Pineapple Ham Casserole

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:

1. 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.
2. Add the cooked noodles, cubed ham, drained crushed pineapple, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix all the ingredients well.
3. 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.
4. 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.