Sweet Southern Sunshine Pineapple Casserole with a Cheesy Crunch

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had a casserole that made you question everything you thought you knew about food? This southern pineapple casserole might just be it! It's a sweet and savory dream.

Think sunshine on a plate.

Brief Overview

This pineapple casserole hails from the American South. It’s a classic southern side dish often gracing holiday tables. It's surprisingly easy to make, taking about 45- 50 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe yields around 8-10 servings.

Main Benefits

This comfort food casserole is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It's also a decent source of Vitamin C, thanks to the pineapple.

It's perfect for a potluck. What makes this recipe special is that unexpected cheddar cheese.

Let's Talk Ingredients

Time to gather your goodies. You'll need crushed pineapple. Then granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Don't forget the shredded cheddar cheese.

It makes all the difference in this sweet and savory casserole .

And for the topping? Ritz crackers and melted butter are all you need. Crush those Ritz cracker topping ingredients together.

You'll have golden brown, buttery goodness. You can swap the Ritz crackers out, but its not the same.

Honestly, I used to think cheese and pineapple was a crime. But this cheddar cheese casserole totally changed my mind.

Now, it’s a must have at every holiday meal. Serve alongside a sweet, iced tea.

Why This Casserole Works

This recipe, is more than just food; it's an experience. The easy casserole recipe has something for everyone. It's also a wonderful make-ahead option for busy hosts during the holidays or other events.

You can bring this to a potluck casserole and everyone will enjoy it.

Ingredients & Equipment

Hey there, darlin'! Let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this southern pineapple casserole . It's easier than finding a parking spot at Walmart on a Saturday.

Honestly, if I can do it, you definitely can.

Main Ingredients for Sweet Southern Sunshine

Okay, here's the lowdown. We're gonna break it down by steps, just like a good country song.

• Pineapple Base:

  • 20 ounces ( 567g ) crushed pineapple, undrained. Look for pineapple that smells sweet and fresh.
  • 1 cup ( 227g ) granulated sugar.
  • 1/4 cup ( 30g ) all-purpose flour.
  • 1/2 cup ( 113g ) (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted.
  • 1 cup ( 113g ) shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Go for a good quality cheddar. It makes all the difference!.

• Ritz Cracker Topping:

  • 1 sleeve (about 40 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups crumbs).
  • 1/4 cup ( 57g ) unsalted butter, melted.

Seasoning Notes for the Perfect Potluck Casserole

For this pineapple dessert casserole , you don't need much extra seasoning. The pineapple and cheese do most of the work.

A pinch of cinnamon won't hurt if you are feeling it. I love to add vanilla extract, but it's all about what you enjoy.

The goal is to create a balance of sweet and savory casserole flavors.

Equipment Needed

You really don't need a ton of fancy gadgets for this easy casserole recipe .

• 9x13 inch baking dish . I have a pyrex that my grandama gave to me.
• Mixing bowls.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Food processor (optional, for crushing crackers). A ziplock bag and rolling pin work great too.

And there you have it. Now you're ready to make magic. Get ready for a holiday casserole recipe sensation. Trust me, this cheddar cheese casserole will be the star of any show.

Sweet Southern Sunshine: Pineapple Casserole with a Cheesy Crunch

This Southern Pineapple Casserole is the perfect side dish. It’s great for any potluck or holiday gathering . This recipe comes from the South.

The pineapple dessert casserole nicely mixes the pineapple's zing with cheddar cheese. It also has a buttery, cracker crumb topping.

It seems weird, but it totally works. It's comforting and balances sweet and savory flavors. It's like the Elvis of casseroles, you know? Unexpected, but you can't forget it!

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized Y'all

First, get your mise en place sorted. This means having everything ready. Grab your 20 ounces crushed pineapple , 1 cup sugar , 1/4 cup flour , 1/2 cup melted butter , and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese .

Don't forget those Ritz crackers and another 1/4 cup melted butter for the topping. Honestly, if you pre-measure, it saves you SO much time.

Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish, too.

step-by-step to Comfort Food Casserole

1. Preheat that oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . That's key.
2. Mix the pineapple, sugar, flour, and 1/2 cup melted butter . Get it all combined in a big bowl.
3. Fold in that 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese . Gently, now.
4. Pour this pineapple mixture into your greased baking dish.
5. Crush those Ritz crackers. Mix them with the 1/4 cup melted butter for the topping.
6. Sprinkle this Ritz cracker topping all over the pineapple.
7. Bake for 30- 35 minutes . Look for golden brown and bubbly.
8. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Trust me, it needs to set a bit.

Pro Tips: Easy Casserole Recipe Secrets

Don't skip the cheese! That cheddar cheese casserole is what makes it special. Also, tent the dish with foil if the topping gets too brown.

You don’t want to burn those delicious buttery crackers. You can make this holiday casserole recipe a day ahead. Just cover it and bake it when needed.

It makes life so much easier, you know? Some people like to call it a Southern side dish , but I think it can be a desert dish if it is on a potluck.

This sweet and savory casserole is a keeper!

Recipe Notes

This southern pineapple casserole is more than just a dish. It's a hug from the South. It’s that warm, comforting feeling of coming home.

So, let's dive into some notes to make yours perfect!

Serving Suggestions That Shine

Think of pineapple casserole as your culinary blank canvas.

Plating it is easy. A simple scoop in a pretty bowl works wonders. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a dusting of cinnamon.

It elevates the presentation. My grandma used to put a dollop of whipped cream. Oh my gosh, it was amazing!

As a southern side dish , it is fantastic with ham. BBQ chicken is also great. Pair with sweet iced tea. Now that's a Southern feast.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? No worries, this comfort food casserole keeps well.

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until warm.

You can also microwave it in short bursts. Be careful not to dry it out!

Freezing isn't really ideal with this cheddar cheese casserole . The cracker topping can get soggy. If you must freeze, wrap it tightly. Thaw completely before reheating.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Want to mix things up? Honestly, the Ritz cracker topping is kind of iconic.

For a pecan crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the topping. gluten-free? Use gluten-free crackers. Simple! Less sugar? Reduce it by 1/4 cup . It's still plenty sweet.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This sweet and savory casserole isn't exactly health food. But it's good for the soul.

Each serving has approximately 350 calories , 5g protein , and 20g fat . This recipe also contains 40g carbohydrates and 25g sugar . Remember that these values are estimates.

The pineapple dessert casserole provides vitamin C and fiber from the pineapple. Plus, the cheese adds calcium.

So there you have it! With these tips, your easy casserole recipe is bound to be a hit. Whether it's a holiday casserole recipe or just a potluck casserole , enjoy sharing this taste of the South! Don't forget to have fun!