pineapple.
- Golden Perfection: To achieve a beautifully browned top, place the baking dish under the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes.
- Double the Recipe: This stuffing is always a hit, consider making an extra batch for larger gatherings.
Delicious Variants You’ll Want to Try
Savory Ham and Pineapple Stuffing
Perfect if you want a heartier dish, especially for brunch. Add cooked diced ham to the base recipe. It complements the sweet pineapple beautifully and makes the stuffing feel more like a complete meal. You can also reduce the sugar slightly to keep the sweet-savory balance in check.
Tropical Coconut Pineapple Stuffing
Infuse the mixture with shredded sweetened coconut and swap out some of the butter for coconut oil. This variation gives the dish a slightly chewy texture and adds a nutty, exotic twist that’s great for summer gatherings or luau-themed parties.
Nutty Pecan Pineapple Stuffing
Stir in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts before baking. The nuts add crunch and depth of flavor. This variation pairs well with bourbon-glazed ham or pork tenderloin, offering both texture and richness.
Gluten-Free Pineapple Stuffing
Use your favorite gluten-free bread, ideally one that’s firm and slightly dense. Many gluten-free breads work well here since the egg mixture binds them and helps retain structure. Add a touch of xanthan gum if your bread tends to fall apart easily.
FAQs
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake fresh before serving.
Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked stuffing in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
It’s a perfect side dish for roasted meats like ham or turkey, but it also works well as a dessert-like accompaniment.
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, but it needs to be finely chopped and slightly drained to match the texture and moisture of canned pineapple.
Certainly! You can cut the sugar by up to half for a less sweet version, depending on your taste preferences.
Health Benefits of the Pineapple Stuffing Recipe
- Balanced Sweetness: This pineapple stuffing recipe provides a natural sweetness from pineapple, reducing the need for artificial sweeteners.
- Source of Quick Energy: With its carbohydrate content, this dish can fuel your body during busy holiday activities.
- Rich in Vitamins: Pineapple offers Vitamin C, supporting immune health and combating oxidative stress.
- Customizable Ingredients: The recipe is versatile, allowing healthier substitutions like whole-grain bread or less sugar.
- Emotional Comfort: Beyond physical health, enjoying this warm and flavorful dish can enhance mental well-being by connecting with tradition and loved ones.
Nutrition Information (per serving – 1/8th of recipe):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Sugar: 20g
Wrapping It All Up
There’s something undeniably joyful about a recipe that surprises and comforts at the same time, and this pineapple stuffing recipe does just that. It’s not your traditional side dish, yet it fits perfectly alongside your classic Easter ham, Thanksgiving turkey, or any roasted meat. Its simplicity makes it accessible, but its flavor makes it memorable.
Whether you’re trying it for the first time or passing the recipe on to the next generation, this dish holds a special place at the table. And once your guests take a bite, they’ll be asking for it again next year—guaranteed.
If you loved this pineapple stuffing recipe, you’ll adore our Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole Recipe, another side dish that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare!
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