Southern Pineapple Casserole is one of those comfort food recipes that surprises everyone at the table with its incredible combination of flavors and irresistible texture. Imagine the sweet tang of pineapple mingling with sharp cheddar cheese, all underneath a crown of buttery, golden cracker topping. It’s a beloved side dish throughout the South, especially during holidays and celebrations, and once you’ve scooped into its bubbly, aromatic layers, you’ll understand exactly why it earns rave reviews wherever it’s served.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you can whip up a Southern Pineapple Casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. Each ingredient plays a starring role, lending sweetness, richness, and a perfect crunch that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Pineapple Chunks: Using canned chunks gives the casserole bursts of juicy pineapple in every bite; remember to drain them well so the dish isn’t watery!
- Crushed Pineapple: This adds a lush, consistent pineapple flavor and ensures every forkful is delightfully moist and fruity.
- Granulated Sugar: A surprising but essential addition that enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple and balances the savoriness of the cheese.
- All-Purpose Flour: It thickens the filling just enough to create that irresistibly gooey texture you want in a baked casserole.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Don’t skimp here! The sharpness of the cheese offers a bold contrast to the sweetness, creating that signature savory-sweet magic.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted and mixed with the crackers for a rich, toasty topping—unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness.
- Buttery Round Crackers (like Ritz): Crushed up, they deliver a crunchy, buttery crown that makes every mouthful exciting.
How to Make Southern Pineapple Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepping your dish ensures the casserole won’t stick and will make serving a breeze. This little step paves the way for that beautiful golden crust and keeps cleanup minimal.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and flour. This is your base for a luscious, thickened fruit filling. Add both the pineapple chunks and crushed pineapple, making sure they’re well drained. Mix them with the sugar and flour until every piece is coated. The mixture will look glossy and tempting already! Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese—resist the urge to overmix so the cheese stays in satisfying pockets throughout.
Step 3: Layer in the Dish
Pour your pineapple-cheese blend into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out so it bakes up evenly. The color and aroma at this stage will make you want to sneak a taste! Spread it all the way to the edges so every serving is packed with a perfect balance of flavors.
Step 4: Make the Cracker Topping
Crush two sleeves of buttery round crackers, then pour the melted, unsalted butter over them in a medium bowl. Stir until every crumb drinks up that lovely butter. This topping crisps up in the oven, giving you that coveted, golden crunch with every bite.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the pineapple filling, covering every inch for maximum crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly at the edges and the top is gloriously golden brown. Let it cool just enough to set, then serve warm so the cheese is gooey and the topping stays crisp.
How to Serve Southern Pineapple Casserole
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation, finish your Southern Pineapple Casserole with a light sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or a few fresh herb leaves (such as parsley or chives) to bring a spark of color. If you want to play up the sweetness, a short drizzle of honey can also be surprisingly delightful alongside all that savory, cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines next to glazed ham, turkey, or even barbecue—think of it as the Southern answer to sweet-and-savory side perfection. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a leafy green salad, or classic mashed potatoes for a plate that’s both festive and deeply satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your casserole by serving individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party, or scoop it family-style straight from the baking dish at a casual gathering. For a brunch buffet, layer small portions onto biscuit sliders for a surprising twist. However you serve it, Southern Pineapple Casserole always brings a bit of joy to the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the cracker topping may soften as it rests.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh for maximum texture, you can freeze the baked casserole, tightly wrapped, for up to a month. For best results, consider freezing without the topping, then add and bake the cracker-butter mixture just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until hot throughout and the topping regains some of its crispness. If microwaving, use short bursts and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple gives an extra-bright, tangy flavor, though you’ll want to chop it small and make sure to drain or blot it dry to prevent excess liquid in your Southern Pineapple Casserole.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free butter crackers. You’ll get all the classic flavor and crunch—perfect for everyone at your table!
Why does this dish pair cheese with pineapple?
The magic of Southern Pineapple Casserole comes from its creamy, savory cheese playing off the sweet, juicy pineapple—a classic Southern combo that seems odd at first but wins over all skeptics at first bite.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
You sure can! Assemble the filling and store it in the fridge (unbaked) for up to a day. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it nice and crunchy.
Should Southern Pineapple Casserole be served hot or cold?
It’s traditionally enjoyed warm so the cheese is melty and the topping stays crunchy, but honestly, a cold leftover scoop from the fridge can be a delicious treat too!
Final Thoughts
Give this Southern Pineapple Casserole a spot on your table and watch it become a new favorite—it’s sweet, savory, crunchy, and oh-so-easy to love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish brings a little Southern sunshine to every meal. Go ahead and try it; you might just start a new tradition!
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Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of the South with this Southern Pineapple Casserole. A delightful combination of pineapple, cheese, and buttery crackers that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pineapple Mixture:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Cracker Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 sleeves buttery round crackers, crushed (e.g., Ritz)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Pineapple Mixture: In a large bowl, mix sugar and flour. Add pineapples, then stir in cheddar cheese. Pour into the baking dish.
- Make Cracker Topping: In a medium bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter. Spread over the pineapple mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This casserole goes well with ham, turkey, or barbecue.
- For a sweeter version, reduce cheese to 1 cup and slightly increase sugar.
- Best served fresh for maximum crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
