Southern Pineapple Casserole is a classic side dish and/or dessert recipe that is most often served on Holidays, or at funerals and potlucks. The sweet pineapple and salty crackers makes an irresistible combination! This may sound strange, but trust me, it's delicious!
Southern Pineapple Casserole
Southern Pineapple Casserole is a unique traditional Southern dish that has both sweet and savory flavors.
It is served as a side dish or dessert at holiday gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, and such.
- This casserole typically contains these ingredients:
- Canned Pineapple: Crushed pineapple or pineapple chunks are the base of the dish, providing a sweet and juicy element.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is most commonly used, as it has a rich and savory contrast to the sweet pineapple.
- Butter (Ritz®) Crackers: Crushed Ritz® crackers make up the topping, adding a rich, buttery crunch to this dish.
- Sugar & Flour: A bit of sugar is added to enhance the sweetness, while flour helps to thicken the mixture slightly.
- Butter: Melted butter is mixed with the Ritz crackers to create a golden, crispy topping.
Every Southern region has their own version of it. My little sister told me about this recipe one day while we were having our catch-up over the phone. She said "I know it sounds weird, but it's really good!." This is her version.
I completely fell in love with this pineapple casserole recipe! The crisp, buttery, slightly salty cracker layer on top did it for me!
I urge you to bring this to your next potluck. It can be doubled easily.
If you like pineapple, this might be a new Holiday side dish for you! Sweet and salty, and it goes well with ham, turkey, and all of the typical Holiday main dishes.
Which Cheese Works the Best in Pineapple Cheese Casserole?
My preference is sharp cheddar cheese. This cheese will make its presence known when combined with the sweet pineapple. It is just right!
Which Crackers are Best in this Recipe?
- Those round, buttery crackers (such as Ritz®) that come in the sleeves work best. You can use the brand name, or most stores have their own version, which are just as good, and usually less expensive.
- You will need 1 whole sleeve (3.8 oz) of crackers, crushed, for this delicious pineapple cheese casserole recipe. Just don't crush them too fine, you want some texture for that crunch with every bite.
If you make this Southern Pineapple Casserole recipe, I would love to know how you liked it! Please leave me a comment below and spill the tea!
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Southern Pineapple Casserole is an old classic side dish that is most often served on Holidays. The sweet pineapple and salty crackers makes an irresistible combination!
- 2 (20 oz) cans Pineapple Chunks* in 100% Juice, drained, with juice reserved
- ⅓ cup Pineapple Juice
- ½ - ¾ cup Sugar (for sweeter use ¾ cup)
- 5 Tablespoons Flour
- 1 ½ cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Butter, melted
- 1 (3.8 oz) sleeve Crushed Butter Crackers (such as Ritz® or Townhouse®)
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Heat oven to 350° F.
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Grease or spray a 8"x8" baking dish.
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In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, sugar, and flour.
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Add the pineapple chunks and mix well. Add to the baking dish.
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Sprinkle the cheese on top evenly.
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In a bowl. mix together the crushed butter crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle it over the pineapple cheese mixture evenly.
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Bake uncovered in a 350° oven for 25 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and a little bubbly.
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Serve hot or warm.
*Crushed pineapple can be used as well.
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