Pineapple stuffing brings a delicious twist to your holiday lineup, it’s soft, buttery, and bursting with tropical flavor. Made with chunks of pineapple and toasted bread, this dish walks the line between savory side and sweet comfort. If you’ve never had a fruit-forward casserole before, this one might just surprise you. Whether you call it pineapple cheese casserole or baked pineapple bread stuffing, it’s a standout on the Thanksgiving or Easter table. In this guide, you’ll get a simple recipe, smart tips, and answers to common questions to help you make the best pineapple stuffing for any festive meal.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The cozy roots of my favorite pineapple stuffing
I still remember the first time I had pineapple stuffing. It was Easter Sunday, and my Aunt Debbie pulled a bubbling casserole dish out of the oven that smelled like brown sugar and butter with a hint of something tropical. As a Kansas City kid raised on hearty comfort food, I’d never tasted anything like it. Soft in the middle, golden on top, it was like bread pudding met cheesy pineapple casserole, and I was hooked.
This pineapple stuffing recipe is one of those dishes I always go back to when I want to teach students about cooking with heart. It’s rustic, rich, and layered with flavor. I make it for holidays, yes, but sometimes also on a random Tuesday, just because it makes my house smell like something special is about to happen.
This pineapple side dish is the perfect companion for beef recipe, roast turkey, or even grilled chicken. It also stands on its own, I’ve eaten it straight from the fridge more times than I’d admit to my students! It’s that good.
Why pineapple stuffing deserves a spot on your table
What sets this dish apart is its balance. The sweetness from the pineapple doesn’t overpower, it enhances. The buttered bread soaks in all that juicy flavor and bakes into something magical. And if you want to take it a step further, adding shredded cheese gives you a cheesy pineapple casserole twist that’s rich and savory.
It’s a recipe that feels like home; humble, soulful, and just a little unexpected. If you love exploring new takes on traditional sides, this dish belongs next to your mashed potatoes and green bean casserole.
If you enjoy family-favorite recipes like this, check out our comfort food category and this bright, fresh pineapple cucumber salad that’s perfect for warmer days.
Preparing the Best Pineapple Stuffing:
Easy ingredients with cozy, nostalgic flavor
PrintPineapple Stuffing for Holidays: The Sweetest Side on the Table
A cozy and sweet pineapple stuffing made with buttery bread cubes and juicy pineapple. Perfect for holidays and pairs well with ham or turkey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
6 cups white bread, cubed and slightly stale
1 cup canned crushed pineapple (with juice or lightly drained)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (for cheesy version)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Fold in crushed pineapple and mix gently.
4. Add bread cubes and toss to coat well without overmixing.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and center is set.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use unsweetened pineapple to reduce overall sweetness.
For a savory twist, add cheddar and a pinch of salt.
This stuffing stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
One of the best things about pineapple stuffing is how easy it is to make. You only need a handful of familiar ingredients, white bread, canned crushed pineapple, eggs, sugar, and butter. For a savory twist, some folks turn it into a pineapple cheese casserole by mixing in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack. No matter how you tweak it, the result is always a dish that feels homemade and special.
Start by using slightly stale white bread, it holds its texture better and absorbs flavor without becoming mushy. Slice the bread into bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl for later. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Then fold in the crushed pineapple with its juice (unless you prefer a drier texture, in which case drain it lightly).
Add the bread cubes and mix gently. You want them fully coated but not broken down. Transfer everything to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
If you’re making this for a special occasion, like Easter or Thanksgiving, it pairs beautifully with other holiday recipes such as sweet potato casseroles or glazed carrots.
Tips for perfect baked pineapple casserole texture
For a firm, slightly chewy texture, toast your bread cubes in the oven before mixing them in. If you love a creamy finish, increase the eggs slightly and use a richer bread like brioche. Want to turn this into a savory-sweet pineapple bread stuffing? Add a pinch of salt, a few crumbles of bacon, or even a light layer of cheese before baking.
This dish also makes a fun alternative to classic dressing. Instead of herbs and savory broth like classic stuffing, pineapple stuffing leans into buttery sweetness, pairing beautifully with everything from ham to roasted vegetables. If you’re craving another fun casserole idea, explore our casserole recipes for more baked goodness.
And don’t worry, this dish is just as tasty reheated. Many of my cooking students love it cold the next day, or even warmed up with a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. Sweet side or sneaky treat? You decide.
Serving & Pairing Ideas for Pineapple Stuffing
How to serve pineapple stuffing the right way
Pineapple stuffing is one of those dishes that goes beyond being just a side, it often steals the spotlight. Whether you’re serving it at Easter, Thanksgiving, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this golden casserole adds a touch of tropical sweetness that balances beautifully with savory mains.
The most popular pairing? Glazed ham. The sweet pineapple flavor complements the salty richness of ham like they were made for each other. But don’t stop there, pineapple stuffing also works wonderfully with roasted turkey, grilled pork chops, or even barbecue chicken. Its unique flavor makes it a surprising star among more traditional side dishes.
If you’re making a brunch spread, serve it alongside quiches, baked eggs, or a veggie frittata. I’ve even used it as a base under pulled pork, sounds odd, tastes amazing. For an elegant twist, you can spoon it into individual ramekins and bake them for a personal-sized pineapple side dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Creative ways to elevate this pineapple side dish
Want to turn this dish into a full-on pineapple cheese casserole? Mix in shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack before baking. The cheese melts into the bread, adding richness and balance. You can also top it with crushed buttery crackers for crunch or sprinkle chopped pecans for added texture.
Looking to round out the meal? Serve pineapple stuffing with a bright green vegetable like roasted asparagus or garlicky sautéed spinach. The balance of savory greens and sweet stuffing is just right. For dessert, keep the pineapple theme going with a chilled rice krispie treat ice cream sandwich, it’s fun, nostalgic, and surprisingly light after a hearty meal.
No matter how you serve it, this dish brings color, flavor, and a bit of joyful surprise to the table. And if you love that sweet-savory combo as much as I do, don’t miss exploring our full range of appetizer ideas and comfort food classics.
Storing, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips for Pineapple Stuffing
How to store leftover pineapple stuffing
If you find yourself with leftover pineapple stuffing (a rare occasion in my house), you’re in luck, it stores and reheats beautifully. Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This dish also freezes surprisingly well. Just portion the cooled stuffing into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. It’ll keep for about 2 months. When you’re ready to serve again, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the oven until warmed through.
Make-ahead tips for holidays and big meals
When prepping for a crowd, pineapple stuffing is a lifesaver. You can assemble the entire dish, bread, pineapple, egg mixture, and store it covered in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance. On baking day, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. This trick makes it one of the easiest holiday recipes to prep ahead.
For individual portions, you can spoon the pineapple bread stuffing into muffin tins, creating adorable single servings. These also reheat quickly, making them perfect for brunches or potlucks. If you enjoy prepping ahead, many of our casserole dishes also freeze well and are ideal for meal planning.
Reheating without drying out
To keep the soft, custardy texture of your baked pineapple casserole, reheat it in the oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. A splash of milk or melted butter added before reheating can help restore its moisture.
Microwaving works in a pinch, use a lower power setting and short intervals to avoid drying out the edges. Personally, I love pan-frying leftovers in a buttered skillet for crispy-bottomed slices. It’s not traditional, but it’s seriously tasty.
Whether you’re making it ahead or enjoying it the next day, pineapple stuffing holds up like a champ, just one more reason it’s a go-to in my kitchen year after year.
Conclusion
Pineapple stuffing is more than just a side, it’s a sweet, buttery comfort food that earns a spot at any celebration. Whether you’re serving it with ham at Easter, making it cheesy for a potluck, or baking it into individual ramekins for brunch, this dish brings warmth, nostalgia, and big flavor.
From prepping ahead to reheating leftovers, this baked pineapple casserole fits into busy kitchen routines with ease. It’s one of those recipes that surprises people in the best way, and soon becomes one they ask for by name.
Ready to add more comfort food magic to your table? Check out our favorite side dishes and appetizers that complement pineapple stuffing beautifully.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is in pineapple stuffing?
Pineapple stuffing usually includes cubed white bread, canned crushed pineapple, eggs, sugar, and butter. Some variations also add shredded cheese for a pineapple cheese casserole twist. It’s baked until golden and has a soft, bread-pudding-like center.
Does pineapple stuffing need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Once baked, pineapple stuffing should be cooled and stored in the refrigerator. Cover it with foil or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 4 days.
How to make stuffing with potatoes?
Potato-based stuffing swaps bread for mashed or shredded potatoes. You mix them with sautéed onions, butter, herbs, and sometimes broth. While not used in pineapple stuffing, potato versions offer a more savory alternative to pineapple bread stuffing.
How much summer savory is in stuffing?
For traditional savory stuffing, use about 1 teaspoon of dried summer savory per 4 cups of bread. Pineapple stuffing doesn’t typically use savory herbs, but you could experiment if you want a more complex flavor.
