A delicious addition to a holiday table and anytime ham is served, this quick and easy recipe may be doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch casserole.
Can Easter really be less than a week away? After a weekend of delightful weather－so welcome after the long, cold, snowy winter－it’s actually starting to feel a bit springlike. Yay!
If the holiday is sneaking up on you, too, and you’d rather be throwing a ball outside with your kids or walking the dog, this might just be the recipe to try.
It’s quick, easy, and really tasty. (And if there are leftovers, I enjoy them for breakfast!)
The lightly sweet side dish offers a delightful accompaniment to pork or chicken and is especially well suited to ham. Simple to assemble with minimal ingredients, the casserole may be served alongside–or in place of–traditional potato dishes in your Easter lineup.
5slices(about 5 ounces) white bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (see notes section for several ingredient options and recipe tips)
1(20-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained
1/3cupbutter, softened
1/2cupgranulated sugar
3eggs
1/8teaspoonkosher salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish. I like to use a 9×9-inch square or 10-inch round baking dish (as opposed to a narrower, deeper casserole) because I like more of the crusty surface area.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. For ease, I use a hand blender. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and the salt, and then fold in the bread cubes. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Bake until lightly browned across the top, about 35-45 minutes. Precise time will depend on the oven and the proportions of the baking dish.
Notes
For the bread, Pepperidge Farm classic white bread works very well. For a gluten-free option, Udi’s white bread (available in the gluten-free frozen section) is excellent. I have tried whole grain breads but they often get a little mushy in this type of recipe. Also, I leave the crust on as I think it enhances the texture. If you prefer to remove the crust, add an extra bread slice or go by the weight measurement to ensure an accurate quantity.
My original recipe called for 1/2 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar, which I think makes the casserole a little too sweet and oily. I have made the recipe various ways over time, and the above listed amounts are my favorite. I have made this with as little as 1/4 cup butter and no salt, and the casserole is still quite good. Also, I have prepared the recipe with four eggs instead of three, and I like it both ways. As a starting point, my recommendation is to use three eggs if your eggs are graded as size large or above. Opt for four if using medium or small eggs.
If you forget to take the butter out of the refrigerator to soften, heat for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. In this recipe, it’s okay if the butter is somewhat melted as opposed to softened.
I do mine differently and do not mix it as the butter is melted! Always a hit!!
3 eggs
1 large can crushed pineapple [lIb. 40z.]-undrained
1 small can crushed pineapple [8 oz. ]-undrained
1/2-3/4 cup sugar [l/2 is ok]
2 TBL flour
Vanilla to taste-l-l 1/2 tsp
1 stick butter or margarine
5 slices bread, cubed
Melt butter in 2 qt. shallow casserole and soak cubed bread in it–toss to coat. Set
aside.
In a bowl, beat eggs with fork. Add sugar, flour, pineapple, and vanilla and mix
together. Add to bread and butter mixture and mix well.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes until top is brown. Serves 6-8
Mandarin oranges may be substitued for the small can of pineapple.
Great with ham, fresh ham, and pork. Does not need to be served piping hot.
I am making this casserole, although mine is just a tad different, the day before easter. I want to serve it on Easter what would I reheat it at in the oven and for how long?
Hi Karen, This casserole tastes great leftover and reheats well. Depending on oven, precise proportions of the pan, and whether you are reheating cold from the fridge or if the casserole has sat at room temperature for a while, I’d estimate about 15-20 minutes at 350℉ to heat through.
Thanks! I had an aged newspaper recipe for this, made it last week, loved it and lost it…yours is same 5 slices and 3 eggs and other ingredients, so I can make it again!
Hi Christy, I’ve done that with similar recipes, although not this one, with great results. As an option, you can cook this today and reheat tomorrow as it does reheat very well. It actually gets a little crustier, which I enjoy.
I used 2 Bolillo rolls for the bread (measured out at 5 ounces exactly) since I’m diabetic and rarely eat white bread, and Morena sugar (it seems to be less sweet than refined white sugar). I also dusted the top with freshly grated nutmeg. Big hit and a keeper at my house (my 95 year old mom had 2 helpings).
I made this at Easter and it was a hit. Much better than the recipe I usually follow as this one isn’t nearly as greasy or sweet. Thanks Ann for another keeper.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Kathleen, and for the suggestion about the garlic. I will try it the next time, as I can see how it could add a little something special. I love that you grow your own garlic…I bet it is fantastic!
First of all, I would like to express how much I always enjoy reading your column and have clipped many ideas. It is so refreshing and I always can learn something new. Cooking has changed quit a bit through the many years.
Regarding the pineapple casserole…this may sound strange when first you read it but once you taste it, you may enjoy. I toast my bread cubes ahead of time for that toasty flavor inside and I add a clove or 2 of garlic in the mixture. It tones down the sweetness of the pineapple and goes well with the ham or meat dish. We grow our own garlic, so I use it in many ways in my cooking. The grandchildren always request this side dish so I definitely must make it again soon.
Thanks Ann, I will let you know! I might pulse it in food processer to see how it turns out. The quantity is something I had wondered about so thank you for recommending a cup. I will let you know how it turns out when I make it.
Hello Ann! long lost Mary Lou here… so I have 2 fresh pineapple at home and wondering how best to use them.. do you think that fresh pineapple would work for this recipe? What would be best way to prepare it for this?
I would appreciate any tips you might have.. thanks!
Hi Mary Lou! Old habits die hard, I suppose, because I have never made this with fresh pineapple. If you do, I would recommend mincing the pineapple to mimic the crushed and using approximately one cup of it. I would love to hear how you make out if you try!
Passed with flying colors! I made a trial casserole for just our family and it was a major hit. Making two more batches for big family gathering tomorrow… on second thought I better make that three!!!
Made it, loved it, and so did everyone in my family. Not overly sweet like some similar recipes. Great texture. Used your gluten free bread suggestion and could not believe how well it turned out. Made it as a side for ham. Will try with chicken the next time. Thank you!
I’m so glad you stopped by! Fountain Avenue Kitchen is full of healthy, easy, time-tested recipes. I’m excited for you to peek around, and hope you find something that’ll make your day just a bit more delicious!
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