Escalloped Pineapple: A Tropical Delight for Any Occasion

Escalloped pineapple is a classic Southern side dish and dessert that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight treat. Its sweet, tangy, and slightly buttery flavor is a crowd-pleaser, and the bubbly, golden-brown topping adds a delightful textural contrast. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a truly delicious and memorable escalloped pineapple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward, even for beginner cooks.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of sweet pineapple, buttery crackers, and a hint of warm spices creates a truly irresistible flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** Escalloped pineapple can be served as a side dish alongside ham, pork, or chicken, or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dish is always a hit at parties and gatherings.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the escalloped pineapple ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pineapple:** The star of the show! You can use either fresh pineapple, canned pineapple chunks, or crushed pineapple. If using fresh pineapple, be sure to core and dice it into bite-sized pieces. Canned pineapple should be well-drained.
* **Crackers:** Ritz crackers are the traditional choice for escalloped pineapple, but you can also use other buttery crackers like Club crackers or even saltines in a pinch. The crackers provide a crispy topping and help to bind the ingredients together.
* **Butter:** Butter adds richness and flavor to the dish. Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt.
* **Sugar:** Sugar sweetens the pineapple and helps to create a caramelized topping. Granulated sugar is the most common choice, but you can also use brown sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
* **Eggs:** Eggs help to bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dish.
* **Milk:** Milk adds moisture and helps to create a creamy consistency.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the pineapple and adds a touch of warmth.
* **Cinnamon (Optional):** A pinch of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor. Feel free to omit it if you prefer.
* **Nutmeg (Optional):** A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm and slightly nutty flavor. Feel free to omit it if you prefer.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the ingredients and potential substitutions:

* **Pineapple:**
* **Fresh Pineapple:** Offers the freshest, most vibrant flavor. Make sure it’s ripe! You’ll need about 4 cups of diced pineapple. The core should be removed.
* **Canned Pineapple Chunks/Crushed Pineapple:** Convenient and readily available. Drain thoroughly! You’ll need about 2 (20-ounce) cans of pineapple chunks, drained or one large can of crushed pineapple.

* **Crackers:**
* **Ritz Crackers:** The classic choice. Buttery and slightly salty.
* **Club Crackers:** A good substitute for Ritz. Slightly less buttery.
* **Saltines:** Works in a pinch, but add a little extra butter to compensate for the lack of richness.
* **Gluten-Free Crackers:** For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free buttery crackers.

* **Butter:**
* **Unsalted Butter:** Allows you to control the salt level. Melted butter is essential for incorporating into the cracker mixture.
* **Salted Butter:** If using salted butter, reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe.

* **Sugar:**
* **Granulated Sugar:** The standard choice for sweetness.
* **Brown Sugar (Light or Dark):** Adds a deeper, more molasses-like flavor. Use light brown sugar for a subtle change or dark brown sugar for a more pronounced flavor.
* **Sugar Substitute:** Experiment with sugar substitutes such as Stevia or Monk Fruit. Be mindful of the taste and adjust to your liking.

* **Eggs:**
* **Large Eggs:** The standard size for most baking recipes. They act as a binder.
* **Egg Substitute:** If you’re egg-free, experiment with egg substitutes like flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).

* **Milk:**
* **Whole Milk:** Adds richness and creaminess.
* **2% Milk:** A lighter option.
* **Skim Milk:** Can be used, but the dish will be less rich.
* **Non-Dairy Milk (Almond, Soy, Oat):** Choose unsweetened and unflavored varieties. Be aware that they may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

* **Vanilla Extract:**
* **Pure Vanilla Extract:** The best quality vanilla extract for the most authentic flavor.
* **Imitation Vanilla Extract:** An acceptable substitute, but the flavor will be less complex.

* **Spices (Optional):**
* **Cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice.
* **Nutmeg:** Adds a slightly nutty flavor.
* **Allspice:** Another warm spice option.
* **Ginger:** Adds a zesty warmth.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Mixing Bowls:** For mixing the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **9×13 Inch Baking Dish:** The standard size for this recipe. You can also use an 8×8 inch dish for a thicker, smaller portion.
* **Pastry Cutter or Fork:** For cutting the butter into the cracker crumbs.
* **Oven:** For baking the escalloped pineapple.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make this delicious escalloped pineapple:

**1. Prepare the Pineapple:**

* **Fresh Pineapple:** Peel, core, and dice the pineapple into bite-sized pieces. You should have about 4 cups of diced pineapple.
* **Canned Pineapple Chunks:** Drain the pineapple chunks thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will prevent the escalloped pineapple from being too soggy.
* **Crushed Pineapple:** Drain the crushed pineapple well.

**2. Make the Cracker Topping:**

* In a large mixing bowl, crush the crackers. You can do this by hand, using a food processor, or placing the crackers in a resealable bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
* Add the melted butter to the crushed crackers and mix well until the crackers are evenly coated. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to blend the melted butter into the cracker crumbs. Make sure all the crumbs are moistened with butter.
* Stir in the sugar and optional spices (cinnamon and/or nutmeg). Mix well to combine. This creates the sweet and spiced cracker topping.

**3. Prepare the Pineapple Mixture:**

* In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
* Add the drained pineapple to the egg mixture and stir gently to coat.

**4. Assemble the Escalloped Pineapple:**

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the pineapple from sticking.
* Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
* Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the pineapple mixture. Make sure the entire surface is covered.

**5. Bake the Escalloped Pineapple:**

* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly and the pineapple mixture is heated through. Keep an eye on it to prevent the topping from burning.

**6. Cool and Serve:**

* Let the escalloped pineapple cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the topping to set.
* Serve warm as a side dish or dessert. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry and tough escalloped pineapple. Bake just until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
* **Drain the Pineapple Well:** Excess moisture from the pineapple can make the dish soggy. Be sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly before adding it to the egg mixture.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in the best flavor.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of sugar.
* **Add a Crunch:** For an extra crunchy topping, add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the cracker mixture.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the escalloped pineapple up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Prevent Burning:** If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the baking dish with aluminum foil.

## Variations and Additions

* **Coconut:** Add shredded coconut to the cracker topping for a tropical twist.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts to the cracker topping for added crunch and flavor.
* **Cherries:** Add maraschino cherries to the pineapple mixture for a festive touch.
* **Raisins:** Add raisins to the pineapple mixture for a touch of sweetness and texture.
* **Orange Zest:** Add orange zest to the pineapple mixture for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the pineapple mixture for a tangy and refreshing flavor.
* **Spiced Rum:** Add a splash of spiced rum to the pineapple mixture for a boozy kick.
* **Cream Cheese:** For a richer and creamier dish, add a layer of cream cheese to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the pineapple mixture.
* **Bread Crumbs:** Substitute some of the cracker crumbs with bread crumbs for a different texture.
* **Brown Butter:** Use brown butter in the cracker topping for a nutty and complex flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Escalloped pineapple is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Side Dish:** Serve alongside ham, pork, chicken, or turkey.
* **Dessert:** Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
* **Brunch:** Serve as part of a brunch buffet.
* **Potluck:** Bring it to a potluck or holiday gathering.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover escalloped pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Protein: 2-3 grams

*Note: This is an approximate nutritional information. Please consult a nutritionist for more precise data based on your specific ingredients and serving size.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen pineapple?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen pineapple, but be sure to thaw it completely and drain it well before using it in the recipe. Frozen pineapple tends to release more moisture than fresh or canned pineapple.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?**

A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using vegan butter, plant-based milk, and a flaxseed egg replacement (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg). You’ll also need to use vegan crackers.

**Q: Can I freeze escalloped pineapple?**

A: Freezing is not highly recommended, as the texture of the crackers can become soggy upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, make sure it’s completely cooled and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Q: My topping is burning before the pineapple is heated through. What should I do?**

A: Tent the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning.

**Q: My escalloped pineapple is too soggy. What did I do wrong?**

A: You may not have drained the pineapple thoroughly enough. Be sure to drain the pineapple well before adding it to the egg mixture. You can also try using less milk in the recipe.

**Q: Can I add cheese to this recipe?**

A: While it’s not traditional, some people enjoy adding a layer of shredded cheddar cheese to the topping. It adds a savory element that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.

**Q: What other fruits can I add?**

A: Try adding other tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness as needed.

**Q: How do I know when it’s done baking?**

A: The topping should be golden brown and bubbly, and the pineapple mixture should be heated through. You can insert a knife into the center of the dish; it should come out clean.

Enjoy this delightful escalloped pineapple recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to add a touch of tropical sunshine to any meal.