If there’s one dish that instantly transports me to the heart of the South, it’s the Southern Pineapple Casserole. This homespun classic strikes a perfect balance between tangy, sweet pineapple and rich, gooey cheddar, all hugged beneath a blanket of buttery, golden cracker crumbs. It’s quirky, a little nostalgic, and utterly irresistible for holiday gatherings or Sunday suppers alike! Whether you serve it alongside ham at Easter or bring it to a summer potluck, Southern Pineapple Casserole is a conversation-starter and crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this casserole is how the simplest things combine to create big flavor and unforgettable texture. Each ingredient plays an important role—some for creamy richness, others for crunch or that signature sweet-tangy punch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pineapple Chunks: Use canned pineapple for convenience, but don’t forget to reserve a splash of juice! It keeps the casserole luscious and perfectly moist.
- Granulated Sugar: This bit of sweetness compliments the tart pineapple, making every bite sing—especially alongside those savory notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour thickens the filling, holding everything together without getting gummy or stodgy.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The cheddar melts into gooey pockets, giving that classic savory-sweet contrast Southerners love.
- Buttery Round Crackers: Go for something like Ritz for that iconic, slightly salty crunch on top—crushed just enough for even sprinkling.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter blends with crackers to make a golden, decadent topping that’s pretty hard to resist.
How to Make Southern Pineapple Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Pantry and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your casserole comes together. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray—this keeps cleanup breezy and helps those golden edges form.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Filling
In a large bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and flour first, making sure they’re evenly combined. Add the drained pineapple chunks along with that reserved 1/4 cup of juice. Stir gently until everything is nicely moistened and coated. Now for the magic: fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It might seem surprising, but cheese plus pineapple equals absolute delight here!
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the pineapple and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter; toss them together until every crumb is glistening.
Step 4: Sprinkle & Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumb mixture evenly over the pineapple layer. Don’t be shy—this is where the crunch comes from! Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling gently around the edges.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Let your Southern Pineapple Casserole cool for about 5 minutes so the filling can settle. Serve it up warm, scooping generous portions straight from the dish. The aroma alone will have people lining up for seconds!
How to Serve Southern Pineapple Casserole
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! I love sprinkling a touch of fresh chopped parsley or even a few extra cracker crumbs just before serving. For an elegant touch at holidays, tuck in a pineapple ring or two on the top, or add a light drizzle of pineapple juice for shine.
Side Dishes
Southern Pineapple Casserole shines alongside classic entrées like glazed ham, roast chicken, or pork tenderloin. Try it with a side of green beans, a tangy slaw, or fluffy mashed potatoes. The sweetness pairs beautifully with smoky, savory dishes, adding a pop of brightness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to really wow your guests, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings. Or, cut it into neat squares once cooled and arrange them on a platter for a party-ready appetizer. You can even tuck mini casseroles into bento boxes for picnics—so fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Southern Pineapple Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. The topping stays decently crisp, and the filling remains creamy and flavorful.
Freezing
Good news for meal preppers: you can freeze Southern Pineapple Casserole! Assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Wrap the dish well and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. For the best texture, uncover it for the last few minutes to restore that crunchy topping. Individual portions can also be microwaved in a pinch!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Cut fresh pineapple into chunks and use about 3 to 4 cups total. You might want to add a splash of pineapple juice or a bit of water to replace the reserved juice from canned.
Is it possible to make Southern Pineapple Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free crackers. The classic flavor and texture will still shine.
Why pair pineapple with cheddar cheese?
It seems unusual at first, but the sharpness of cheddar balances the pineapple’s sweetness, creating an addictive sweet-and-savory combination that makes this casserole so beloved.
Can I prepare Southern Pineapple Casserole a day in advance?
Definitely! Assemble everything up to the point of adding the cracker topping, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, scatter the crumbs on and bake fresh for the best crunch.
What mains go best with this dish?
Baked ham, smoky pork, or rotisserie chicken make perfect partners for Southern Pineapple Casserole. The casserole’s caramelized edges and creamy center pair beautifully with hearty proteins and simple vegetable sides.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Southern Pineapple Casserole, now’s your moment! It’s playful yet comforting, familiar but always a surprise to newcomers. I promise—serve this and you’ll be fielding requests for the recipe year after year. Give it a go and let the sweet, savory magic bring a little bit of Southern sunshine to your table!
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Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Southern Pineapple Casserole that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the richness of cheddar cheese, topped with a buttery cracker crust. This comforting side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pineapple Mixture:
- 2 cans (20 ounces each) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Cracker Topping:
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Pineapple: In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, pineapple chunks, reserved juice, and cheddar cheese.
- Layer: Spread the pineapple mixture in the dish.
- Cracker Topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the pineapple.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with ham, pork, or chicken.
- For a lighter version, reduce sugar or use pineapple in natural juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
