Introduction
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Pasta Bake ‘Hawaii’. This dish combines the savory taste of diced ham with the sweet and tangy pineapple, all enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with melted Appenzeller cheese. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this pasta bake is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
To make this flavorful pasta bake, you will need:
- 250 g (8.8 oz) raw ham, diced
- 250 g (8.8 oz) Appenzeller cheese, grated
- 250 g (8.8 oz) penne rigate or other short pasta
- Salt, for boiling water
- 1 small can pineapple pieces (approx. 200 g / 7 oz), drained
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) milk
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp vegetable stock, ground
- Pepper, to taste
- Some light sauce thickener
Nutrition Information
This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. The nutritional information per serving is as follows:
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne rigate in a large pot of salted water until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cream Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine the whipped cream and milk. Heat gently over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
3. Add Flavorings and Ham
Stir in the tomato paste and diced ham. Season the mixture with dried thyme, ground vegetable stock, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Thicken the Sauce
Slightly thicken the sauce with a light sauce thickener. Be careful not to over-thicken; the sauce should remain creamy.
5. Incorporate the Cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2/3 of the grated Appenzeller cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and well incorporated into the sauce.
6. Add Pineapple and Pasta
Add the drained pineapple pieces to the sauce. Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring it is well coated.
7. Assemble the Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining grated Appenzeller cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan oven). Place the baking dish on the middle rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Tips for the Perfect Pasta Bake
- Use high-quality cheese: Appenzeller cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor. Ensure you use a cheese that melts well.
- Balance the sweetness: The pineapple adds a sweet contrast to the savory ham and cheese. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Season well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning to ensure the flavors are well balanced.
Storing and Serving
This Pasta Bake ‘Hawaii’ is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Serve this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
Conclusion
Our Pasta Bake ‘Hawaii’ is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, wrapped in a creamy sauce and topped with melted Appenzeller cheese. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique taste and comforting texture. Enjoy this delicious pasta bake and make it a regular feature in your meal rotation!
