Pineapple Stuffing: A Sweet and Savory Thanksgiving Side Dish
This Thanksgiving, ditch the ordinary and impress your guests with a delicious and unique pineapple stuffing recipe. This sweet and savory side dish is bursting with tropical flavors that perfectly complement the traditional Thanksgiving meal. It's surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for the Best Pineapple Stuffing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a classic savory note to the stuffing.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Offers a subtle crunch and earthy flavor.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced: The star of the show! Choose ripe, juicy pineapple for the best flavor. Consider using canned pineapple chunks if fresh is unavailable, but drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled: Adds a savory depth and satisfying texture. You can use any sausage you prefer – Italian sausage, chorizo, or even breakfast sausage would work well. For a vegetarian option, substitute with crumbled vegetarian sausage.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Provides a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped: Adds a wonderful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
- 8 cups cubed bread: Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the moisture better. Stale bread is ideal, but you can dry fresh bread in the oven at a low temperature (300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes if needed.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Moistens the stuffing and adds flavor. Consider using homemade broth for an even richer taste.
- 1 teaspoon sage: A classic Thanksgiving herb that complements the pineapple beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme: Another great herb that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the savory flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Pineapple Stuffing
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the pineapple and sausage: Add the diced pineapple and crumbled sausage to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the sausage is heated through and the pineapple is slightly softened.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, cranberries, pecans, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the sautéed mixture to the bowl with the bread and spices. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and gently stir to combine until the bread is moistened.
- Bake: Transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Stuffing
- Don't overmix the stuffing: Overmixing can make the bread mushy. Gently toss the ingredients until just combined.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your preference.
- Add some heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Serve it up! This delicious pineapple stuffing is the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey or other holiday roast.
Variations on this Pineapple Stuffing Recipe
- Add some cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a tangy twist.
- Use different nuts: Try using other nuts like almonds or cashews instead of pecans or walnuts.
- Add some apples: Diced apples would pair wonderfully with the pineapple and cranberries.
This pineapple stuffing recipe will undoubtedly become a new Thanksgiving favorite. Enjoy!
