Easy Pineapple Stuffing Recipe – Perfect Holiday Side Dish

Looking for the perfect sweet and savory holiday side dish? This easy pineapple stuffing is a comforting classic that pairs beautifully with ham, turkey, or roast chicken. Made with simple pantry ingredients like bread, eggs, butter, and crushed pineapple, this casserole-style dish is baked until golden and fluffy. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Easter, or a weeknight dinner, pineapple stuffing is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Why You’ll Love Pineapple Stuffing

• Sweet and savory flavor combo: The buttery bread and sweet pineapple create a unique flavor that complements savory meats like ham or turkey. It’s not your average stuffing—it brings something exciting to the table. The balance of flavors keeps everyone going back for seconds. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!

• Made with just 5 ingredients: You won’t need anything fancy to make this dish—just everyday staples. It’s ideal when you want to whip up a side without making an extra trip to the store. Simple ingredients, delicious results. Perfect for busy holidays or last-minute dinners.

• No special cooking skills required: This is a very beginner-friendly recipe! You simply mix, pour, and bake—no complicated steps or tricky techniques. If you can stir, you can make this dish. Great for new cooks or kids helping out in the kitchen.

• Perfect make-ahead side: You can prep this stuffing the day before and bake it when you’re ready—such a lifesaver during the holidays. It holds up well and tastes just as good reheated. Less stress, more flavor! This dish fits right into your busy holiday schedule.

• Golden, fluffy texture everyone loves: As it bakes, the top gets golden and slightly crisp while the inside stays soft and fluffy. The pineapple adds moisture without making it soggy. It’s like a sweet bread pudding meets traditional stuffing. Comfort food at its best!

Ingredients For Pineapple Stuffing

• White sugar – Adds the perfect sweetness that balances the savory elements of your main dish.

• Unsalted butter – Provides a rich, buttery base and helps create a golden, fluffy texture.

• Eggs – Bind everything together while giving the stuffing structure and moisture.

• Crushed pineapple (drained) – Brings juicy sweetness and a subtle tropical flavor to every bite.

• White bread (cubed) – Soaks up the sweet custard mixture and forms the base of this soft, spoonable stuffing.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Pineapple Stuffing

• 8×8 baking dish – Perfect size for this recipe and helps the stuffing bake evenly.

• Large mixing bowl – Plenty of room to combine all the ingredients without making a mess.

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes it easy to cream the butter and sugar until smooth.

• Measuring cups – To accurately measure the sugar, butter, and pineapple.

• Measuring spoons – For precise measurements if you’re adjusting sweetness or other ingredients.

• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon – Ideal for folding in the pineapple and bread cubes gently.

How To Make Pineapple Stuffing

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8×8 baking dish so nothing sticks.

• In a large bowl, beat the sugar and softened butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

• Add the eggs one by one, mixing after each addition to make sure everything blends well.

• Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and cubed bread until everything is evenly coated.

• Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.

• Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

• Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm as a delicious holiday side.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside baked turkey bacon for a classic sweet-and-savory holiday pairing.

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• Pair with roasted turkey breast or juicy chicken to complement rich, savory flavors.

• Add it to your holiday table with instant pot mashed potatoes, homemade green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.

• Use it as a side dish for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinners.

• Spoon into individual ramekins for a pretty and personal touch at special gatherings.

Tips For Success

• Soften your butter fully – Let the butter sit at room temperature so it creams easily with sugar. This makes the mixture smooth and fluffy, giving your stuffing a better texture. Cold butter won’t mix properly and can cause lumps. Soft butter is key to a smooth base.

• Use stale or dried bread – Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the liquid mixture without turning soggy. If using fresh bread, cube it and let it sit out or toast it lightly in a low oven. Dry bread gives better structure and texture. Avoid overly soft or moist bread.

• Drain the pineapple well – Too much pineapple juice can make the stuffing watery. Press the crushed pineapple with the back of a spoon in a strainer to get rid of extra liquid. Well-drained pineapple gives flavor without sogginess. Moisture control is important for this recipe.

• Don’t overmix the bread – Gently fold the bread cubes into the mixture so they stay whole. Overmixing can break down the bread and create a mushy texture. You want a fluffy, tender stuffing, not a dense bread pudding. Treat the bread gently for best results.

• Bake until golden and set – The top should be golden brown and the center should no longer jiggle. Every oven is different, so check at 50 minutes and continue baking if needed. The stuffing will firm up more as it cools. Let it rest before serving for clean slices.

Variations And Substitutions

• Use different bread types – Try brioche, challah, or even Hawaiian rolls for a slightly sweeter, richer taste. Wheat bread can be used for a heartier version. Just make sure the bread is cubed and dried before mixing. Flavored breads can add a unique twist too!

• Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the sugar to ¾ cup. For a dessert-like version, keep the full cup or add a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also mix in a little brown sugar for a deeper flavor. It’s easy to adjust to suit your taste.

• Add mix-ins – Try mixing in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Golden raisins or dried cranberries can add a fruity touch. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives it a warm, spiced flavor. You can even stir in shredded coconut for tropical flair.

• Make it dairy-free – Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine to make this dish dairy-free. Make sure the bread you use is also dairy-free. The result will still be rich, sweet, and delicious. It’s a simple swap that works well.

• Make it gluten-free – Use your favorite gluten-free bread to make this stuffing safe for gluten-sensitive guests. Just be sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up in the mix. Gluten-free loaves can vary in texture, so drying them out helps. It’s a great way to accommodate everyone.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers – Once completely cooled, store the stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in the oven – Warm leftovers in a 325°F oven until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.

• Microwave option – For single portions, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Freeze for later – Pineapple stuffing freezes well! Place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months.

• Thaw and reheat – Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until hot. The texture will still be soft and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pineapple stuffing ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the stuffing and pour it into the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, uncover and place it in the oven. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes of baking time since it’s starting cold.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

You can, but it needs to be finely chopped and well-drained. Canned crushed pineapple is ideal because it’s soft and moist, but fresh works too. Just be sure to remove as much juice as possible. You don’t want your stuffing too wet.

How do I know when the stuffing is done?

The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp. Insert a knife or toothpick in the center—it should come out clean with no liquid. The middle should be firm and not jiggly. If it still looks wet, bake a little longer.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Double all the ingredients and bake it in a 9×13 dish. It may need a little more baking time, so start checking around the 1-hour mark. This is great for feeding a crowd. Perfect for big family gatherings or potlucks.

What should I serve with pineapple stuffing?

It’s amazing with ham, turkey, roast chicken, or pork tenderloin. The sweet flavor complements savory meats beautifully. It also pairs well with other holiday sides like green beans, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. It’s a versatile side that fits on any holiday menu.

Other Easy Pineapple Recipes

Pineapple and Cottage Cheese – This quick and refreshing snack combines creamy cottage cheese with sweet, juicy pineapple for a light and healthy bite.

Charred Pineapple Rings – Grilled to perfection, these caramelized pineapple rings add a smoky-sweet flavor to any summer meal or dessert.

Mango and Pineapple Smoothie – A tropical smoothie bursting with fresh mango and pineapple, blended into a creamy and energizing drink.

Pineapple Sausage Skewers – These sweet and savory skewers pair juicy pineapple chunks with smoky sausage for the perfect party appetizer.

Fresh Pineapple Salsa in a Pineapple Bowl – Bright, zesty salsa made with fresh pineapple, served in a hollowed-out pineapple shell for a fun and festive presentation.

Pita Pizzas with Pineapple and Onions – These mini pizzas feature melty cheese, sweet pineapple, and caramelized onions on a soft pita crust—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Pressure Cooker Pineapple Jam – Make sweet and tangy pineapple jam in your Instant Pot—no pectin needed and ready in a flash!

More Stuffing Recipes

• Instant Pot Boxed Stovetop Stuffing Mix
• Low Carb Stuffing Recipe Without Bread
• Best Ever Cornbread Stuffing From Scratch
• Spinach Balls Using Stuffing
• Meatloaf Using Stovetop Stuffing

More Side Dish Recipes

• Air Fryer Mixed Root Veggie Fries
• Baked Asparagus with Cheese
• Creamed Baby Potatoes and Sweet Green Peas