Southern Pineapple Casserole
You’re going to love the combination of sharp cheddar and pineapple in my Southern Pineapple Casserole. It’s sweet, it’s savory, and it’s steeped in Southern tradition!
In the South, recipes are often about much more than food. They’re about heritage, tradition, and the stories that bind us. In this post, I’ll dive into a beloved Southern classic: Pineapple Casserole, an iconic dish that carries memories of church picnics, family gatherings, and community potlucks.
Just imagine sweet pineapple tidbits mixed with sharp Cheddar cheese, topped with crushed buttery crackers. This may seem like an odd combination, but believe me, it’s a truly perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. And this recipe is so much more than a seemingly quirky side dish; it’s a testament to decades of Southern cooking.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Reminds me of decades of family get-togethers and church potluck dinners.
- The mix of pineapple with Cheddar cheese is a flavor combination that is just incredible.
- It requires only a few simple ingredients and needs minimal prep time.
- It’s the perfect side dish for celebratory dinners and is often served at Easter or Christmas.
You’ll also find this recipe in my cookbook!
You can see Southern Pineapple Casserole on page 142 in my cookbook, My Southern Table! Get your signed copy today.
Ingredient Notes
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- Pineapple Tidbits: I use pineapple tidbits for this recipe. You could also choose sweet pineapple chunks or crushed pineapple. They all work equally well. And, of course, my brand of choice is Dole.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: I think most people go for sharp cheddar, but I think “extra sharp” is the best choice. You do you.
- Ritz Crackers: Where would we be in the South without Ritz crackers? They’re the topping of choice for any casserole that needs a bit of crunch. Of course, if you wanted to, you could use another buttery cracker.
- Butter: As I’ve said many times, in the South, we tend to use salted butter for any recipe. If you prefer unsalted butter, that’s fine as well.
- All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need just a little flour to thicken the casserole. If you only have self-rising, no problem, it’ll all work out.
- Sugar: Just a little plain, white sugar to sweeten things. Nothing fancy required.
You’ll find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.
Equipment Needed
- Baking Dish: I use a square baking dish, either an 8×8 or 9×9.
- Medium Bowl: For mixing the ingredients.
How I Make Baked Pineapple Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan or casserole dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple with its juice, flour, cheese, and sugar. Stir well, but gently, to combine the ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the pineapple mixture. Dot the top with butter.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Be sure to include the pineapple juice from the can in the casserole mixture.
- Experiment with toppings; try crushed buttery crackers or buttered breadcrumbs in place of Ritz.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving; the flavors will blend even better.
- Recipe easily doubles or triples to serve a larger crowd.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the top of the casserole isn’t golden brown after baking, just pop it under the broiler for a few minutes. Watch carefully to make sure it doesn’t burn!
- If the casserole seems too dry, drizzle a little bit more melted butter over the top before serving.
- If the edges of the casserole are getting too brown while baking, cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Recipe Variations
- Add a layer of lightly toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical flare.
- Mix in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Serve
- Even though it may seem more like a dessert course, I (and everyone else I know) always serve this recipe as a side dish. It’s often a part of holiday meals and is especially complementary to baked ham, with additional sides of roasted asparagus, potato salad, deviled eggs, and angel biscuits. It’s also delicious with roasted chicken or grilled pork chops.
- I have also served the leftovers for lunch paired with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
- It’s also delicious with traditional southern favorites like turnip greens, cornbread, and macaroni and cheese.
How I Store the Leftovers
Personally, I think this recipe is best enjoyed while still warm and fresh from the oven. However, if you do have some leftover pineapple casserole and you want to store it, you’ll need to allow it to cool completely first, then transfer to an airtight container which can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
I don’t recommend it, but if you insist on keeping it for longer storage, you can store it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in the oven at 350 degrees.
Note that the cracker topping will definitely become soggy during storage.
Questions about this Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
No, it’s best to use canned pineapple in this recipe for both texture and the necessary volume of pineapple juice. You can, however, swap out pineapple tidbits with pineapple chunks if you like.
Cheddar cheese is traditionally used for this casserole. You can choose mild, sharp, or extra sharp.I use a different type of cheese?
You can prepare the casserole (up to adding the cracker topping) ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Then add the cracker crumbs and butter before baking as directed.
While Ritz crackers are traditional, you can use any buttery cracker you prefer or even breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Questions? I’m happy to help!
If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Recipe
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Southern Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
- 20 ounces pineapple tidbits with juice
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese grated
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup Ritz crackers crushed (about 12 )
- ¼ cup butter plus more for preparing the dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the undrained pineapple tidbits, flour, cheese, and sugar. Stir well, but gently, to combine the ingredients.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the pineapple mixture. Dot the top with butter.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
