Baked Pineapple(Excellent Side Dish With Ham)
A sweet and savory baked pineapple dish with cheesy topping, perfect as a side with ham or other main courses, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the pineapple chunks, saving the juice.
- Mix the pineapple with the grated Cheddar cheese.
- In a saucepan, mix the flour and sugar.
- Add the pineapple juice and vanilla to the saucepan.
- Heat just until well blended.
- Spread the pineapple-cheese mixture in an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the pineapple mixture.
- Top with dried bread crumbs and dot with butter or margarine.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced ham or crumbled bacon to the pineapple-cheese mixture. If you don't have Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or Gruyère can be great substitutes. Ensure the bread crumbs are evenly distributed for a crisp topping. You can also use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant taste, just reduce the sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Pineapple pairs beautifully with ham, making it a perfect side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. For a complete dinner, serve alongside country fried chicken or roasted vegetables. Consider adding a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. This dish also complements brunch menus, especially with biscuits on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the breadcrumbs may lose some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Pineapple(Excellent Side Dish With Ham) contains roughly 762 calories, with 17g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 481mg per serving (21% 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 canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used in this recipe. Just ensure to cut it into chunks and reduce the sugar slightly, as fresh pineapple is less sweet than canned. Also, remember to retain some juice for the sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this Baked Pineapple vegetarian, simply omit any meat additions like ham and focus on the cheese and bread crumb topping. This recipe is already suitable for vegetarian recipes as it relies on plant-based ingredients.
What can I do with leftover pineapple juice?
Leftover pineapple juice can be used in smoothies, marinades, or salad dressings. You can also reduce it into a syrup for drizzling over desserts or pancakes, adding a tropical twist to your dishes.
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).