Hawaiian Haystacks
When it’s cold, snowy, and blowing outside I like to make Hawaiian Haystacks, and take a little trip to the islands in my mind!
It’s the perfect meal, a Polynesian Buffet, all in one meal, that our family really enjoys!
Isn’t this the prettiest time of the year? I adore autumn and everything about it…
We enjoyed a lovely weekend with two of our sons and their families. For Sunday dinner we invited some local nieces and nephews and along with all of our little grands, each chair at the table was full. It felt just like the most joyful Thanksgiving for me.
I set a simple autumn table with the prettiest real Cinderella pumpkin surrounded by Fall leaves, all that was missing was a big turkey dinner.
Hawaiian Haystacks
I try to make Hawaiian Haystacks when I have a big group coming, it’s not really a great meal for 2 unless you adore leftovers. It’s great that I can make it in quantity without going broke, double or triple it. You’ll need to make a sauce, cook some rice, do a little chopping, and put it all in order. I just let my guests stack ’em up!
Hawaiian Haystacks are “a meal in one,” that I thought the whole world knew about and enjoyed. When I lived in New York City, I made them for a large group, and was so surprised when they’d never had haystacks before. So for anyone who’s not given them a try, please do. You and everyone else will be giving thanks!
All the kids love the stacking part, taking what they like. It just works, creating very little waste.
I’ve also found that a bowl and spoon works well for my littlest grands. Don’t you just love this bright and happy smile? ;D
Serve with fluffy, whole grain dinner rolls, butter, jam, love and thanksgiving.
Hawaiian Haystacks
Hawaiian Haystacks will take you to the islands are are a great all in one meal. They are filled with fresh and bright flavors and all you have to do is line everything up and then stack it up!
Author: Renée
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 (10-3/4-oz.) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- seasonings of choice, (I add fresh ground pepper and ground marjoram)
- 4 large chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- 4 cups cooked long-rain rice
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
- 1 (9-1/2-oz.) can chow mein noodles
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1-1/2 cups chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped green pepper
- ½ cup sliced green onion, including tops
- 1 (20-oz.) can crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 (15-oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
- ½ cup coconut
- ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1 small bottle of maraschino cherries
- soy sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Combine soup and chicken broth in a medium saucepan to make gravy. Stir and season to taste with a little pepper and a pinch of ground marjoram.
- Add chicken and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes to heat through.
- Line up all the remaining ingredients in small serving bowls.
To Assemble Hawaiian Haystacks
- Stack, chow mein noodles, rice, chicken sauce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, celery, green pepper, and green onions. Top with crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut, almonds and cherries. Serve with soy sauce.
On Wednesday I’ll be sharing our fabulous Halloween Cake along with some early trick-or-treat-ers I’m crazy for!
We're Alison and Renée, and we're so glad you've joined us! Our kitchens are our happy place, where we're whipping up memories. Get comfy and check things out. We hope you find inspiring dishes and ways to better your life. Feeling optimistic, trying new things and sharing with those we love brings joy in all we do. It's time to cook, create and celebrate. CHEERS! 
First of all, your grandchildren are adorable! Second of all, only you can make me crave this at 6:15 a.m.;-) Thanks for sharing!
Such great family memories — and lovely idea for a meal!
Greta
http://www.modgarden.blogspot.com
Delicious and what adorable grands.
I loved your fallish table. I do a version of Hawaiian Haystacks and they really are fun. Love the pics of your angelic grands. Joni
Adorable pictures.
What a great idea – and one I’d never seen before. I’ll have to give this a try.
O my..I can’t believe you make this. We do something very similar, but my husband’s family calls it japanese dinner. We use rice, chicken, then whatever of these you desire, hot pineapple, coconut, green onions, almonds, chow noodles, celery, then top with shredded cheese, followed by hot broth.
That sounds yummy….but those little children are yummier!
I’m supposed to focus on the FOOD in this post, right? You realize the beautiful children make that a little difficult, of course…
I love a full table! I’ll have my girls here for al long weekend, and this might be just perfect for one of the nights. It looks delicious and fun. I think you should write a cookbook. Really, I do.
Sounds like Thanksgiving to me! What beautiful pictures and precious faces!
I have never heard of your dish. Sounds good and easy!
I think I’ll make this next time we have a big group.
Beautiful!!!!!!! I’m leaving here all warm and fuzzy!
Yvonne
This looks so wonderful! I have had a similar version of it a Hay stack meal, but without the fruit and it was baked. This will be perfect for the very hot days of summer. Yummy!!!!!
I have never heard of this meal! We do a similar thing with Mexican food and call them Taco Stacks. But, I am looking forward to this! Thanks for the recipe and linking to TMTT at The Well, this week.
Lovely post and blog – I’m a new follower. Love the name of you blog!!!
This is definitely a fun meal, plus everyone gets to make theirs exactly how they want. Great idea.
Hi Gnee-
Oh such sweet little faces- so cute. There is nothing like a smiling family around the table enjoying something you made. It looks like everyone had a great time. I bet there wasn’t any leftovers?
I also would love to sample a piece of the pie and pumpkin roll in your header photos. So much yumminess!
Sounds interesting. I love that everyone just picks what they want. I’d love to try this with my kids.
I love your blog header first of all…and this sounds like a great meal! I’ll try it for sure 🙂
OMGoodness, this sounds devine! I’ve never heard of it and think it would be fun to fix for my bunco group…I’ll have to make it a little bigger to feed 12, but it really sounds delish! Thanks for sharing this with us! Debbie @ Cottage Hann~Me~Downs
Yum, this is one of my favorite dishes! Definitely having it this week now!
We love this one too! My kids like strawberries on it too! Thanks for linking up to Topsy Turvy Tuesday’s!
Those sound yummy, and I like how everyone can customize them for their own personal tastes. Looks like a great meal to share with my family the next time they are over! So happy to see you at A Crafty Soiree! Thanks for sharing and looking forward to seeing you next time too:)
Oh wow, I’m so hungry. Those look so good and your pictures are great! Have a wonderful week.