What to Make with Canned Pineapple
Published 2026-10-28
Canned pineapple is ripe, sweet and already peeled and cut, so it is ready whenever you need a burst of tropical flavor. It comes as chunks, tidbits, slices and crushed, and each shape suits different recipes. Here are sweet and savory ways to use it, plus tips for getting the most from the can, including the juice.
Savory dinners
Pineapple chunks are a natural fit for sweet and sour chicken, teriyaki stir-fries and fried rice. Thread chunks on skewers with chicken, peppers and onion for the grill. Hawaiian pizza with ham and pineapple is a crowd favorite, and a simple ham glaze made with pineapple juice, brown sugar and mustard is a holiday classic. Pineapple also brightens pulled pork sandwiches and tacos al pastor style dishes.
Breakfast and snacks
Spoon chunks over yogurt, cottage cheese or oatmeal. Blend them with banana, milk or yogurt and ice for a quick smoothie. Pineapple chunks packed in 100% juice make an easy lunch box fruit. Freeze drained chunks on a tray for a cold summer snack.
Desserts
Pineapple upside-down cake uses slices or chunks with brown sugar and butter under a simple cake batter. Crushed pineapple goes into dump cakes, carrot cake and no-bake fluff salads. Grilled pineapple with a sprinkle of cinnamon is a quick dessert after a cookout.
Using the juice and storing
Do not pour the juice away. Use it in marinades, glazes, smoothies, punch or to sweeten iced tea. Choose fruit packed in 100% juice if you want no added sugar syrup; check the label. Once opened, move leftover pineapple and juice to a covered container and keep it in the refrigerator. A three-pack of 20 ounce cans keeps you stocked for several recipes.
Chunks, tidbits, slices or crushed
Chunks are the all-purpose choice for stir-fries, skewers and snacking. Tidbits are smaller and spread evenly on pizza or in salads. Slices are best for upside-down cake and grilled toppings for burgers. Crushed pineapple blends into batters, dips and fluffy dessert salads. If a recipe calls for one shape and you only have another, you can usually chop or drain to make it work.
