Baked Pineapple Rice
A sweet and tropical baked rice dish featuring pineapple, brown sugar, and butter, perfect for family gatherings or dessert, combining comfort with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the rice until cooked and then drain.
- Drain the crushed pineapple.
- In a buttered baking dish, place a quarter of the rice as the first layer.
- Cover the rice with half of the crushed pineapple.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining rice and pineapple.
- Dot each layer with butter and brown sugar.
- Pour pineapple juice over the top.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until the dish is browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using coconut milk instead of water when boiling the rice. If you want to reduce sweetness, you can cut back on the brown sugar or use a sugar alternative. Ensure to drain the crushed pineapple well to prevent the dish from becoming soggy. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional American recipes, and can also serve as a unique side for your holiday meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baked Pineapple Rice warm as a side dish to grilled meats or alongside dishes like Ole Fashion Candied Yams for a festive meal. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness. For added texture, consider garnishing with chopped nuts or shredded coconut before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Baked Pineapple Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Pineapple Rice contains roughly 804 calories, with 3g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed pineapple?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple; however, you'll need to crush it or chop it finely to achieve the right texture. Make sure to adjust the sweetness since fresh pineapple is less sweet than canned options. Cooking time may also vary slightly, so keep an eye on it while baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of brown sugar. Ensure that the pineapple juice is also 100% juice without added sugars. This will keep the dish delicious and suitable for vegan diets.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Baked Pineapple Rice can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast option, similar to a rice pudding. Simply reheat it and add a splash of milk or a sprinkle of cinnamon. It can also be incorporated into a fruit salad for a tropical twist or served as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).