Combo Casserole

Combo Casserole Recipe - Delicious Chicken and Pineapple Casserole from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Combo Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of chicken, pineapple, and cheddar cheese in a creamy mayonnaise sauce. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.

History

The Combo Casserole recipe has been a favorite in many households for years. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with different ingredients to suit individual tastes. The combination of chicken, pineapple, and cheddar cheese creates a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice
2 cups cooked chicken cubes
1 (8 oz (227 g)) can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 cup sliced celery
0.5 cup chopped green pepper
1.5 cups (6 oz (170 g)) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup mayonnaise
0.25 cup chopped chutney
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper

How to prepare

Combine rice, chicken, pineapple, celery, green pepper, and 0.5 cup of cheese in a large bowl.
Stir in mayonnaise, chutney, salt, and pepper.
Pour the mixture into a greased 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.

Variations

Substitute turkey or ham for the chicken.
Add in different vegetables such as peas, carrots, or broccoli.
Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice and chicken before assembling the casserole to ensure that they are fully cooked.

- Drain the pineapple tidbits well to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

- Feel free to add in additional vegetables or seasonings to customize the casserole to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Combo Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the casserole at 350°F (177°C) ensures that it cooks evenly and the cheese on top gets nice and bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise for a lighter option.

- Mango chutney can be used instead of traditional chutney for a tropical twist.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great option for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Combo Casserole pairs well with a crisp white wine or a fruity sangria.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Combo Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Combo Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Combo Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Combo Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Combo Casserole is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs (mayonnaise) which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Combo Casserole is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Combo Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family meal or potluck gathering. With a combination of chicken, pineapple, and cheddar cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Combo Casserole. It was a beautiful summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, with her garden. As a thank you, she invited me into her cozy kitchen for a cup of tea.

As we sat chatting over our tea, Mrs. Jenkins began to prepare lunch for us. She pulled out a large casserole dish and started layering ingredients in it. I watched in awe as she combined ground beef, diced tomatoes, corn, and green beans with a creamy sauce. She topped it all off with a generous helping of shredded cheese before popping it in the oven to bake.

The aroma that filled the kitchen as the casserole baked was absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to taste it! When it was finally ready, Mrs. Jenkins served us each a heaping portion on our plates. The first bite was pure comfort food heaven. The flavors melded together perfectly, and the cheesy topping added just the right amount of richness.

I immediately asked Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me. She explained that Combo Casserole was a family favorite that had been passed down through the generations. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to add it to my own collection of recipes.

From that day on, Combo Casserole became a regular dish in my household. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and any time I wanted a hearty and delicious meal. Over the years, I have made a few adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own twist with different seasonings and vegetables.

One of my favorite memories involving Combo Casserole was when my grandchildren came to visit for the weekend. They had never tried it before, and I was excited to introduce them to this classic dish. As I prepared the casserole in the kitchen, my grandchildren gathered around, eager to help. I showed them how to brown the ground beef, mix the sauce, and layer the ingredients in the dish.

Once the casserole was in the oven, we all sat down at the table to wait for it to bake. The kids were bursting with excitement, asking me question after question about the recipe. I loved sharing my passion for cooking with them and seeing their eyes light up as they learned about the different ingredients and techniques involved.

When the timer finally went off and I pulled the casserole out of the oven, the kids couldn't contain their excitement. The cheesy topping was bubbly and golden brown, and the aroma that filled the kitchen was irresistible. We all gathered around the table as I served up steaming portions of the casserole onto our plates.

The kids took their first bites eagerly, their faces lighting up with delight. They couldn't get enough of the comforting flavors and cheesy goodness. I couldn't help but smile as I watched them enjoy the meal that had brought me so much joy over the years.

As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I realized that Combo Casserole had become more than just a recipe to me. It was a symbol of the love and connection that food can bring to a family. It was a reminder of the wonderful memories I had created in the kitchen, sharing delicious meals with the people I cherished most.

And as I looked at my grandchildren's happy faces, I knew that Combo Casserole would continue to be a beloved dish in our family for generations to come. It was a recipe that had brought us together and had become a part of our shared history. And for that, I would always be grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for introducing me to this delicious and comforting dish.