Pineapple Casserole

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Pineapple casserole is a beloved Southern dish—a little sweet, a little savory, and always satisfying. With its bubbly cheese and golden cracker topping, it stands out at potlucks and family dinners alike. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or looking for new ways to make it, this guide will cover everything you need to know.

What Is Pineapple Casserole?

At its core, pineapple casserole brings together the contrasting flavors of juicy pineapple and sharp cheddar cheese. Crunchy, buttery crackers finish the dish with a satisfying bite. The flavors may surprise you, but the first spoonful will likely win you over.

This versatile dish works as a sweet-savory side, a surprising main, or even a dessert at casual gatherings. Its simplicity is part of its charm, but small tweaks let you make it your own.

Ingredients for Pineapple Casserole

Building an unforgettable pineapple casserole starts with a handful of common pantry ingredients. Each component brings its own essential flavor and texture.

Ingredient Tips

• Pineapple: Canned pineapple is convenient and consistent, but fresh pineapple adds a bright, tart note. Drain pineapple well; too much juice makes for a soggy casserole.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar cuts through the sweetness and melts beautifully. For a twist, try Gouda or Monterey Jack.
• Crackers: Ritz crackers are classic, but any mild, buttery cracker will work. Avoid crackers that are heavily seasoned or salty.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process, from prepping your ingredients to serving the finished dish.

Prepare the Pineapple Mixture

• Drain Pineapple: Drain pineapple chunks and crushed pineapple thoroughly. Reserve about 1/4 cup of juice for the filling.
• Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, reserved juice, sugar, flour, and shredded cheddar.
• Stir Well: Stir with a spatula or broad spoon until everything is evenly distributed. The flour should coat the fruit and cheese without forming clumps.

Assemble the Casserole

• Grease Dish: Lightly coat a 1½-quart casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
• Transfer Filling: Spoon the pineapple mixture into the dish. Spread evenly to ensure the casserole cooks uniformly.

Make the Topping

• Crush Crackers: Place crackers in a zip-top bag. Crush gently with a rolling pin or your hands. Aim for coarse crumbs, not dust.
• Add Melted Butter: In a small bowl, mix cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Bake

• Top & Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple layer.
• Bake: Place the dish in a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes. The topping should be golden and crisp, and the filling should bubble around the edges.
• Cool Slightly: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

Pineapple casserole is flexible. Here are some ways to serve it:

• Side Dish: It pairs well with baked ham, roast chicken, or pork chops. Its sweet complexity cuts through rich, savory meats.
• Brunch Table: Adds a playful, unexpected element among egg bakes and biscuits.
• Potluck Favorite: Its unique flavor often sparks conversation among guests.
• Dessert: Serve warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

For gatherings, assemble ahead and refrigerate unbaked. Add the cracker topping just before popping it in the oven.

Expert Tips and Variations

The classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser, but you can personalize it in many ways:

Ingredient Swaps

• Try Monterey Jack or Gouda for a milder or smokier cheese profile.
• Use gluten-free crackers and flour to make the casserole gluten-free.
• Cornflakes or panko can replace crackers for a slightly different crunch.

Add-Ins

• Chopped ham or cooked bacon introduces a smoky, savory edge—ideal when serving as a main dish.
• Cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling or topping adds warmth.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts bring extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened) amplifies the tropical notes.

Texture and Sweetness Adjustments

• If you like more texture, chop pineapple chunks into bite-sized pieces, or reserve a handful of chunkier pieces to scatter on top.
• For less sweetness, reduce or skip the sugar, especially if your pineapple is very ripe.
• For greater richness, add extra cheese or a splash of milk or cream into the filling.

Pro Tips

• Avoid overmixing the filling. This keeps the casserole light and prevents a gluey texture.
• Let it rest after baking. The filling thickens as it cools, making serving easier.
• Serve hot. The texture and flavors shine when it’s warm and bubbly.

Storing and Reheating

Pineapple casserole holds up well for a few days—if there’s any left.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to four days.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked casserole, but the texture may soften on thawing due to the crackers. If possible, freeze before adding the topping.

Reheating

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to avoid over-browning the top.
• Microwave: Warm individual servings in short bursts, stopping to check for even heating.

FAQ

Can I make pineapple casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the filling in your dish and refrigerate covered, up to 24 hours ahead. Add the cracker topping right before baking.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. Adjust the sugar to taste, especially with fresh or very sweet pineapple.

My topping went soggy. What happened?

If the pineapple is not well-drained, excess liquid can seep into the topping. Also, bake until the topping is golden and crisp.

Nutritional Overview

Pineapple casserole offers a mix of carbohydrates from the fruit and crackers, protein and fat from the cheese, and simple sugars. It’s not particularly low-calorie, but that’s part of its appeal as a special treat or holiday side.

Values can vary based on your chosen proportions and ingredients.

Making It Your Own

The heart of pineapple casserole is in its contradictions. It’s as homey as comfort food gets, yet full of surprising flavor. Try making it once using the classic method, then iterate. Maybe you’ll land on a new family favorite.

For another idea, mix up the presentation: bake in individual ramekins for dinner parties or scoop onto warm waffles for a take on sweet-and-savory brunch.

However you serve it, don’t be surprised if it disappears fast. Pineapple casserole brings both intrigue and nostalgia to the table every time.

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Pineapple Casserole

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

4.8 from 1 votes

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Course: Casseroles / Cuisine:

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cooking Time 30 minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 423 cal

Try this pineapple casserole for a dish no one will be able to resist. It is made with juicy pineapple, cheese, and buttery crackers. It’s a guaranteed winner.

Ingredients

• 1 (20-ounces) can pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup melted butter, or to taste
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 40 buttery round crackers, such as Ritz, crushed
• 1/2 cup white sugar, or to taste
• 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the oven to preheat.
2. Drain the pineapple chunks. Reserve 1/4 cup of the juice. Transfer the pineapple chunks to a large bowl. Add the reserved juice to the bowl.
3. Add the drained, crushed pineapple to the bowl. Add the cheese. Add the sugar. Add the flour. Mix to combine.
4. Pour the mixture. Use a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
5. Mix the cracker crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the pineapple mixture.
6. Bake in the preheated oven. Continue until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Enjoy!