Pineapple Casserole

This cheesy Pineapple Casserole is a delectable classic Southern side dish that’s most often served around the holidays. It’s a surprising combination of flavors that form a delicious mash-up of sweet and salty. It’s certain to make a stellar accompaniment to a glazed holiday ham.

Easy Pineapple Casserole Recipe with Cheese

This casserole is one that can be met with skepticism by those who haven’t had it before. I totally understand, pairing cheese and pineapple isn’t one that you would think works, but it does in the most delicious way. Pairing the saltiness of cheese with the sweetness of a fruit works incredibly well. It’s a similar concept to pairing cheddar cheese with apples like in this recipe for apple cheddar pie from Sally’s Baking Addiction. While pineapple casserole is most often served as a side dish, it’s very cobbler-like and could be enjoyed as a dessert, too. How to make simple Southern Pineapple Casserole:

• Pineapple – Two 20 ounce cans pineapple tidbits drained, reserve 1/3 cup juice and one 20 ounce can crushed pineapple well drained
• Butter – Unsalted or salted butter.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar.
• Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
• Thickener – All purpose flour
• Topping – One sleeve round buttery crackers i.e. Ritz crushed and melted butter.

How to Make the Best Southern Pineapple Casserole Recipe

How do you serve Southern pineapple casserole? This casserole often makes an appearance around the holidays. It pairs beautifully with my recipe for baked Bourbon Pineapple Glazed Ham and Slow Cooked Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipes.  While this sweet pineapple casserole isn’t difficult to make, there are a few things of note.

• Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Pineapple Casserole: Pineapple tidbits and crushed pineapple, pineapple juice drained from pineapple, all purpose flour, butter, granulated sugar, shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Ritz crackers.
• Kitchen tools you’ll need: Medium bowl, large spatula for stirring, cheese grater, small bowl and measuring cups.
• This pineapple casserole is often made using only pineapple chunks. My recipe reflects my own preference of using a combination of pineapple tidbits and crushed pineapple. I prefer the size of the tidbits over larger chunks, and find that including crushed pineapple lends a pleasing texture to the sauce overall.
• This casserole can be made with mild, medium or sharp cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar holds up the best when combined with the bold flavor of pineapple.
• Please note: This casserole is designed to be sweet and salty in flavor. Due to your personal preference, light syrup or pineapple packed in it’s own juice may work best. You can use pineapple packed in heavy syrup but it will be sweeter. Go with your personal preference.
• Can I use a different cracker for the topping in place of Ritz crackers? Ritz crackers are traditionally used but you could adapt using buttery Club crackers or even breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand.
• Can I assemble this pineapple casserole in advance? This dish can be assembled in advance, covered and chilled. Bring to room temperature, then top with the buttered Ritz crackers just before baking.
• Reheat leftovers in the microwave in single servings. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or just until heated through. To prevent over browning lay a piece of foil on top.
• You can use fresh pineapple in the same amount as the tidbits called for in the recipe, if preferred.
• Pineapple casserole also goes well with Lemon Rosemary Roast Chicken and Mesquite Pork Tenderloin or this recipe for roasted Chili Rubbed Pork Roast.

More Easy Side Dish Recipes to Make

There are many easy side dishes that will  take you from easy weekday meal with  the family to special gatherings, potlucks and the holidays. More side dish recipes to try:

• Easy baby Lima Beans with bacon.
• Chunks of pineapple add a hint of sweetness to a Carrot-Raisin Salad Recipe.
• This recipe for Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is the only one you’ll ever need.
• Easy Broccoli Casserole is always a winning side dish option.
• Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes are super simple to make.
• This vintage Grape Salad Recipe is a potluck rock star.
• Homestyle Squash Casserole will take you from summer harvest to the holidays.
• Roasted Parsnips from Simply Recipes.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13 x 9 inch Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives