Sandra This Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole is a unique and classic Southern recipe, which is made with a surprising combination of pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. It’s a sweet and savory side dish, ready in about 30 minutes.
Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup white sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 40 buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
- ½ cup butter, melted
How To Make Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole
- Prep Oven and Pineapple: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drain the can of pineapple chunks, but be sure to reserve 1/4 cup of the juice.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, the reserved 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, the drained crushed pineapple, the shredded Cheddar cheese, the sugar, and the flour. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the pineapple mixture into a 1 ½-quart casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Make the Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed cracker crumbs with the melted butter and mix well.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the pineapple mixture. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the best flavor combination? Don’t be afraid of the pineapple and cheese combination! It’s a classic sweet and savory Southern pairing. Using a sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese provides the best tangy contrast to the sweet pineapple.
- How do I get a crispy topping? Make sure the cracker crumbs are evenly moistened with the melted butter. This helps them toast up to a perfect golden brown and create a wonderfully crispy crust.
- Why reserve some of the pineapple juice? The small amount of reserved juice adds a little extra moisture and pineapple flavor to the filling, helping to create a saucy consistency under the cheesy layer.
- Can I use fresh pineapple? While canned pineapple is traditional for this recipe due to its consistency and sweetness, you could use fresh pineapple. Just be sure to chop it finely and you may need to add a little extra sugar and a splash of water or juice to compensate.
What To Serve With Pineapple Casserole
This unique sweet and savory side dish is a holiday staple in the South, especially alongside salty meats.
- Baked ham
- Roast turkey
- Pork chops
- It’s also a popular dish at potlucks and BBQs.
How To Store Pineapple Casserole
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. The cracker topping will soften upon refrigeration but will crisp up again slightly in the oven.
Pineapple Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 25g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
It’s firmly in the side dish category! While it has sweet elements, it’s traditionally served alongside the main course, much like you would serve cranberry sauce with turkey.
Yes. You can assemble the pineapple and cheese filling and store it in the casserole dish, covered, in the refrigerator for up to a day. Prepare the cracker topping separately and sprinkle it on just before baking for the best results.
Buttery round crackers like Ritz are classic, but you could also use crushed cornflakes or even a simple breadcrumb and butter mixture for the topping.
Try More Recipes:
Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole Recipe
Description
A classic, unique Southern side dish that combines sweet pineapple and sharp Cheddar cheese under a buttery, crispy cracker crumb topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving ¼ cup of the juice.
- In a large bowl, mix the pineapple chunks, reserved juice, drained crushed pineapple, cheese, sugar, and flour.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 ½-quart casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the pineapple mixture.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Using sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese provides the best flavor contrast to the sweet pineapple.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time; just add the cracker topping right before baking.
- Don’t be skeptical of the cheese and pineapple combination—it’s a beloved Southern classic!
- Serve this as a side dish with salty meats like ham or turkey.
