Sunshine Pineapple Casserole

This pineapple casserole is a Southern staple! Sweet pineapple, tangy cheddar & a buttery Ritz topping. Perfect for ham or any potluck. Get the recipe!

Okay, let's get this Pineapple Casserole party started! I'm picturing sunshine and gingham tablecloths already.

Sunshine Pineapple Casserole : Sweet, Savory, & Southern Charm!

Ever wondered what a taste of home pineapple casserole is? honestly, it’s the most unexpected delicious thing you’ll ever try.

Trust me, i was skeptical too ! this classic is a delightful blend of sweet pineapple baked , tangy cheddar cheese, and a buttery, crunchy topping.

It’s a southern tradition, perfect for potlucks or when you need some comfort food.

This pineapple casserole isn’t just another crushed pineapple dessert . it’s like sunshine in a dish! its origin is a bit of a mystery, but it's definitely got that southern charm.

We are talking about an easy recipe. prep takes only 15 minutes. it will bake for 30 minutes. you will get 8 servings of pure joy.

This pineapple custard is pure genius.

Why You'll Love This Baked Pineapple

Let's talk about benefits! besides being ridiculously tasty, the pineapple is packed with vitamin c. that will help you feel good about that bit of sugar.

Serve this at your next ham and pineapple casserole gathering. everyone will ask for the recipe.

This recipe's special? the cheese! yes, cheese. don't knock it until you baked pineapple ! the sharp cheddar against the sweet pineapple is a game-changer.

Let’s dive into what you need. the ingredients are simple, and you might already have them.

Alright, let's chat pineapple casserole , shall we? honestly, when i first heard about it, i thought, "cheese with pineapple? seriously?" but trust me, this pineapple casserole is surprisingly addictive.

Think sweet, savory, and seriously comforting. it's a classic, kinda like taste of home pineapple casserole , but with my own little twist.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's get down to brass tacks, yeah? Here's what you'll need to whip up this little slice of heaven.

Main Ingredients

• Crushed pineapple: 20 oz (567g), undrained. Look for good quality pineapple, not the super watery kind. The kind with a good pineapple baked flavor is best.
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (227g).
• All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (113g).
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup (113g). Seriously, use sharp! It's the secret weapon.

Seasoning Notes

For this particular crushed pineapple dessert , you don't need much seasoning. but here's the thing. the essential spice combinations are already in the ingredients.

You have the sweetness from the pineapple and sugar, contrasted by the tang of the cheddar. you can adjust the recipe to include a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg if you desire, but this recipe does not need any adjustments.

You could substitute the cheese with any other cheese pineapple casserole if you wanted to make an adjustment.

Equipment Needed

Just the basics, love.

• 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

That's it! You don't need anything fancy for this Baked Pineapple dish.

Honestly, the cheese might sound weird, but it totally works. it's a classic pineapple side dish for ham , especially around the holidays.

Thinking about ham and pineapple casserole makes me want to cook one. if you're feeling adventurous, you could add a touch of brown sugar or try a southern living pineapple casserole variation with pecans on top.

Just saying!

Right then, let's talk Sunshine Pineapple Casserole: Sweet, Savory, & Southern Charm!

Honestly, when i first heard about pineapple casserole , i thought, "cheese and pineapple? together?" but trust me, it's a revelation! this classic dish is like a little ray of sunshine, perfect for potlucks or just a comforting side.

It's dead easy, so don't be shy.

It is in fact Taste Of Home Pineapple Casserole recipe that you will crave for a long time.

Cranking Up Your Casserole: The Prep

Essential Mise en Place: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Before you even think about turning on the oven, get everything measured out. 20 oz of crushed pineapple , 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of flour, 1 cup of shredded cheddar.

For the topping, 1/2 cup of melted butter and 1 cup of crushed ritz crackers. having all the ingredients ready is a game-changer.

Time-Saving Organization Tips

I like to crush my ritz crackers in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin. less mess! and shred your cheese fresh—it melts better.

Oh, and grease that 9x13 inch baking dish before you start mixing anything.

The Magic: Step-by-Step Pineapple Casserole

1. Preheat to 350° F ( 175° C). Make sure the oven's good and hot.
2. Mix the Base. In a bowl, chuck in the pineapple, sugar, flour, and cheddar. Mix it well now.
3. Topping Time. Melt butter and mix it with crushed Ritz crackers in another bowl.
4. Assemble. Pour the pineapple mixture into the dish. Sprinkle that buttery cracker topping all over.
5. Bake for 30 minutes. It should be golden and bubbly. You know, like Pineapple Baked perfectly.
6. Cool for a bit. Let it sit for a few before serving.

Pro Tips That'll Wow Everyone

• Sharp Cheddar is King. Honestly, it makes all the difference. Don't skimp!
• Don't Overbake. Overbaking it will make it dry and sad, and nobody wants that. Aim for golden brown.
• Make-Ahead Magic. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. Then bake as directed.
• You could always add Pineapple Corn for extra taste.

Honestly, this pineapple casserole is more than just a recipe. it's a hug in a dish, a slice of southern comfort, and a testament to the fact that sometimes the weirdest combinations make the best food.

So go on, give it a go! who knows, it might just become your new favourite crushed pineapple dessert . enjoy it as a great pineapple side dish for ham , or try with ham and pineapple casserole .

Alright, let's talk about the sunshine pineapple casserole beyond just the recipe. honestly, the magic is in the details! you know, all those little things that make it your own, or help you save the day if something goes a bit pear-shaped.

Plus, a great pineapple casserole deserves a great presentation and understanding.

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Pineapple Casserole

Let’s dig into those bits that’ll make your pineapple casserole sing! I think it’s important to think of this pineapple side dish for ham as more than just a dish.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Showstopper

Okay, first up: plating! a dollop of whipped cream on top of this pineapple baked dream can make it super fancy.

Honestly, a simple garnish of fresh mint also works wonders. consider serving this as pineapple corn too. for a proper southern feast, pair it with a glazed ham.

It is, after all, a great pineapple side dish for ham . trust me, the combo is banging! you could also pair this with chicken.

Storage Tips: Keep the Sunshine Fresh

Got leftover pineapple recipes from your cheese pineapple casserole ? no worries! store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you are interested in freezing this dish, it works surprisingly well! just be sure to freeze the casserole before baking.

Thaw it completely in the fridge before popping it in the oven. reheating is best done in the oven at 350° f ( 175° c) until warmed through.

Microwaving works too, but it might get a bit soggy. and, if you have a taste of home pineapple casserole you may want to use, feel free!

Variations: Tweak it to Your Taste

Want to make it gluten-free? easy peasy! use gluten-free ritz cracker alternatives or gluten-free all-purpose flour for the base. looking to reduce sugar? you can use a sugar substitute, but be careful; it might affect the texture slightly.

Nutrition Basics: A (Slightly) Healthier Treat

Alright, let's be real: pineapple casserole isn't exactly health food. a serving will give you roughly 350 calories, about 4g of protein, 18g of fat, and 45g of carbs.

Hey, pineapple does have vitamin c, though, so that's a win!

So, there you have it! a few extra tips and tricks to make your pineapple casserole the star of the show.

Don't be afraid to experiment! i'd say give it a try. you may even want to look at these paula deen recipes .

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does pineapple casserole have cheese in it? Sounds a bit bonkers!

I know, I know, it sounds like a culinary crime worthy of being sent to the Tower! But trust me, the sharp cheddar cheese provides a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness of the pineapple in this classic dish. It adds a savory depth that prevents the pineapple casserole from being cloyingly sweet – think of it as the culinary equivalent of a perfectly placed witty remark in a serious conversation.

Can I make pineapple casserole ahead of time? I'm a bit pushed for time, old chap!

Absolutely! You can assemble the pineapple casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just add the topping right before baking. This is a lifesaver when you're juggling multiple dishes, like when you're hosting a right royal knees-up!

What's the best way to store leftover pineapple casserole? Does it keep alright?

Leftover pineapple casserole will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but the topping might lose a bit of its crunch.

Is there a gluten-free version of pineapple casserole? My cousin Prudence is coeliac.

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free! Simply substitute the Ritz crackers in the topping with your favourite gluten-free crackers (there are some great options out there these days). Also, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the base. Your cousin Prudence will thank you for going the extra mile!

Can I add nuts to the topping of the pineapple casserole?

Indeed you can! Adding nuts to the cracker topping is a popular and delicious variation. Chopped pecans or walnuts work particularly well, adding a lovely nutty flavour and extra crunch. Use about ½ cup of chopped nuts and toss them with the melted butter and crushed crackers before sprinkling over the casserole.

Help! My pineapple casserole topping got too brown. How do I prevent that next time?

Ah, a common baking woe! If the topping starts to brown too quickly, gently tent a piece of foil over the casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will shield the topping from direct heat while allowing the pineapple casserole to finish baking underneath. Keep a close eye on it though – baking is a bit like a cricket match; you have to watch every over!

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