Pineapple stuffing is a sweet and tangy dish that’s perfect for adding a fun twist to your meals. Made with tender bread, juicy pineapple, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s bursting with flavor!
This dish is a hit at family gatherings—just watch everyone smile when they taste it! I love serving it alongside ham for a heavenly combo. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist a second helping!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old Bread: Using crusty bread like French or sourdough brings great texture to the stuffing. If you don’t have day-old bread, lightly toast fresh bread or use any leftover bread you have on hand.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple will give the best flavor, but drained canned pineapple works too. You can also try using other fruits like diced apples or raisins for a different twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter is used for better control over saltiness. You can switch to olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and sage enhance the flavor significantly. If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried versions work; just remember to use less (about one-third of the fresh amount).
How do I Make Sure My Stuffing is Moist But Not Soggy?
Getting the right moisture balance is key for stuffing. Start with the right bread and then add your broth and egg mixture gradually. It’s important to toss gently without crushing the bread.
- Begin with 1 1/2 cups of broth and add more as needed. You want the mixture to be moist, not swimming in liquid.
- After mixing, let it sit for a few minutes. This gives the bread a chance to absorb some of the broth.
- When you bake, keeping an eye on it ensures it turns golden brown but stays moist inside.
How to Make Pineapple Stuffing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 10 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably crusty, like French or sourdough)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or drained canned pineapple)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs, beaten
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pineapple Stuffing takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then it needs 35-40 minutes to bake in the oven. So, in about an hour, you’ll have a warm, scrumptious dish ready for your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a baking dish with some butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and celery. Sauté these together until the onion is soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Herbs and Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and sage. Let everything cook for about another minute until the garlic is fragrant. Then, remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, the sautéed vegetable and herb mix, fresh pineapple chunks, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together gently to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
5. Whisk the Liquid Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the broth and beaten eggs until well combined. This will help bind the stuffing together.
6. Bring It All Together:
Pour the broth and egg mixture over the bread mixture. Toss everything together gently until the bread is moist but not soggy. If it seems a little dry, add more broth as needed.
7. Bake the Stuffing:
Transfer your stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm as a sweet and savory side dish, perfect for holiday meals or family dinners!
Can I Use Regular Bread Instead of Day-old Bread?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to toast the fresh bread lightly to help it hold up better in the stuffing and absorb the flavors without becoming too soggy.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple?
No problem! You can substitute the pineapple with diced apples, raisins, or even cranberries for a different flavor profile. Feel free to get creative with fruits that you enjoy!
Can I Prepare This Stuffing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly, and when you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.