Why You’ll Love This pineapple stuffing recipe
- Ease of preparation: This pineapple stuffing recipe is simple and quick, requiring just a few ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can follow. With minimal prep and a single baking dish involved, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings where you want something delicious without hassle.
- Health benefits: Packed with vitamin-rich pineapple and wholesome bread, this pineapple stuffing recipe offers an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Its balanced mix of natural sweetness and savory elements makes it a nourishing side dish that complements a wholesome diet.
- Versatility: The pineapple stuffing recipe adapts well to various dietary needs. You can substitute ingredients to make it vegan, gluten-free, or lower-calorie while still maintaining the moist texture and flavor. Its adaptability ensures everyone at the table can enjoy this sweet and savory side dish.
- Distinctive flavor: This recipe’s unique blend of sweet pineapple with warm cinnamon and subtle savory notes creates a distinctive taste unlike traditional stuffings. The natural juiciness of pineapple combined with lightly toasted bread cubes results in a delightfully balanced sweet and savory profile.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This pineapple stuffing recipe
- 2. Essential Ingredients for pineapple stuffing recipe
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect pineapple stuffing recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your pineapple stuffing recipe
- 5. Mastering pineapple stuffing recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store pineapple stuffing recipe: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About pineapple stuffing recipe
- 8. pineapple stuffing recipe
Essential Ingredients for pineapple stuffing recipe
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 g) butter – adds richness and helps brown the bread cubes
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar – sweetens the stuffing; can increase to 1 cup for a sweeter version
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – imparts warm, aromatic spice
- 4 large eggs – bind the stuffing and add moisture
- 1 (20-ounce / 567 g) can crushed pineapple, juice reserved – provides sweetness and moisture
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed into 1-inch pieces – base ingredient that absorbs flavors and moisture
Special Dietary Options:
- Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil and use plant-based egg replacers like flax eggs.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread cubes to maintain texture without gluten.
- Low-calorie: Use less sugar or a sugar substitute, reduce butter quantity, and opt for lighter bread or toast lightly to reduce absorbed fat.
How to Prepare the Perfect pineapple stuffing recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
First Step: Preheat and prep ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a 1½ quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Dice or cube your bread into 1-inch pieces if not pre-done. Drain or reserve the juice of the canned crushed pineapple based on desired moisture.
Second Step: Prepare wet mixture
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for thorough incorporation.
Third Step: Combine pineapple and bread
Stir in the crushed pineapple along with its reserved juice to add natural moisture. For a drier texture, drain pineapple before mixing but retain the juice to add as needed. Fold in the bread cubes gently, ensuring they are evenly coated with the wet ingredients using day-old or lightly toasted bread improves texture and reduces sogginess.
Fourth Step: Let mixture rest
Transfer the stuffing mixture to your prepared baking dish and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up the juices evenly, ensuring a moist interior once baked.
Fifth Step: Bake and crisp
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top becomes golden brown and the stuffing sets firmly. Around 50 minutes in, check the baking progress; if the top is browning too quickly but the inside isn’t set, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning and continue baking for the remaining time.
Final Step: Optional toppings and serving
For a crispy, caramelized finish, sprinkle light brown sugar on top before baking or add a crumble topping made from melted butter and dark brown sugar. Serve warm alongside pork, ham, roasted chicken, or turkey for a delicious sweet and savory complement.
Tip: Using day-old or toasted bread cubes helps prevent mushiness by absorbing the pineapple’s moisture more evenly, creating the perfect stuffing texture.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your pineapple stuffing recipe
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
- For a vegan take, replace butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and use flax eggs or commercial plant-based egg replacers to bind the mixture.
- Use gluten-free bread cubes made from rice, corn, or other gluten-free grains to accommodate gluten intolerances without sacrificing texture.
- To lower calories, opt for light cooking sprays instead of butter and reduce or replace sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
- Swap celery or add diced bell peppers for increased crunch and freshness.
- Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or thyme in place of or alongside dried sage for aroma variation.
- Use low-sodium broth or vegetable stock instead of chicken broth or water to control sodium levels.
- Add nuts like pecans or walnuts or dried fruits such as cranberries for added texture and subtle sweetness.
- For a subtle heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
Mastering pineapple stuffing recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations
- Pro cooking techniques: Toast your bread cubes lightly before mixing to bring out a richer flavor and improve crunchiness in the final stuffing.
- Flavor variations: Add tropical spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or fold in dried cranberries or raisins for an interesting sweet contrast. For extra savory depth, include diced ham or crumbled bacon.
- Presentation tips: For an eye-catching presentation, serve the stuffing in a hollowed-out pineapple shell or garnish with fresh herb sprigs and pineapple chunks to highlight the tropical flavor.
- Make-ahead options: Prepare the stuffing mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it covered. This resting time lets the flavors meld. Bake fresh right before serving for the best texture and taste.
How to Store pineapple stuffing recipe: Best Practices
Storage Method | Guidelines and Tips | Duration |
---|---|---|
Refrigeration | Store leftover pineapple stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge to preserve freshness and moisture. | Up to 3 days |
Freezing | Place stuffing in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. | Up to 2 months |
Reheating | Reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moistness. Heat for approximately 20 minutes or until warmed through. | As needed |
Meal prep considerations | For convenience, portion the pineapple stuffing into individual baking dishes or containers to reheat single servings quickly throughout the week. | Varies |

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About pineapple stuffing recipe
Why is my pineapple stuffing soggy and how can I prevent it?
Pineapple stuffing can become soggy if the fruit isn’t properly drained before mixing. The excess moisture from fresh pineapple makes the bread mushy. To avoid this, drain the pineapple thoroughly and reserve the juice to add later if desired. Also, using day-old or toasted bread instead of fresh bread helps maintain a firmer texture by absorbing less liquid.
Can I prepare pineapple stuffing in advance?
Yes, you can assemble pineapple stuffing up to 24 hours before baking. After mixing the ingredients, cover and refrigerate it. This resting period allows the bread to soak up the flavors, resulting in a richer dish. Bake the stuffing just before serving for the best texture.
How should I store leftover pineapple stuffing?
Store leftover pineapple stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, cover the stuffing with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. This reheats the dish evenly and helps regain a crispy top layer.
Can I substitute ingredients in pineapple stuffing to suit dietary needs?
Yes, you can customize pineapple stuffing easily. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread. You can swap traditional butter with olive oil or dairy-free alternatives. To reduce sugar, use fresh pineapple without canned syrup. Adding nuts or seeds can increase texture and nutrition according to your preference.
What is the best type of bread to use for pineapple stuffing?
The best bread for pineapple stuffing is stale or day-old bread, preferably a sturdy variety like French, sourdough, or whole grain. These breads hold up well to moisture without turning too soft. Avoid fresh, soft bread as it absorbs too much liquid and results in soggy stuffing. Toasting the bread lightly before mixing can also improve texture.

pineapple stuffing recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
🍍 This pineapple stuffing combines sweet pineapple with savory spices for a delightful balance of flavors.
🥘 A versatile side dish perfect for pairing with steak, shrimp, or holiday meals, offering a moist and flavorful complement.
Ingredients
– 1/2 cup butter
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 4 large eggs
– 1 can crushed pineapple
– 6 cups day-old bread
Instructions
First Step: Preheat and prep ingredients Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a 1½ quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Dice or cube your bread into 1-inch pieces if not pre-done. Drain or reserve the juice of the canned crushed pineapple based on desired moisture.
Second Step: Prepare wet mixture In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for thorough incorporation.
Third Step: Combine pineapple and bread Stir in the crushed pineapple along with its reserved juice to add natural moisture. For a drier texture, drain pineapple before mixing but retain the juice to add as needed. Fold in the bread cubes gently, ensuring they are evenly coated with the wet ingredients using day-old or lightly toasted bread improves texture and reduces sogginess.
Fourth Step: Let mixture rest Transfer the stuffing mixture to your prepared baking dish and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up the juices evenly, ensuring a moist interior once baked.
Fifth Step: Bake and crisp Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top becomes golden brown and the stuffing sets firmly. Around 50 minutes in, check the baking progress; if the top is browning too quickly but the inside isn’t set, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning and continue baking for the remaining time.
Final Step: Optional toppings and serving For a crispy, caramelized finish, sprinkle light brown sugar on top before baking or add a crumble topping made from melted butter and dark brown sugar. Serve warm alongside pork, ham, roasted chicken, or turkey for a delicious sweet and savory complement.
Notes
🍞 Use slightly stale or toasted bread cubes to absorb moisture without becoming soggy.
🧈 Melt butter before mixing for smoother texture and even coating.
🍂 Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 273 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 356 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 112 mg
Keywords: pineapple stuffing, sweet and savory stuffing, holiday stuffing, pineapple side dish
I’ve never thought to use pineapple this way, but it sounds so intriguing! 🍍 Do you think this would pair well with a ham roast? Excited to try it for our family gathering this weekend!
★★★★★