Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare the casserole dish: Grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter to prevent the mixture from sticking and to add richness.
- Mix sugar and flour: In a large bowl, stir together the sugar and flour thoroughly to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Add the cheese: Gradually incorporate the grated sharp cheddar cheese into the sugar and flour mixture, coating the cheese well.
- Add the pineapple chunks: Gently fold in the drained pineapple chunks, making sure they are evenly mixed without breaking them down too much.
- Transfer to casserole dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- 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.
- Add crumb topping: Evenly spread the crumb topping over the pineapple and cheese mixture in the casserole dish to create a delicious crust.
- 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
