Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic dessert with this Homestyle Pineapple Bake. It’s a sweet and savory combination that’s perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in. This recipe brings warmth and comfort with every bite.
The star of the show is, of course, the crushed pineapple, bringing a juicy sweetness to the dish. We balance this with granulated sugar and brown sugar, adding depth and a hint of molasses flavor from the brown sugar. The surprise ingredient is shredded cheddar cheese, which adds a savory richness that pairs surprisingly well with the pineapple. All-purpose flour helps thicken the mixture, while unsalted butter gives it that irresistible richness. Cubed bread forms the base and top, soaking up all the delicious juices and becoming wonderfully crisp. A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth, and a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.
This delightful bake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For a savory twist, serve alongside ham or turkey for a delicious contrast. It also makes a unique brunch dish, perfect with a fresh fruit salad on the side.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to go when you are. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, shredded cheddar cheese, and all-purpose flour. Stir them together until everything is well mixed. You'll notice the sugars starting to dissolve into the pineapple juice, which is exactly what you want.
In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with the bread cubes. Toss them until the bread is well-coated with butter goodness. This step is crucial for that crunchy topping we’re aiming for. Add these buttery bread cubes to your pineapple mixture and gently fold them in. You want everything well combined, but gentle is key so the bread doesn’t break apart.
Now, sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the mixture. Give it another gentle stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Once mixed, transfer everything into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly. Pop it in your preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top that’s bubbling slightly around the edges.
Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it set up a bit and makes serving easier. Plus, it’s hard to resist digging in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.