Of course! “Pineapple Bake” is a classic, comforting side dish (though it could almost be a dessert!) that’s a staple at potlucks and family dinners, especially in the Southern U.S. It’s sweet, creamy, and has a deliciously buttery, crunchy topping.
Here is a comprehensive guide to making a fantastic Pineapple Bake, including a classic recipe, tips for success, and fun variations.
Classic Pineapple Bake Recipe
This version is simple, crowd-pleasing, and hits all the right notes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Filling:
· 2 (20 oz) cans crushed pineapple, do not drain
· ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted
· ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
· 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
· 5 slices white bread, torn into small pieces (about 3 cups loosely packed)
· Alternative: ¾ cup all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
· ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted
· 1 cup (120g) crushed Ritz crackers (about one sleeve)
· Alternative: 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or more bread crumbs
· ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
· ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish (like an 8×8 or 9×9 square dish) with butter or non-stick spray.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice), melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Temper the Eggs: To prevent the eggs from scrambling, slowly add a small amount of the warm pineapple mixture to the beaten eggs while whisking constantly. Then, pour the egg mixture back into the large bowl with the rest of the pineapple mixture and stir to combine.
- Add the Bread: Gently fold in the torn bread pieces until everything is well combined. The mixture will be wet. Pour the filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a separate medium bowl, mix the melted butter, crushed Ritz crackers, brown sugar, and nuts (if using) until it resembles a coarse crumb.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pineapple filling.
- Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold.
Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Bake
· Don’t Drain the Pineapple! The juice is essential for providing moisture and flavor. Draining it will result in a dry bake.
· Bread Choices: Day-old bread works best as it soaks up the liquid without becoming mushy. White, French, or Hawaiian sweet bread are all excellent choices.
· Tempering the Eggs: This step is crucial! It slowly raises the temperature of the eggs so they blend smoothly into the filling without turning into little cooked bits.
· Crunchy Topping is Key: Make sure your topping is nice and crunchy for the best texture contrast. If it’s browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
· Make it Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish (without baking), cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Popular Variations
Pineapple Bake is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few twists:
- Pineapple Casserole with Cheese: A famous Southern variation. Simply add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the filling. The sweet and savory combination is incredible.
- Tropical Twist: Add ½ cup of shredded sweetened coconut to the filling and use macadamia nuts in the topping.
- Extra Creamy: Substitute one can of crushed pineapple with a can of pineapple tidbits and add ½ cup of sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt to the filling.
- Spiced Rum Pineapple Bake: Add a tablespoon of dark rum and a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the filling for a more complex, adult flavor.
How to Serve Pineapple Bake
· As a Side Dish: It’s a classic pairing with baked ham, pork chops, roasted chicken, or holiday turkey.
· As a Dessert: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
· For Brunch: It makes a unique and sweet addition to a brunch spread alongside savory quiches and bacon.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Pineapple Bake