Hawaiian Haystacks were always a favorite dinner when we were growing up! We love how you can build your own dish just the way you like it!
Hawaiian Haystacks are about as Hawaiian as “Hawaiian” Pizza (you know, the ham and pineapple combo). To be honest, I have never had a Hawaiian haystack in Hawaii, nor did I ever see it on a menu anywhere. The closest thing to a Hawaiian haystack in Hawaii is a scoop of rice on a lunch plate. Probably accompanied by a slice or two of spam. And maybe some macaroni salad (if you are in search of “authentic” Hawaiian dishes, see links below). But just because these aren’t “authentic” Hawaiian, doesn’t mean they aren’t a great weeknight meal. My kids LOVE these, and for that, they are a win in my book!
Obviously, what makes Hawaiian Haystacks so great is that everyone can make them to their taste. Kids (and adults) love putting on their own toppings to make it EXACTLY how they want. Even the pickiest of eaters can usually find one or two toppings they like. Me? I like ’em all 🙂
Some of our Favorite Hawaiian Haystacks Toppings Are:
- diced chicken or ham
- chow mein noodles
- tomatoes
- olives
- celery
- green onions
- red or green peppers
- pineapple
- mandarin oranges
- coconut
- grated cheese
- slivered almonds or chopped cashews
Did I miss any? What are YOUR favorite toppings for Hawaiian Haystacks?
Hawaiian Haystacks for a Crowd:
Hawaiian Haystacks are great for a little family weeknight dinner, but they are also great for a crowd. The key to cooking for a crowd is making sure everyone can be accommodated (to the best of your ability). All of the ingredients can easily be found or made in bulk, including the rice (especially the rice). Did you know you can make rice for 50 PEOPLE by BAKING it in one large pan? It’s true. We have the recipe HERE to prove it 🙂
How to Make Hawaiian Haystacks
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts cooked and cut into small chunks or canned chicken
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- pepper to taste
- 3 cups steamed rice any kind you like
Garnishes: Use any or all (what ever you like)
- 1 small package chow mein noodles
- diced fresh tomato
- 1 can olives sliced
- celery chopped
- green onions chopped
- 1 green pepper chopped
- 1 can pineapple tidbits drained
- 1 can mandarin oranges drained
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup coconut
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine soup and milk (or chicken broth) to make a gravy. Add the chicken chunks and simmer 10 minutes. Add the sour cream, and stir it in. To serve, put the rice on each individual serving plate. Top with the chicken gravy, then cheese, chow mein noodles, and any of the garnishes you like. We finish it off with either soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
Recipe Video
Nutrition
Looking for Authentic Hawaiian Recipes? Check these out!
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad: This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is the real deal. A no-frills, creamy mac salad that is the perfect side dish for any BBQ or Luau!
- Slow Cooker Kalua Pork with Cabbage: Kalua Pork with Cabbage is a Hawaiian dish often served at Luaus. This version is made in the slow cooker and tastes just like authentic shredded Kalua Pig.
- Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken: This Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken is the real deal. The sweet and savory Hawaiian teriyaki marinade is THE best and SO easy to make.
- Hawaiian Beef Teriyaki:Hawaiian beef teriyaki is a favorite of mine from when I lived in Hawaii. The teriyaki sauce is out of this world good. Great with a plate lunch!
inkablinka says
My 12-year old daughter was just introduced to hawaiian haystacks a couple weeks ago at an event, and loved them. Seeing your recipe reminded me that I wanted to try them at home. Thanks!
Amy says
Flashback! My mom made these for my sister's wedding reception back in 1989! I need to introduce these to my kids.
Di says
Your photos always turn out so wonderful. They make every thing seem so tasty & yummy-looking. I haven't made this in a long time. I've never tried it with milk, so maybe now I will try.
Crissa Robertson says
Making these tonight! Looks yummy!
JoLynn Johnson says
This is one of my favorites! I also use raisins with this recipe. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Emily Walker says
Yum, I’ll have to try that!
Angela says
About how many does this recipe serve?
Echo says
This will serve 4-6 people. You can always stretch it by cooking more rice. Thank you for visiting our site!
Tomi says
That’s why we call it “Haole Haystacks” at our house 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Favorite Family Recipes says
haha love it!
brianna gordman says
so easy to make! everyone loves it!
Emily Walker says
Agreed, this recipe has been a staple in the family forever!
Shawn says
My aunt used to make this all the time for big family gatherings so there was always something for everyone to eat. Now that I have kids (picky eaters) I’m always trying to find something they’ll eat. Now that I found this again I’ll have to try it on them. (Fingers crossed.) I always loved mine with bean sprouts!
Erica Walker says
You will have to come back and let me know how it goes! I know how it goes with picky eaters. It’s so hard trying to please everyone! Best of luck! Hopefully it will be a new hit with them!