Hawaiian Sausage
A sweet and savory casserole featuring pineapple, yams, and sausage, coated in a brown sugar sauce. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings with tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple chunks and save the juice in a separate bowl.
- Arrange pineapple chunks, sliced yams, and sausage links in a 10x16 inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn starch, and salt.
- Gradually blend in the pineapple juice mixture.
- Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, then add margarine.
- Pour the sauce over the sausage, pineapple, and yams in the casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using marinated Polish sausage instead of small sausage links for added flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, swap out the yams for sweet potatoes. To enhance the dish, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce. Make sure to stir the sauce continuously to prevent clumping while it thickens.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian Sausage dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, serve alongside Carolyn'S Dirty Rice for an extra flavor dimension. A side of grilled vegetables can also complement the sweetness of the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, use the microwave for quick reheating, ensuring even heating by stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Sausage contains roughly 422 calories, with 12g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1806mg per serving (79% 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, you can use fresh pineapple! Just chop it into chunks and add a bit of juice to maintain moisture in the dish. Fresh pineapple adds a delightful brightness to the flavors, but remember to adjust the sweetness if needed since canned pineapple is usually sweeter.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage links with plant-based sausage or even chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of pineapple juice for the sauce base, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the sausage is heated through and the yams are tender. You can check by inserting a fork into the yams; if it goes in easily, you're good to go! The sauce should be bubbly and thickened, providing a nice glaze over the ingredients.
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).