This Pineapple Stuffing is a culinary masterpiece, brilliantly blending the vibrant sweetness of tropical fruit with the comforting warmth of savory holiday spices. It stands as the quintessential complement to your festive turkey, glazed ham, or any celebratory roast. Picture this: delightfully toasted cubes of soft Hawaiian bread, generously interspersed with sweet and juicy pineapple tidbits, and harmoniously seasoned with a medley of aromatic herbs. This isn’t merely a side dish; it’s a centerpiece, destined to become the highlight of your Thanksgiving table and a new cherished tradition for all your holiday gatherings.

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Sweet & Savory Pineapple Stuffing: A Dazzling Twist for Your Holiday Table

As the holiday season approaches, the quest for truly exceptional side dishes takes center stage. While classic stuffing recipes are beloved staples, there’s always room to innovate and surprise your guests with something wonderfully new, yet reassuringly familiar. Today, we are thrilled to unveil a recipe that promises to do just that: our magnificent Sweet and Savory Pineapple Stuffing. This dish offers an exquisite twist on traditional holiday fare, infusing your festive spread with an unexpected burst of tropical sweetness and rich savory notes.

This remarkable Pineapple Stuffing recipe, originally conceived for a special culinary partnership, has rapidly garnered a reputation as a must-try. Its hint of sweetness perfectly balances the richer flavors typical of holiday meals, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. We believe such a delicious and innovative recipe should be accessible to everyone, whether you’re scrolling through social media for inspiration or diligently seeking tried-and-true recipes here on the blog. Prepare to discover a holiday side dish that’s not only easy to make but also destined to earn a permanent spot on your annual holiday menu.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Pineapple Stuffing Recipe

What makes this particular Pineapple Stuffing not just good, but absolutely unforgettable? It’s the masterful symphony of textures and flavors that harmonize with every single bite. The secret to its incredible appeal starts with its foundation: King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Sliced Bread. This bread’s unparalleled softness, slight sweetness, and brioche-like richness create a moist, tender, and deeply flavorful base. Unlike denser breads, Hawaiian bread toasts beautifully, absorbing all the aromatic liquids without ever becoming heavy or soggy. It’s the ideal canvas for our sweet and savory masterpiece.

The true star of this innovative stuffing, of course, is the sweet and tangy pineapple tidbits. These succulent morsels provide a delightful counterpoint to the savory elements of the dish, cutting through the richness of your holiday roast with their bright, tropical acidity. This isn’t just a minor deviation from traditional stuffing; it’s a culinary revelation. The sweet and savory interplay creates an exciting flavor profile that traditional, all-savory stuffings simply can’t match. Each forkful is a vibrant surprise, transforming a simple side into an extraordinary experience that guests will rave about long after the meal is over.

Beyond its unparalleled taste, this Hawaiian bread stuffing embodies both comfort and innovation. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for those who love classic holiday flavors, while simultaneously introducing an exciting, fresh element that invigorates the entire meal. The inherent deliciousness of King’s Hawaiian bread, combined with the zesty brightness of orange and the juicy tang of pineapple, elevates this dish far beyond a mere accompaniment. It becomes a captivating holiday side dish, perfect for complementing both savory turkey and sweet ham. If you’re searching for a unique stuffing recipe that promises to impress and delight, look no further – this sweet and savory Pineapple Stuffing is your answer.

Key Ingredients for Crafting Your Unforgettable Pineapple Stuffing

Creating a truly remarkable Sweet and Savory Pineapple Stuffing hinges on understanding and appreciating each ingredient’s contribution. Every item on this list plays a crucial role in building the complex and mouth-watering flavor profile that makes this dish a holiday standout. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you’ll need and why these choices are paramount:

King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Sliced Bread: This is the absolute cornerstone of our recipe, distinguishing it from all other stuffings. Its signature sweetness, combined with an incredibly soft, almost brioche-like texture, forms the perfect absorbent base. When toasted, it achieves a delightful chewiness and golden hue, ready to soak up all the savory liquids without becoming mushy.
Unsalted Butter: Butter is indispensable for sautéing the foundational aromatics, ensuring they become tender and release their full flavor. More importantly, it contributes a luxurious richness and essential moisture to the stuffing, resulting in a velvety texture and an undeniable holiday indulgence. We’ll delve into the optimal quantity in our Cook’s Notes, as a little extra butter truly elevates the festive spirit of this dish!
Celery and Yellow Onion: These classic stuffing aromatics are non-negotiable. When finely diced and patiently sautéed until tender and translucent, they release a delicate, savory sweetness and pungent depth that beautifully grounds the brighter flavors of the pineapple and Hawaiian bread. They form the aromatic backbone of the entire dish.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Serving as the primary liquid base, chicken broth infuses the stuffing with a deep, savory umami flavor and much-needed moisture. Opting for a low-sodium variety is a smart move, as it allows you to precisely control the overall saltiness of your stuffing, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned to your taste. For a vegetarian option, a good quality vegetable broth works just as well.
Dried Thyme Leaves and Dried Sage: These iconic holiday herbs are the very essence of comforting, festive flavors. Their earthy, slightly peppery, and piney notes are fundamental to any traditional stuffing, and they pair exceptionally well with both the savory aromatics and the unique fruitiness of the pineapple, creating a beautifully rounded and complex aroma.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are critical for enhancing and balancing all the other flavors. Always remember to taste and adjust as you go, ensuring your stuffing reaches its peak deliciousness.
Del Monte Pineapple Tidbits (Canned): The tropical hero of our sweet component! Canned pineapple tidbits offer unparalleled convenience and consistent sweetness, making them an ideal choice. The “tidbit” size is perfect for an even distribution of flavor throughout the stuffing. Crucially, they must be thoroughly drained to prevent any excess moisture from making the stuffing soggy. While chunks can be used, cutting them into smaller pieces will yield a superior texture.
Fresh Parsley: This vibrant green herb is more than just a garnish; it adds a burst of fresh, peppery, and slightly herbaceous brightness. Stirring it in towards the end ensures its color remains vivid and its fresh flavor shines through, providing a lovely contrast to the richer elements.
Orange Zest: This ingredient might seem surprising, but it’s the subtle genius behind this recipe’s balanced profile. Finely grated orange zest introduces a bright, aromatic citrus note that beautifully enhances the natural tropical essence of the pineapple, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor and a delightful lift that truly makes this stuffing shine. Do not underestimate its power – it’s a game-changer!

With these carefully selected ingredients at your disposal, and a little bit of preparation, you are well on your way to creating an extraordinary holiday stuffing that will be remembered and requested for years to come.

Step-By-Step Guide to Crafting Perfect Sweet & Savory Pineapple Stuffing

Embark on a culinary journey to create a truly unforgettable Sweet and Savory Pineapple Stuffing. Follow these detailed, easy-to-understand steps, complete with expert tips, to ensure a holiday side dish that’s nothing short of spectacular.

Step 1: Perfectly Toast Your Hawaiian Bread Cubes

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This initial toasting step is absolutely critical for achieving a stuffing that’s never soggy and always delightfully textured. Carefully arrange your 1/2-inch bread cubes in a single, even layer across two large, rimmed baking sheets. It’s essential not to overcrowd the pans; sufficient space allows the bread to toast uniformly and become beautifully crisp. Bake the bread for an initial 10 minutes. Then, gently toss the cubes with a spatula to ensure all sides are exposed to the heat, promoting even browning. Continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the bread pieces are a lovely light golden brown and feel slightly dry and firm. Once toasted, immediately transfer these warm, fragrant bread cubes to a very large, heat-proof mixing bowl. This bowl needs to be generously sized to accommodate all the ingredients and allow for easy, gentle folding later on. While the bread cools slightly, take a moment to grease a 13×9-inch baking dish thoroughly, and also lightly grease one side of a large piece of aluminum foil. Set both aside, ready for the next stages of preparation.

Step 2: Gently Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables

In your large skillet, melt the recommended amount of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering gently, add your finely diced celery and yellow onion. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here isn’t to brown them, but rather to soften them until they become tender and translucent. This process allows them to release their natural sweetness and savory, pungent flavors, which will form the rich, aromatic foundation that beautifully complements the sweet notes of the Hawaiian bread and pineapple. This step is crucial for developing the deep, comforting flavors characteristic of a truly exceptional stuffing.

Step 3: Infuse the Broth with Holiday Herbs

Once your celery and onion have achieved the desired tenderness, it’s time to build the liquid flavor base. Stir in the low-sodium chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, dried sage, and freshly ground black pepper into the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients. Bring this fragrant mixture just to a gentle boil over medium heat, allowing the herbs to fully hydrate and release their captivating aromas, and for all the savory flavors to meld beautifully. As soon as it reaches a boil, immediately remove the skillet from the heat. This prevents the herbs from overcooking and losing their vibrant essence, ensuring that the broth mixture is warm, deeply flavorful, and perfectly primed to be absorbed by your toasted bread cubes.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients and Moisten Evenly

Now for the exciting part – bringing all the components together! To the warm, herb-infused broth and aromatic mixture in your skillet, gently stir in the thoroughly drained pineapple tidbits, your vibrant chopped fresh parsley, and the bright, finely grated orange zest. The orange zest is a subtle but powerful addition here; it beautifully enhances the pineapple’s tropical sweetness and adds a captivating aromatic lift to the entire dish. Once these are combined, carefully pour this entire flavorful liquid mixture over the toasted Hawaiian bread cubes you set aside in your very large mixing bowl. Using a large spoon or a flexible spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until all the bread cubes are evenly moistened. It’s crucial to use a light hand during this process; avoid mashing or overmixing the bread, as this can lead to a dense, heavy stuffing. A gentle folding motion will ensure the stuffing retains its lovely, light texture and that every single piece of bread is infused with the delightful sweet and savory flavors.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

With your stuffing mixture perfectly combined, it’s time for baking. Loosely spoon the moistened Pineapple Stuffing into your prepared 13×9-inch baking dish. Resist the urge to pack it down too tightly; a looser consistency is key for allowing proper heat circulation, which results in a lighter, fluffier stuffing with delightful crisp edges. Take the piece of aluminum foil that you greased earlier and use it to tightly cover the baking dish, making sure the greased side is facing down onto the stuffing. This ingenious trick prevents the stuffing from sticking to the foil and, more importantly, locks in moisture during the initial baking phase, keeping the stuffing wonderfully tender. Bake for 20 minutes with the foil cover. After this time, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Continue baking until the top of the stuffing achieves a beautiful golden brown color and develops a slightly crispy texture. The incredible aroma wafting from your kitchen will be your delicious reward!

This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Stuffing truly offers a wonderfully distinctive and delightful way to invigorate your traditional holiday spread this year. If you consider yourself a true pineapple enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a genuinely unique and undeniably delicious side dish, then you are going to absolutely adore this recipe. It’s more than just stuffing; it’s a festive experience!

Expert Tips & Cook’s Notes for the Best Pineapple Stuffing

To ensure your Sweet and Savory Pineapple Stuffing reaches its full potential and becomes an absolute showstopper at your holiday table, keep these valuable expert tips and cook’s notes in mind:

Choosing Your Pineapple: While the recipe specifically calls for convenient pineapple tidbits, sometimes they can be a little elusive at certain markets. If you find yourself only able to locate canned pineapple chunks, don’t despair! Simply transfer the chunks to a cutting board and cut them into smaller, tidbit-sized pieces before adding them to your stuffing mixture. This ensures a consistent texture and an even distribution of that irresistible pineapple flavor throughout every bite of your stuffing.
Thorough Draining is Paramount: Regardless of whether you use tidbits or chunks, it is absolutely essential to drain the pineapple juice thoroughly. You can place the pineapple in a fine-mesh sieve and press gently to extract as much liquid as possible. Failing to do so will introduce excess moisture into your stuffing, inevitably leading to a soggy, undesirable texture. A dry, toasted bread base combined with well-drained pineapple is the secret to a perfectly moist yet structurally sound stuffing.
The Butter Debate (My Gram’s Secret!): The original recipe, as adapted from Del Monte, suggests a modest 1/4 cup of butter. However, after years of perfecting holiday stuffings and learning from my grandmother’s timeless wisdom, I wholeheartedly recommend using 1/2 cup (one full stick) of unsalted butter. This more generous amount significantly enhances the richness, deepens the flavor, and contributes substantially to the overall moisture content of the stuffing. It gives it that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth quality that holiday dishes are celebrated for. While you can adjust to your personal preference, for an indulgent and truly memorable stuffing, my vote is firmly for the full stick!
Don’t Skip the Toasting Step: The initial dry-toasting of the Hawaiian bread cubes is a non-negotiable step. This process gently dries out the bread, creating a robust framework that can readily absorb the flavorful liquid mixture without collapsing into a dense, mushy mess. It also adds an incredible depth of nutty, toasted flavor and a pleasing textural contrast to the soft interior of the finished dish.
Gentle Folding Technique: When it comes time to combine the wet and dry ingredients, use a very gentle folding motion with a large spoon or spatula. Avoid vigorous stirring or mashing the bread. Overmixing can compress the toasted bread, leading to a dense and heavy stuffing. Your goal is a light, airy texture with moisture evenly distributed throughout.
Make-Ahead for Holiday Ease: To significantly reduce holiday stress, you can prepare the entire stuffing mixture a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in your baking dish, cover it tightly with the greased foil (greased-side-down), and refrigerate. On the day of your holiday meal, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the initial covered baking time if the stuffing is still quite cold.
Storage and Reheating: Any delicious leftover Pineapple Stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at a moderate 300°F (150°C) until thoroughly warmed through. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating.
Adding More Texture and Crunch: For an additional layer of delightful texture and nutty flavor, consider stirring in 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts into the mixture when you add the pineapple and parsley. The nuts will toast lightly during baking, adding a satisfying crunch.
A Hint of Spice: If you appreciate a subtle kick, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can be a surprising and delightful addition, offering a gentle warmth that beautifully complements the sweet and tangy pineapple.
Herb Variations: While thyme and sage are classic for a reason, don’t be afraid to experiment! A touch of fresh rosemary or a hint of marjoram could offer a slightly different, yet equally appealing, savory herbal profile.

Armed with these comprehensive tips, your Sweet and Savory Pineapple Stuffing is destined to be a resounding success, offering a memorable, flavorful, and unique twist on a beloved holiday tradition that will delight everyone at your table.

More Delicious Holiday Side Dish Recipes to Enjoy

Planning a magnificent holiday feast? Complement your Pineapple Stuffing with these other incredible side dish recipes, guaranteed to impress your guests and complete your festive spread:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Horseradish Honey Mustard Glaze
Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Kansas City-Style Corn

Pineapple Stuffing Recipe Card

This Sweet and Savory Pineapple Stuffing is an exceptional complement to your holiday turkey or ham. Crafted with beautifully toasted King’s Hawaiian bread, succulent pineapple tidbits, and a fragrant blend of savory herbs, this unique dish is a guaranteed showstopper for your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive table!

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 12 servings

Prep Time: 25 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

2 loaves King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Sliced Bread, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter (Using 1/2 cup is recommended for a richer, more moist stuffing, though some recipes suggest 1/4 cup)
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 14.5-oz. can low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried sage
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 20-oz. can Del Monte pineapple tidbits, thoroughly drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, loosely packed
1 Tbsp. finely grated orange zest

Instructions

Prepare Bread: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on 2 large, rimmed baking sheets (1 loaf per pan). Bake for 10 minutes; toss gently and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until light golden brown. Transfer to a very large heat-proof bowl. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and one side of a large piece of aluminum foil; set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced celery and onion; cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and translucent.
Build Broth Mixture: Stir in the chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, dried sage, and black pepper. Bring the mixture just to a gentle boil, then immediately remove the skillet from the heat.
Combine Ingredients: Stir the thoroughly drained pineapple tidbits, chopped fresh parsley, and finely grated orange zest into the warm broth mixture. Pour this entire mixture over the toasted bread cubes in the large bowl. Gently fold the ingredients until all the bread cubes are evenly moistened.
Bake Stuffing: Loosely spoon the combined stuffing mixture into the prepared 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with the greased foil (greased-side-down). Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and lightly crispy.

Notes

If pineapple tidbits are unavailable, you can use canned pineapple chunks and simply cut them into smaller, tidbit-sized pieces.
Always ensure the pineapple is thoroughly drained to prevent the stuffing from becoming watery or soggy.
For a richer flavor and more moist stuffing, using 1/2 cup (one stick) of butter is highly recommended, compared to the 1/4 cup suggested in some original versions.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 82 kcal
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Protein: 0.5 g
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Cholesterol: 21 mg
Sodium: 232 mg
Potassium: 68 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1 g
Vitamin A: 533 IU
Vitamin C: 7 mg
Calcium: 20 mg
Iron: 0.4 mg

Keywords: pineapple, stuffing, Thanksgiving, holiday, sweet, savory, Hawaiian bread, side dish, Christmas, easy recipe

Cuisine: American

Course: Side Dish

Before you take your first delightful bite, we’d love to see your culinary creation! Snap a photo of your Pineapple Stuffing and share it with us. Be sure to follow and tag @thebeachhousekitchen or use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram! Your culinary success is our inspiration.

This recipe has been thoughtfully adapted from a classic Del Monte recipe, with enhancements for richer flavor and texture.