Southern Pineapple Casserole

This Southern Pineapple Casserole is a sweet and savory dish that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance. With the natural sweetness of pineapple, the richness of cheese, and the crunchy topping, this casserole strikes the perfect balance of flavors. It’s a fun, unexpected combination, but trust me, it’s a game-changer! Whether you serve it at a family gathering, holiday dinner, or just as a comforting side, this dish will steal the show.

Why You’ll Love Southern Pineapple Casserole

This isn’t your typical casserole. It’s a bold mix of flavors that’s going to surprise and delight you in the best way possible. Here’s why it’s a crowd favorite:

• Sweet & Savory Perfection: The sweetness of pineapple paired with the savory cheese and buttery cracker topping is a flavor combination that’s absolutely irresistible.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this casserole proves that sometimes, the best meals come from a few simple pantry staples.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s a little different from your average casserole, but that’s what makes it so special! It’s comforting, but with a little extra excitement.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a potluck, or a Sunday dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what goes into this mouthwatering casserole:

• Pineapple: The sweet, juicy base that gives this dish its signature flavor. You’ll want to use canned crushed pineapple or pineapple chunks, drained well.
• Cheddar Cheese: A classic Southern combo—cheddar adds a rich, savory contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Butter: Adds richness to the casserole and helps create a golden, crispy topping.
• Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.
• Flour: Helps bind everything together and gives the casserole structure.
• Eggs: They add texture and help the casserole set as it bakes.
• Crushed Butter Crackers: These are key for the crispy, buttery topping that gives the dish an irresistible crunch.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect Southern Pineapple Casserole:

• Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare the Pineapple: Drain the canned pineapple well to remove excess liquid. This step is key to preventing a soggy casserole.
• Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple, sugar, flour, eggs, and melted butter. Stir well until everything is combined.
• Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
• Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, crush the butter crackers and mix them with a little melted butter to create the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
• Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
• Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful mix of sweet and savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Southern Pineapple Casserole

This Southern Pineapple Casserole is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. Here are a few ideas to serve it with:

• As a Side Dish: It’s a great addition to any holiday meal, especially with ham, turkey, or roasted meats.
• With Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork, or even burgers for a sweet-savory contrast.
• At Potlucks: Bring it to your next potluck or gathering, and watch it disappear in no time.
• For Breakfast or Brunch: This casserole is also perfect for a sweet breakfast or brunch spread, served alongside eggs or bacon.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day ahead of time. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. Bake as instructed when you’re ready to serve.
• Canned vs. Fresh Pineapple: While canned pineapple is most commonly used, you can use fresh pineapple if you prefer. Just be sure to chop it finely and drain it well.
• Topping Variations: If you want a different topping, consider using crushed pretzels or breadcrumbs for a different crunch.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of sugar or skip it altogether, as the pineapple already provides a good amount of sweetness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other fruits in this casserole?
A1: Absolutely! While pineapple is traditional, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches or apricots for a delicious twist.

Q2: Can I make this casserole without eggs?
A2: Yes! You can leave out the eggs or use an egg substitute like flaxseed meal mixed with water.

Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A5: Cheddar cheese is classic for this dish, but you can also try other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Q6: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A6: Yes, you can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the following day as directed.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?
A7: Yes! If you don’t have butter crackers, you can use Ritz crackers or any buttery crackers you like.

Q8: Is there a way to make this dish less sweet?
A8: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the sugar or skip it, as the pineapple will provide enough sweetness.

Q9: How do I know when the casserole is done?
A9: The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly and slightly set. You can also insert a toothpick to check for doneness.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish. You may need to increase the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

Southern Pineapple Casserole is a delightful, unexpected dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in the most comforting way. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any meal that needs a little extra love, this casserole is sure to impress. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with this Southern classic!

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