Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This classic Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole is a delightful blend of sweet pineapple and sharp cheddar cheese, topped with a buttery cracker crumb crust. It’s an easy, comforting side dish that adds a touch of Southern charm to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 (20 oz) cans pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 6 tablespoons pineapple juice)
• 1 cup buttery crackers, made into crumbs
• 8 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for greasing the pan

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Step 2: Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, stir together the sugar and flour.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese to the sugar and flour mixture, stirring until the cheese is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks, making sure all ingredients are well combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
7. Step 7: In a separate medium bowl, combine the buttery cracker crumbs, melted butter, and reserved pineapple juice. Stir until blended.
8. Step 8: Spread the crumb mixture evenly over the pineapple and cheese mixture in the casserole dish.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best contrast with the sweetness of the pineapple, but try mild cheddar if you prefer a subtler flavor.
• Substitute buttery Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers to make a gluten-free version.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crumb topping for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes to maintain the crispy topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole through step 8 and refrigerate it uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the flavors meld together nicely.

What can I serve this casserole with?

This pineapple casserole pairs wonderfully with ham, fried chicken, or as part of a holiday dinner spread for a sweet and savory addition.

Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 541 reviews

Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole is a delightful and comforting Southern dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with sharp cheddar cheese, all topped with a buttery cracker crumb crust. Baked to a golden perfection, this casserole offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an excellent side dish for holidays or family gatherings.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 (20 oz) cans pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 6 tablespoons pineapple juice)
• 1 cup buttery crackers, crushed into crumbs
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted (plus extra for greasing pan)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter to prevent the mixture from sticking and to add richness.
3. Mix sugar and flour: In a large bowl, stir together the sugar and flour thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole.
4. Add the cheese: Gradually incorporate the grated sharp cheddar cheese into the sugar and flour mixture, coating the cheese well.
5. Add the pineapple chunks: Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks, making sure they are evenly mixed without breaking them down too much.
6. Transfer to casserole dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly for consistent cooking.
7. Prepare crumb topping: In a separate bowl, combine the buttery cracker crumbs with melted butter and the reserved pineapple juice, mixing until the topping is cohesive and slightly moist.
8. Add crumb topping: Evenly spread the crumb topping over the pineapple and cheese mixture in the casserole dish to create a delicious crust.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.

Notes

• Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best balance of flavor.
• Reserve the pineapple juice as it adds moisture and flavor to the topping.
• Butter the casserole dish well to prevent sticking and add richness.
• For a crunchier topping, you can add chopped nuts to the cracker crumb mixture if desired.
• Serve warm as a side dish for holiday meals or potlucks.

Keywords: Paula Deen, pineapple casserole, Southern casserole, pineapple cheese bake, holiday side dish, cheesy pineapple