Indulge in the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this delightful Pineapple Ham Casserole. Presented by Marsha Fleming, a resident of Kula, Hawaii, this mouthwatering recipe features the island’s most significant fruit crop – pineapple. With a combination of sweet pineapple, creamy cheese, and savory ham, this casserole promises to bring a taste of paradise to your table. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this tropical delight, and savor every delectable bite.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Dash pepper
- ¼ cup dry bread crumbs
PREPARATIONS:
- Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. In a large skillet, sauté celery in 1 tablespoon of butter until tender. Stir in the cream cheese and milk, cooking and stirring until the cheese is melted.
- Add the cooked noodles, cubed ham, drained crushed pineapple, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix all the ingredients well.
- Transfer the mixture to an ungreased 1½-quart baking dish. In a separate bowl, melt the remaining butter and toss it with the bread crumbs. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole, uncovered, at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until it is heated through and the bread crumbs turn golden brown.
COOK TIME: 45 minutes (Prep: 15 minutes, Bake: 30 minutes)
YIELD: 4 servings
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Serve this Pineapple Ham Casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to complement its flavors.
- It’s recommended to use fully cooked ham in this recipe to ensure the casserole is thoroughly cooked and ready to enjoy.
TIPS:
- To add a hint of smokiness, consider using a smoked ham in the casserole.
- Customize the dish by incorporating your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or peas.
Treat your taste buds to a tropical delight with the Pineapple Ham Casserole, a delectable recipe shared by Marsha Fleming from the beautiful Hawaiian island of Kula. Bursting with the distinct flavors of Hawaii’s most important fruit crop – pineapple – this casserole combines creamy cheese, tender ham, and the sweet tang of crushed pineapple for a truly irresistible dish.
With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparations, this casserole is a quick and delightful meal option that showcases the allure of island cuisine. Sautéed celery adds a refreshing crunch, while the creaminess of the melted cream cheese harmonizes perfectly with the ham’s savory goodness. The addition of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper balances the flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.
The golden buttered bread crumbs on top lend a crispy texture to the casserole, elevating it to a whole new level of satisfaction. Serve this delightful dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
Whether enjoyed as a family weeknight dinner or served as a special occasion dish, the Pineapple Ham Casserole brings a taste of Hawaii’s paradise to any dining table. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this tropical delight, and savor every delectable bite.
