If you’re looking for a dish that brings together the perfect harmony of sweet and savory, the Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This iconic casserole combines juicy pineapple, sharp cheddar, and a buttery cracker topping to create a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the South. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or as a delightful side for your holiday feast, this recipe never fails to impress with its rich flavors and irresistible texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create a spectacular taste and texture experience. Each ingredient not only complements the others but also adds its unique character to the dish.
- Crushed Pineapple (2 cans, 20 oz each): Make sure to drain well for the perfect moisture balance.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy pineapple.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Helps bind the casserole’s ingredients for a smooth, soft texture.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
- Large Eggs (2, beaten): Provide structure and richness to the casserole.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Sharpness adds depth and complements the pineapple beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Infuses richness and keeps the casserole moist.
- Crushed Buttery Crackers (1 cup): Creates a crunchy, buttery topping that’s simply irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, for topping): Coats the crackers for that golden, crispy finish.
How to Make Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven & Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your casserole slides right out when it’s perfectly baked. This setup step is a small one but essential for success.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together your drained crushed pineapple, sugar, flour, salt, and the beaten eggs. This mixture forms the vibrant, luscious base of your Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe. Make sure you mix everything thoroughly for that even distribution of flavors.
Step 3: Add Cheese & Butter
Now comes the creamy twist: fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the melted butter. The cheese adds a tangy richness, while the butter infuses the whole dish with that unmistakable Southern comfort flavor. Combine until everything is smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Pour into Baking Dish
Pour the luscious mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This step ensures that every bite gets an equal blend of that decadent pineapple-cheese goodness.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix your crushed buttery crackers with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter. Stir well so every cracker is coated in buttery goodness. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the casserole for a crisp, golden topping that perfectly contrasts the soft filling.
Step 6: Bake
Bake your masterpiece for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and you can see the edges bubbling gently. This baking time allows all the flavors to marry and the topping to develop that signature crunch.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool just slightly. This Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe is delightful served warm or at room temperature, making it not only delicious but also incredibly convenient for any occasion.
How to Serve Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top. The vibrant green adds a lovely color contrast and a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with classic Southern staples like glazed ham, fried chicken, or collard greens. These hearty sides complement the sweet and tangy flavors, turning your meal into a full Southern feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. You can also layer it in a trifle dish for a unique twist, offering both an elegant presentation and easy portioning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole flavors develop even more after chilling, making the next-day servings just as tempting.
Freezing
This Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Just cover the casserole tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and the topping regains its crispiness. This gives you that freshly baked vibe with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can add an extra juicy burst to the casserole. Just be sure to drain any excess juice well to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
Is sharp cheddar the only cheese option?
While shredded sharp cheddar gives the iconic tang, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep in mind the balance of savory and sweet.
Can this casserole be made dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting dairy butter with a dairy-free alternative and using a dairy-free cheese, you can enjoy a similar taste and texture while keeping it dairy-free.
What type of crackers work best for the topping?
Buttery crackers like Ritz or saltines work best because they crumble nicely and create that delightful crispy crust when combined with melted butter.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
The Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe tastes great both warm and at room temperature. Warm servings highlight the melted cheese and crispy topping, while room temperature lets the flavors meld into a lovely, harmonious bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about the Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe, with its perfect blend of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy elements that come together in harmony. I can’t recommend it enough for your next gathering or a cozy meal at home — give it a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
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Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern United States
Description
This Southern Pineapple Casserole is a delightful sweet and savory side dish featuring crushed pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, it offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that complement any meal. Ideal for potlucks, holiday dinners, or a comforting family dinner side.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz or saltines)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven & Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and beaten eggs. Stir these ingredients together until well mixed and smooth.
- Add Cheese & Butter: Incorporate the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the melted unsalted butter into the mixture. Stir until all components are fully combined, creating a uniform batter.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the pineapple and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to create a smooth surface for even baking.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter. Mix well so the crackers are evenly coated with butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pineapple casserole in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges, indicating it is cooked through.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature as a sweet and savory addition to your meal.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
- Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best contrast of flavor; however, you may substitute with mild cheddar if preferred.
- The cracker topping adds a delicious buttery crunch, but you can also use breadcrumbs seasoned with a little sugar and cinnamon for a twist.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the fridge.
- Letting the casserole cool slightly before serving helps the layers set for easier slicing.
