Description
Bright and delightful scalloped pineapple featuring juicy fresh pineapple layered with creamy plant-based cheese sauce thickened with all-purpose flour and natural gelling agent. This easy vegan dish harmoniously balances sweet and savory flavors, perfect for family gatherings as a comforting side or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea/gluten-free flour for gluten-free variation)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Variations
- Pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes or crushed almonds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (natural)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Peel and slice fresh pineapple into thin, even rounds that will layer beautifully in your baking dish. Consistent slicing ensures even cooking and a perfect scalloped look.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Melt plant-based butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant. Stir in flour to make a smooth roux, then gradually whisk in plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), sea salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Incorporate Plant-Based Cheese and Natural Gelling Agent: Add shredded plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent to the thickened sauce, stirring well to combine and create a luscious creamy texture.
- Assemble the Layers: Grease a baking dish and arrange a layer of pineapple slices. Spoon a generous amount of creamy sauce over the pineapple. Repeat layering pineapple and sauce, ending with a top sauce layer to ensure creamy goodness in every bite.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the layers firm up.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture.
- Slice pineapple evenly for consistent cooking and presentation.
- Bake at a moderate temperature to avoid curdling and to develop a golden top.
- Let the dish rest after baking to help layers set.
- Double the sauce ingredients for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: scalloped pineapple, plant-based cheese, vegan recipe, creamy pineapple, family-friendly, gluten-free option