Hawaiian Haystacks

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 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 🙂

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Hawaiian Haystacks

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!

Ingredients (with Amazon Links)

• 2 or 3 chicken breasts cooked and cut into small chunks or canned chicken
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of milk or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• pepper to taste
• 3-4 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
• sliced olives
• celery chopped
• green onions chopped
• green pepper chopped
• 1 can drained pineapple tidbits
• 1 can drained mandarin oranges
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup coconut
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 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.

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!