Pineapple Bake

 

Pineapple Bake: A Sweet and Savory Side Dish That Steals the Show

Looking for a dish that’s simple, unique, and guaranteed to impress? This Pineapple Bake is the perfect mix of sweet, buttery, and comforting. Whether you serve it as a side dish with ham, a holiday casserole, or even as a light dessert, this golden, caramelized pineapple creation is a true crowd-pleaser.

With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s the kind of recipe that tastes like sunshine in every bite — perfect for holidays, potlucks, or everyday family dinners.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have.

• Versatile: Works beautifully as a side dish or dessert.

• Quick and easy: Ready to bake in just 10 minutes of prep time.

• Family favorite: The combination of sweet pineapple and buttery crunch is irresistible.

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Ingredients

• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup butter, melted

• 1 cup bread crumbs or crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.

2. Mix the filling:
   In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice), sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until well blended.

3. Prepare the topping:
   In a separate small bowl, mix the melted butter with the bread crumbs or crushed crackers until evenly coated.

4. Assemble the bake:
   Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the buttery crumb topping on top.

5. Bake:
   Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.

6. Serve warm:
   Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side dish with ham, pork, or poultry — or as a sweet finish to your meal.

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Tips & Variations

• For extra sweetness: Add ¼ cup brown sugar to the topping for a caramelized flavor.

• Make it tropical: Stir in shredded coconut or chopped pecans before baking.

• Use fresh pineapple: Substitute 2 cups finely chopped fresh pineapple for canned — just add 2 tablespoons of juice for moisture.

• Serve as dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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Serving Ideas

This Pineapple Bake pairs perfectly with:

• Holiday ham or roasted turkey

• Baked chicken or glazed pork chops

• Savory casseroles for contrast

• Brunch buffets or potlucks as a sweet surprise

Its golden, crunchy top and soft, buttery center make it feel like a cross between a cobbler and a pudding — rich enough for dessert, but balanced enough for a side dish.

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Storage

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze it (tightly wrapped) for up to 1 month — just thaw and reheat before serving.

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Final Thoughts

The Pineapple Bake is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Sweet, buttery, and full of tropical flavor, it’s a dish that brings sunshine to any table — whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday feast.

Once you make it, you’ll understand why this humble bake has been passed down through generations. It’s comfort food with a tropical twist — and one bite is never enough. 🍍💛