Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
If you’ve never experienced the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory in a single bite, it’s time to fall in love with Southern Pineapple Casserole. This beloved Southern classic takes pantry staples and transforms them into an unforgettable dish that dazzles at potlucks and Sunday suppers alike. With its tender pineapple, sharp cheddar, and golden buttery cracker topping, each mouthful delivers a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. Southern Pineapple Casserole is more than a side dish; it’s a conversation starter and a delightful surprise, bringing joy to any table, whether alongside baked ham or as star of your brunch spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Southern Pineapple Casserole is how it combines everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each component plays a role—whether adding creaminess, crunch, or that sweet-salty kick—that sets this dish apart. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s essential:
- Pineapple chunks (1 can, 20 ounces, in juice, drained, reserve 2 tablespoons juice): The hero of the dish, these add juicy sweetness and bright tropical flavor.
- Crushed pineapple (1 can, 8 ounces, drained): For extra pineapple punch and moist, juicy texture in every bite.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Rounds out the tartness of the pineapple, giving the casserole its signature dessert-like sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (6 tablespoons): Gently thickens the filling for a scoopable texture—not runny or dry.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): The sharp tang of the cheese plays against the sweetness and truly makes this casserole unforgettable.
- Buttery round crackers (1 sleeve, about 30, crushed): The crunchy topping, buttery and salty, creates that crave-worthy crust on top.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): For coating the crackers and delivering mouthwatering richness to every crunchy bite.
How to Make Southern Pineapple Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to generously grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish—this helps the casserole scoop out effortlessly and keeps those corners extra tasty. A quick swipe of butter or nonstick spray works wonders.
Step 2: Mix the Pineapple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, the reserved 2 tablespoons of juice, sugar, and flour. Give everything a good stir so the flour dissolves and starts to gently coat the fruit—this will help the filling thicken as it bakes for that scoopable consistency. Once fully mixed, fold in your cheddar cheese until every bit is mingling happily with the pineapple.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Pour the pineapple and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula so every serving will have a little bit of everything. This is the foundation of your Southern Pineapple Casserole—gorgeous, golden, and bursting with cheerfulness even before it hits the oven!
Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping
Now for the grand finale: in a separate bowl, toss the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. This classic topper brings all the salty, crunchy magic to the party. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the casserole, making sure every inch is covered for maximum crunch after baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges bubble and the top is golden and crisp. Give it a little cooling-off time—5 to 10 minutes—before serving, so it sets just enough to serve in perfect, satisfying scoops.
How to Serve Southern Pineapple Casserole
Garnishes
While Southern Pineapple Casserole is vibrant all on its own, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a scatter of chopped toasted pecans can add a splash of color and a nutty crunch. Some love it with a touch more shredded cheddar hot from the oven, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle depth. Garnish just before serving to keep those toppers fresh and lively.
Side Dishes
This dish is made for big gatherings or holiday feasts. It’s right at home alongside baked ham, roasted turkey, or fried chicken. Its sweet and savory profile also pairs beautifully with simple green beans, collard greens, or a classic Southern mac and cheese. Serve Southern Pineapple Casserole as a show-stopping side and watch it disappear first!
Creative Ways to Present
To amp up the “wow” factor, you can serve Southern Pineapple Casserole in individual ramekins for brunch, or spoon petite servings into lettuce leaves as a fun finger food for showers and parties. For potlucks, bake it in a colorful ceramic dish and let the golden topping shine. However you present it, this casserole always steals the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (it’s rare, but it happens!), simply cover the casserole with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store your Southern Pineapple Casserole in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors often get even better overnight as they mingle.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze cooled Southern Pineapple Casserole. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic and then foil (or use an airtight, freezer-safe container). It will keep for up to two months. For the best texture, you might want to hold off on the cracker topping until just before reheating, if possible.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake the casserole, uncovered, in a 350°F oven until heated through and the topping is crisp—about 20 minutes. Individual portions can be microwaved, but the oven brings back that irresistible crunch. If you want a fresher topping, add more crushed crackers before reheating for an extra crispy bite.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain it well so the filling isn’t too watery. You might need to adjust the sugar since fresh pineapple can be sweeter or less sweet than canned varieties.
Is it possible to make Southern Pineapple Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crisp.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You sure can. Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and use gluten-free buttery crackers. The flavor and charm of Southern Pineapple Casserole will still shine through.
What type Side Dish
Sharp cheddar is traditional and provides a robust, tangy counterpoint to the sweet pineapple, but mild cheddar or even a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack can work if you prefer a subtler flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet casserole?
Yes, feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking. Use as little as 1/2 cup if you like things less sweet, or substitute part of the sugar with honey for a different twist.
Final Thoughts
Southern Pineapple Casserole is the kind of dish that surprises people in the best possible way. Whether you make it for a holiday table or a weeknight treat, its irresistible combination of flavors will win hearts and curious palates. Give it a try—and don’t be shocked if your loved ones ask for it at every gathering from now on!
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Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the South with this Southern Pineapple Casserole. A perfect blend of sweet and savory, this dish is a favorite accompaniment to ham or turkey, featuring a cheesy pineapple filling topped with a buttery cracker crust.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Cracker Topping:
- 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, reserved juice, sugar, and flour. Fold in cheddar cheese.
- Assemble: Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Combine crushed crackers and melted butter, then sprinkle over the filling.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This casserole is a classic sweet-and-savory Southern dish that pairs well with ham or turkey.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting the cracker topping before adding it to the casserole.
- If using fresh pineapple, ensure it is well-drained to prevent excess liquid in the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
