The Sweet & Tangy Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Southern comfort meets tropical sweetness in this irresistible pineapple casserole that will make your taste buds dance.

Cheese and fruit create an unexpected harmony in this classic southern dish.

Creamy, crispy, and utterly delightful, it challenges everything you know about side dishes.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this recipe, passing down its delectable secrets.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors that surprise and delight.

Buttery crackers add a crunchy topping that elevates this simple yet magical combination.

Trust me, you want to experience this mouthwatering creation that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Proper Storage for Pineapple Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole covered tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.

Wrap the cooled casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container, storing for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track storage time.

Restore crispy topping by warming at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil if edges brown too quickly. Add splash of pineapple juice to prevent dryness.

Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power, stirring halfway to ensure even warming and prevent potential texture separation.

FAQs

• Is this recipe authentically Southern?

Yes, Southern Pineapple Casserole is a classic side dish popular in Southern United States cuisine, particularly in states like Georgia and North Carolina, often served at potlucks and family gatherings.

• What makes the topping crispy?

The Ritz crackers combined with melted butter create a golden, crunchy topping that adds texture and rich flavor to the casserole when baked.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Cheddar cheese works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with mild or sharp cheddar depending on your taste preference. Sharp cheddar will provide a more intense cheese flavor.

Southern Pineapple Casserole Delight

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Southern pineapple casserole delivers a delightful sweet and savory combination that makes everyone at the table smile with pure joy.
• Quick Crowd-Feeding Solution: Requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for feeding a hungry group without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Works brilliantly as a side dish for potlucks, holiday gatherings, barbecues, or any casual get-together where people crave something uniquely delicious.
• Beginner Baker Friendly: No advanced cooking skills needed – even kitchen novices can create this tasty dish with straightforward mixing and baking techniques.

Ingredients to Make Southern Pineapple Casserole

• Pineapple Chunks: Juicy and sweet fruit that forms the core flavor of this Southern casserole.
• Flour: Helps to thicken and bind the pineapple filling.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy pineapple.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, savory element that complements the sweet pineapple.

• Ritz Crackers: Crispy base that creates a crunchy golden topping for the casserole.
• Butter: Helps to bind the cracker topping and adds richness to the dish.

• Pineapple Juice: Adds extra moisture and intensifies the pineapple flavor in the filling.

How to Prepare Pineapple Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous butter or cooking spray coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Pineapple Magic

• Flour
• Sugar

• Pineapple chunks
• Pineapple juice

Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese until everything looks perfectly blended. Transfer this tropical mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter

Mix until the crackers are completely coated and look deliciously buttery. Sprinkle this golden crumb mixture evenly across the pineapple base.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown top and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready to devour.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the sweet, cheesy, crunchy Southern delight!

Tips for Pineapple Casserole Success

• Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess juice, preventing a watery casserole and ensuring a thick, creamy texture.
• Choose a sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor that complements the sweet pineapple and buttery cracker topping.
• Crush Ritz crackers slightly coarse for added texture, creating a crispy, golden-brown topping that provides delightful crunch.
• Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient meal planning.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make serving easier.

Variations to Sweeten Pineapple Casserole

• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Replace pineapple with a mix of mango, papaya, and coconut chunks for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired casserole.
• Savory Herb Upgrade: Add fresh thyme and rosemary to the cheese mixture, creating a more complex flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Incorporate diced green chiles and pepper jack cheese for a zesty, southwestern-inspired version.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Substitute Ritz crackers with toasted pecans or macadamia nuts for added texture and rich, buttery flavor.

Pairings for Southern Pineapple Casserole

• Pair with Smoky Pulled Pork: The sweet and tangy pineapple casserole complements the rich, savory flavors of slow-cooked pulled pork, creating a perfect balance of sweet and smoky taste sensations.
• Serve with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the casserole's richness, providing a refreshing contrast that enhances the dish's complex flavor profile.
• Match with Honey-Glazed Ham: The pineapple casserole's sweet cheese base beautifully highlights the caramelized exterior of a honey-glazed ham, making them an ideal Southern-style dinner combination.

Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets tropical delight in this Southern pineapple casserole, blending sweet and savory flavors into a crowd-pleasing side dish. Cheese and buttery cracker crumbs create a golden, irresistible topping you’ll want to savor with every creamy, caramelized bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 (20 ounces) cans pineapple chunks, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed

Dry Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour and sugar until smooth, creating a fine base for the casserole.
3. Incorporate pineapple chunks and their reserved juice into the flour-sugar mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
4. Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the pineapple blend, ensuring a uniform distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
5. Transfer the entire pineapple and cheese combination into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to create an even layer.
6. Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and melt butter in a separate bowl, then blend the two ingredients until they form a cohesive topping.
7. Generously scatter the buttery cracker crumbs across the surface of the pineapple mixture, covering it completely.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy and compromise the texture.
• Select a sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced tangy flavor that complements the sweet pineapple.
• Experiment with gluten-free crackers and flour for a celiac-friendly version without sacrificing the classic crunch and taste.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 327 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg