Southern Pineapple Casserole
This easy pineapple casserole is a traditional southern recipe that makes the perfect side dish to go with ham at any potluck or holiday dinner.
I love trying out traditional southern recipes and I have to admit this pineapple casserole recipe was a new one for me. Canned pineapple chunks, cheddar cheese, flour, sugar, butter, and Ritz crackers are all baked together into a sweet dish that pairs perfectly with a few slices of honey glazed ham.
People bake pineapple casserole to serve as a side at Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner. It pairs perfectly with a ham or turkey dinner. I’ve even added ham chunks to it to make a delicious baked pineapple and ham dinner as a weeknight dinner!
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Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Sugar – white granulated sugar brings out the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Flour – Just a little helps to thicken the casserole filling.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Using a sharp cheddar gives you a bolder cheese flavor that can stand up to the sweet pineapple.
- Canned pineapple chunks – We prefer to use pineapple chunks but you can also use pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple.
- RITZ crackers – These buttery crackers make a salty, savory crumble on the top of the casserole.
- Butter – We use salted butter to enhance the flavor of the crackers.
I know you’re looking at that list of ingredients and asking “Pineapple and cheddar cheese?” You read it right, but don’t let that scare you off. The savory cheese and crackers in this recipe help balance that sweetness from the pineapples and sugar.
How to Make Pineapple Casserole
Step 1 – Prepare. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a medium size (approximately 11×7 inch) baking dish by greasing it with non-stick spray or butter
Step 2 – Combine ingredients. In a large bowl combine sugar, flour, and cheese. Toss together until they are well combined. Drain the pineapple chunks making sure to reserve a little of the liquid for the topping. Add the drained pineapple to the cheese mixture and toss together until well combined.
Step 3 – Make topping. In a small bowl combine the cracker crumbs, melted butter, and reserved pineapple juice and stir together until well combined.
Step 4 – Assemble. Pour the pineapple mixture into the casserole dish and top with the cracker mixture.
Step 5 – Bake. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.
Step 6 – Serve. When the casserole comes out of the oven you’re ready to serve. This dish is best served warm. Serve it with a few slices of ham and your opinion of pineapple casserole will be forever changed!
Can I Use Crushed Pineapple?
Yes, you can substitute crushed pineapple for pineapple chunks. I prefer the chunks because it gives the casserole more texture but it is a personal preference and doesn’t change the taste.
How Do I Reheat Pineapple Casserole?
To reheat this dish you can cover it with aluminum foil and place it in a 350 degree F oven for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
How to Store It
Cooling: Allow the pineapple casserole to cool down to room temperature after baking. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigeration: Transfer any leftover pineapple casserole into an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed tightly to prevent moisture from getting in or escaping.
Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label the container with the date you prepared the casserole. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
Refrigerate: Place the sealed container in the refrigerator. The pineapple casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Reheat for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s heated through.
Remember that the texture of the casserole may change slightly after refrigeration, but it should still taste delicious. Enjoy your stored pineapple casserole!
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Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons Flour
- 6 ounces Sharp cheddar, shredded
- 2 20-ounce cans Pineapple chunks, drained, and 6 tablespoons pineapple juice reserved
- 2 ounces RITZ cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons Butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Prepare a medium size (approximately 11×7 inch) casserole dish by greasing it with non-stick spray or butter
- In a large bowl combine sugar, flour, and cheese. Toss together until they are well combined.
- Drain the pineapple chunks making sure to reserve a small amount of liquid for the topping. Add the drained pineapple chunks to the cheese mixture and toss together until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl combine the cracker crumbs, melted butter, and reserved pineapple juice and stir together until well combined.
- Pour the pineapple mixture into the casserole dish and top with the cracker mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.