Cozy Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe That Tastes Like Home

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this southern pineapple casserole recipe brings a delightful twist to your dinner table.

Sweet chunks of tropical fruit mingle with rich, melted cheese in a harmonious blend of flavors.

The golden-brown topping adds a satisfying crunch that makes every bite memorable.

Savory and sweet notes dance together, creating a side dish that surprises and delights.

southern comfort food rarely gets more delectable than this crowd-pleasing casserole.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family gathering or potluck.

Best Storage for Southern Pineapple Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate promptly after cooling.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent top from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp up topping.

FAQs

• Why use Ritz crackers for the topping?

Ritz crackers provide a buttery, crispy texture that adds a delicious crunch to the casserole, creating a perfect contrast with the soft, sweet pineapple filling.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

While cheddar cheese is traditional, you can experiment with mild or sharp cheddar depending on your flavor preference. Avoid using extremely soft or liquid cheeses.

• Is this a sweet or savory dish?

Southern Pineapple Casserole is a unique side dish that balances sweet and savory flavors, making it versatile enough to complement both main courses and dessert spreads.

Southern Pineapple Casserole Highlights

• Reinvent Classic Comfort: Transform the beloved Philly cheesesteak into a low-carb, veggie-packed meal that keeps all the delicious flavors without the bread.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust cheese types, or add extra veggies to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick and Satisfying Weeknight Meal: Prepare this protein-rich dish in under an hour, delivering a hearty and nutritious dinner that'll impress family and friends.
• Healthier Indulgence: Swap traditional bread for bell peppers, reducing carbs while adding nutritional value and creating a colorful, vibrant presentation that makes dinner exciting.

Key Ingredients in Southern Pineapple Casserole

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh tropical fruit that provides the sweet and tangy base for the casserole.
• Flour: Helps thicken the filling and bind the ingredients together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to complement the pineapple's natural flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, savory element that balances the fruit's sweetness.

• Ritz Crackers: Crispy base that creates a crunchy, buttery topping for the casserole.
• Butter: Helps bind the cracker topping and adds richness to the dish.

• Pineapple Juice: Enhances the fruity flavor and helps create a moist filling.

Step-by-Step Southern Pineapple Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

This ensures easy serving and cleanup.

Step 2: Create Pineapple Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Pineapple chunks
• Reserved pineapple juice
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Gently fold everything together until the mixture looks evenly distributed and creamy.

Step 3: Craft Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter

Stir until the crackers are thoroughly coated and have a golden, buttery appearance.

Step 4: Assemble Casserole

Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it smoothly and evenly.

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture across the top, creating a delightful crunchy layer.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become bubbly. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Top Tips for Southern Pineapple Casserole

• Pat pineapple chunks dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor that complements the sweet pineapple.
• Crush Ritz crackers coarsely to maintain a crispy texture and prevent a dense topping.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free crackers for a dietary-friendly version.

Unique Takes on Southern Pineapple Casserole

• Tropical Coconut Remix: Replace Ritz crackers with toasted coconut flakes and add shredded coconut to the filling for a more tropical flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and use gluten-free flour to make the casserole celiac-friendly.
• Savory Cheese Upgrade: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy kick or smoked gouda for a deeper, richer cheese flavor.
• Vegan Plant-Based Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut oil instead of butter, and replace flour with cornstarch to create a plant-based version of the classic casserole.

Serving Ideas for Southern Pineapple Casserole

• Pair with Honey-Glazed Ham: Complement the sweet and tangy pineapple casserole with a succulent honey-glazed ham that echoes the dish's tropical and savory notes.
• Serve with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a chilled Chardonnay with light oak undertones to balance the casserole's richness and highlight its sweet-cheese complexity.
• Accompany with Pulled Pork: Create a Southern-style feast by serving the casserole alongside tender pulled pork, which will enhance the dish's sweet and savory profile.
• Add Coleslaw Side: Bring a fresh, crunchy contrast with a zesty coleslaw that cuts through the casserole's creamy texture and provides a tangy counterpoint.

Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy southern pineapple casserole brings sweet and savory comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Cheese-topped goodness melts hearts with southern hospitality, inviting friends and family to savor this irresistible side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pineapple:

• 2 (20 ounces/567 grams) cans pineapple chunks, drained
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) reserved pineapple juice

Cheese and Flour:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (48 grams) all-purpose flour

Topping:

• 1 sleeve (about 30 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour and sugar using a whisk, creating a smooth base.
3. Introduce pineapple chunks and reserved juice to the flour-sugar mixture, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Gently incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, folding carefully to maintain a uniform texture throughout the mixture.
5. Transfer the pineapple and cheese blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
6. Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter in a separate container, ensuring complete moistening.
7. Distribute the buttery cracker topping uniformly over the pineapple filling, creating a golden, crisp layer.
8. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a rich golden brown and the filling becomes effervescent.
9. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the filling to set before serving warm.

Notes

• Enhance the cheese’s flavor by using sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a more intense taste profile.
• Customize the cracker topping by experimenting with different types like butter crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs for varied textures.
• Reduce sugar content by using fresh pineapple instead of canned or opting for a sugar-free alternative to make the dish more diet-friendly.
• Transform this side dish into a dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg