The “Holiday-Gold” Pineapple Brioche Bake
This version focuses on a rich, custard-like binder rather than just cheese, making it the perfect bridge between a savory side and a sweet treat.
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Bake Time | 40–45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Yield | 10 servings |
🍴 Ingredients
- The Bread Base:
- 6 cups Brioche or Challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted butter (to be browned)
- The Tropical Mix:
- 1 can (20 oz) Pineapple Tidbits, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) Crushed Pineapple, partially drained
- The Holiday Custard:
- 4 Large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract & ½ tsp Ground cinnamon
- A pinch of Nutmeg (the holiday secret!)
- The Topping:
- ½ cup Pecans, chopped
- 2 tbsp Demerara or Brown sugar
👩🍳 Instructions
1. The Brown Butter Toast
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 2.5-quart decorative baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it foams, turns nut-brown, and smells like toffee.
- Toss the brioche cubes in the brown butter for 2 minutes until lightly toasted. Set aside.
2. The Custard Build
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Fold in both cans of pineapple. The juices from the crushed pineapple will thin the custard just enough to soak into the bread.
3. The Marriage
- Add the buttery brioche cubes to the pineapple custard. Stir gently so you don’t break the bread, but ensure every cube is well-coated.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes on the counter. This “soak time” is crucial for that bread-pudding texture.
4. The Nutty Crown
- Transfer the mixture to your baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and brown sugar over the top. The sugar will caramelize with the butter from the bread to create a “praline” crust.
5. The Slow Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes.
- The “Doneness” Cue: The bake should be puffed up and the center should be set (not liquid), but it should still have a slight, soft “give” when pressed.
The “Savory” Pivot: If your holiday table is strictly savory, reduce the sugar to ¼ cup and add 1 cup of Sharp White Cheddar into the mix. The nutmeg and pineapple still play beautifully with the cheese.