Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole is a comforting, sweet-savory side dish that brings a burst of tropical flavor to your table. With layers of tender pineapple, rich cheddar, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces canned pineapple chunks (drained, reserve ¼ cup juice)
- 16 ounces canned pineapple tidbits (drained)
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 32 Ritz crackers (crushed)
- ½ cup butter (melted)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Step 2: Completely drain the pineapple chunks and tidbits, saving ¼ cup of the juice for later use.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, pineapple chunks, pineapple tidbits, reserved pineapple juice, and shredded Cheddar cheese. Mix well, then transfer this mixture into a prepared casserole dish.
- Step 4: In a smaller bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker topping evenly over the pineapple mixture.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious, cheesy pineapple casserole.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the pineapple mixture for a subtle kick.
- Swap Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder taste.
- Use homemade crushed crackers or breadcrumbs as a crunchy alternative topping.
Storage
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to keep the topping crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be used. Be sure to chop it into small pieces and drain any excess juice to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
While it can be frozen, the cracker topping may lose its crispness. To maintain texture, freeze the casserole without the topping, then add fresh crushed crackers and butter before baking.
Print
Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Cheesy Southern Pineapple Casserole is a delightful blend of sweet pineapple chunks and tangy shredded Cheddar cheese, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect as a comforting side dish, it combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy topping, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pineapple Mixture
- 16 ounces canned pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
- 16 ounces canned pineapple tidbits, drained
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Topping
- 32 Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Drain pineapples: Completely drain the canned pineapple chunks and tidbits, reserving ¼ cup of the juice to use in the mixture for added moisture and flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, pineapple chunks, pineapple tidbits, reserved pineapple juice, and shredded Cheddar cheese until well combined. Transfer this mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
- Prepare topping: In a smaller bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated, then sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple cheese mixture in the casserole dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately for the best cheesy, sweet, and crunchy experience. Bon Appétit!
Notes
- Be sure to thoroughly drain the pineapple to avoid a soggy casserole.
- The reserved pineapple juice adds extra flavor and moisture to the dish, so don’t discard it.
- You can substitute sharp Cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
- For a nuttier topping, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crushed Ritz crackers.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or as a sweet-savory side at holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Southern pineapple casserole, cheesy pineapple bake, Ritz cracker topping, baked side dish, holiday casserole, cheesy pineapple dish
