Pineapple Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with this Southern Pineapple Casserole, a unique side to your holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the warmth of comfort food with a twist of tangy sweetness, making it a sought-after favorite at any table.

Why is this Southern Pineapple Casserole a treat for the taste buds?

It’s all in the delightful mix of juicy pineapple and sharp cheddar cheese, delivering a flavor that’s both zesty and indulgently cheesy.

Not to mention, the golden, buttery crumb topping adds a crunch that balances the creamy filling beneath, quickly making this dish a family favorite.

Think this recipe is an odd combination of pineapple and cheese? Give it a try; this delicious side dish will surprise you!

Why this pineapple recipe is an excellent choice for holiday meals:

With a unique combination of ingredients, this casserole marries the natural sweetness of pineapple with a comforting buttery crunch bound to please your palate.

What makes this pineapple dish a must-try is its accessibility; you’ll likely have all you need in your pantry already.

With simple ingredients like canned pineapple, sugar, flour, cheese, and a dash of crispy, buttery cracker crumbs, this casserole is a breeze to prepare.

 Ingredients

• sweet pineapple chunks
• crushed pineapple, drained
• granulated sugar
• shredded cheddar cheese
• all-purpose flour
• buttery crackers (like Ritz) crushed
• One stick of unsalted butter melted
• prepared baking dish

How to make Pineapple Cheese Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Drain canned pineapple chunks, reserving 1/4 cup pineapple juice. Add chunks and the 1/4 cup reserve juice to a mixing bowl with crushed pineapple and sugar. Mix well.
3. Fold in the cheese, add flour, and mix well.

4. Spoon into a 1-1/2-quart casserole dish.
5. In a smaller mixing bowl, combine melted butter and crushed crackers. Sprinkle cracker crumbs on top of the pineapple mixture in the dish and bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6. Remove it from the oven, let it stand for 5 minutes, and serve.

This recipe has Southern roots.

The pineapple casserole is a Southern dish from the mid-20th century, popularized when canned pineapples became common.

It’s a staple of Southern cuisine’s sweet and savory blend, often shared at potlucks and holidays.

Does pineapple casserole have cheese?

Yes, cheese is a crucial ingredient in the classic baked pineapple casserole recipe, adding a creamy texture and rich flavor that perfectly complement the sweetness of the pineapple, making it a perfect side dish.

This simple dish combines the tangy taste of pineapple with the savory goodness of melted cheese, showcasing the simplicity and deliciousness that make this casserole a beloved favorite.

How to serve pineapple casserole

Serve this southern casserole and watch it become the star of your meal, whether you lean toward sweet or savory.

• This dish pairs wonderfully as a side with an array of sharp cheeses, adding a gourmet touch to your cheeseboard, and is perfect as a snack for a holiday dinner.
• Make it a part of your main course ensemble alongside a honey-glazed Christmas ham or tender baked BBQ ribs for a match made in flavor heaven.
• If sweet endings are more your style, transform this pineapple casserole into a dessert by serving it warm with a generous scoop of ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream.

Can fresh pineapple be used in a pineapple casserole bake?

While fresh pineapple can be used in making pineapple casserole, canned pineapple is often preferred due to its softer texture and sweeter taste.

The juice from canned pineapple not only adds sweetness but also helps to bind the ingredients together, creating the perfect casserole consistency. This convenience and the guaranteed flavor make canned pineapple the go-to choice for this recipe.