Pineapple Casserole: a Southern side dish that’s great for any occasion
With the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and butter, pineapple casserole is a classic Southern side dish that's ideal for any occasion. This easy side dish is made from a heavenly combination of pineapple and sharp cheddar cheese and topped with buttery, crisp crushed Ritz crackers.
Soft on the inside and lightly crunchy on the outside, each bite is so good. Pineapple casserole isn't just a fantastic side dish. You can serve it as a sweet yet salty dessert for a tempting treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Pineapple Casserole Ingredients
You can make this amazing pineapple casserole with just a few ingredients – you probably already have them in your kitchen!
You'll need pineapple tidbits and crushed pineapple, which are the stars of this tasty casserole. While most recipes call for canned pineapple, you can use fresh pineapple instead.
Sharp cheddar cheese adds a savory tanginess, while flour helps bind everything together.
Sugar and pineapple juice add an extra kiss of sweetness, while buttery Ritz crackers add the perfect amount of crunch.
How to Make Pineapple Casserole
It couldn't be easier to make this mouthwatering sweet-savory pineapple casserole. Start by heating your oven to 350F. Stir the flour, sugar, cheese, pineapple tidbits, crushed pineapple, and ¼ cup of pineapple juice in a large bowl until fully mixed. Put the pineapple mixture into a pie dish, then set aside.
Toss the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then place it on top of the pineapple. Bake the casserole for 35 minutes or until the cracker topping turns golden brown.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Casserole
Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer, more complex flavor.
Add chopped nuts, desiccated coconut, or maraschino cherries to jazz up your pineapple casserole.
Make your pineapple casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
What to Serve with Pineapple Casserole
Since pineapple casserole is a Southern dish, it goes well with other classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, barbecue ribs, chicken-fried steak, and chicken and dumplings. It also would be a phenomenal side for dishes like meatloaf, roast turkey, pork chops, and ham.
Can You Serve Pineapple Casserole as a Dessert?
Absolutely! Pineapple casserole makes a fabulous dessert. Serve it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
How to Store Pineapple Casserole
Once your pineapple casserole has cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and place the casserole in the fridge. It will last for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply pop the casserole in the microwave until heated through.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350F.
Preheat your oven to 350F.
Mix flour, sugar, cheese in a large bowl.
Mix flour, sugar, cheese in a large bowl.
Add pineapple tidbits, crushed pineapple.
Add pineapple tidbits, crushed pineapple.
Pour in ¼ cup of pineapple juice.
Pour in ¼ cup of pineapple juice.
Transfer the mixture to a standard pie dish.
Transfer the mixture to a standard pie dish.
Pour the melted butter in a bowl with crushed Ritz crackers.
Pour the melted butter in a bowl with crushed Ritz crackers.
Mix.
Mix.
Top the pineapple mixture with the cracker mixture.
Top the pineapple mixture with the cracker mixture.
Bake for 35 minutes or until the cracker topping turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a bit.
Bake for 35 minutes or until the cracker topping turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a bit.
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
You'll only need ¼ cup of pineapple juice for this recipe. Save the rest and use it for other recipes.
