Okay, y’all, let me tell you about a dish that’s pure sunshine on a plate: Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole. Seriously, this isn’t your average side dish; it’s like a hug from the South with a tropical vacation thrown in. It’s sweet, it’s savory, it’s crunchy, it’s creamy—it’s basically a party in your mouth. If you’re a fan of Bread Pudding or even a sweet potato casserole (another Southern favorite), you absolutely *have* to try this. It’s a game changer, especially if you need something guaranteed to disappear at potlucks or holiday dinners. I can tell you from personal experience that my family will take a fork to this casserole right out of the oven. It’s just that good!

What is Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole?

Alright, let’s break it down. Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole is essentially a baked side dish (or dessert, depending on your mood!) that combines sweet pineapple chunks with a creamy, tangy base. Think of it as a sophisticated, grown-up Fruit Salad that got invited to a Southern picnic. It’s got a buttery, cracker topping that adds the perfect amount of salty crunch to balance out the sweetness of the pineapple. The name itself says it all, really—it’s a casserole, featuring pineapple, and it’s delicious! It’s not overly complicated, which is something I always appreciate when I’m cooking. It’s a dish that’s meant to be enjoyed, shared, and devoured without a second thought.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh honey, where do I even begin? This pineapple casserole recipe is a star for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is addictive. You get that sweet, juicy burst from the pineapple, balanced by the rich creaminess of the cheese and the buttery, crunchy topping. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that just works perfectly. What I love most is how surprisingly easy it is to make. Seriously, it takes minutes to throw together, and then your oven does all the hard work. It is also unbelievably cost-effective. Pineapple is relatively inexpensive, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that most of us already have on hand. I’ve made it for fancy dinner parties and casual family gatherings, and it’s always a hit.

The best thing, though, is its versatility. It works just as well as a side dish alongside ham or chicken as it does as a dessert. Honestly, sometimes I sneak a spoonful straight from the fridge when I’m craving something sweet. If you’re a fan of Southern comfort food, and you need a recipe that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing, then you absolutely have to try this. I will mention, though, that like any good casserole, it’s incredibly rich. A little goes a long way!

How do you make a Pineapple Casserole?

Quick Overview

Making this pineapple casserole is honestly a breeze. You’re basically mixing a few ingredients, layering them in a baking dish, and then popping it in the oven. The key is to not overthink it! The combination of crushed pineapple, cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers might sound a little strange, but trust me, it works wonders. The magic happens in the baking process, where everything melds together into a golden, bubbly delight. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little with the ingredients to make it your own!

Ingredients

For the Casserole: What

• 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained: Don’t drain it! What is the key to keeping everything moist and delicious?
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: You can adjust this based on your sweetness preference. Some people like it sweeter, some prefer it less sugar. I find that 12 cup strikes a good balance!
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: 1 cup. How do you make a creamy texture?
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Butter is essential for that rich, comforting flavor. Make sure it’s unsalted so you can control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• How much cheddar cheese should I use? 1 cup shredded cheese: What is the flavor of cheddar? What are the benefits of pineapple? I always use sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed: The Ritz crackers create that signature crunchy topping. You can crush them by hand or use a food processor.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

How do I get my oven to 350°F (175°C)? While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use butter for greasing the dish, but you can also use cooking spray. How do you remove a casserole from the oven?

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the undrained crushed pineapple, sugar, flour, and melted butter. Mix everything together until well combined. There should be no lumps of flour!

Step 3: Add Cheese

Now, fold in the cheddar cheese. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the pineapple mixture.

Step 4: Prepare Topping

In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers. You can use your hands or food processor. If you’re using your hands, just place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with sandpaper. What is the pin or the bottom of a glass? You want them to be finely crushed, but still have some small pieces for texture.

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

What is the recipe for pineapple and cheese? Pour it into a baking dish. Then, sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the pineapple mixture.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is topped. Is bubbly around the edges? What is the best oven to cook in? If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you get the flavors to meld together?

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best recipes for pineapple casserole? What are some good side dishes for Thanksgiving? What are some of my favorite pairings?

For Easter/ChristmasIs it a classic alongside ham, turkey, or even roasted pork loin? The sweetness of pineapple complements the saltiness of the meat perfectly.

For Brunch:Serve it with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a side of fresh fruit for an elegant brunch spread. What is the best way to enjoy a mimosa or sparkling cider?

As Dessert:Top it with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream for a simple and satisfying dessert. What is a little cinnamon?

For a casual BBQ:Is it good with grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork? What’s your favorite Southern BBQ sauce?

My family tradition involves serving this with honey-baked ham every Christmas and Easter. What makes a good meal?

How do I make Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole?

Okay, so I’ve made this pineapple casserole more times than I can count, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for perfecting your casserole:

Don’t drain pineapple: Drain it first.I know I said it earlier, but it’s worth repeating. The juice from crushed pineapple is essential for keeping the casserole moist and delicious. If you drain it, the casserole will be dry and crumbly.

What are some ways to use sharp cheddarThe sharp cheddar cheese adds a wonderful savory element that balances the sweetness of the cheese. Mild cheddar doesn’t have the same impact. I’ve even tried pepper jack for a bit of kick!

Crush the Ritz crackers finely: You want the Ritz crackers to be finely crushed so they create a nice, even topping. However, don’t crush them into a powder. You want some small pieces for texture.

How do you melt butter? Make sure the butter is fully melted before adding it to the pineapple mixture. This helps to ensure that everything is evenly combined.

Don’t overbak Overbaking the casserole will result in a dry, crumbly texture. Bake it until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. I’ve learned the hard way that a minute or two can make all the difference!

Let it cool slightly before serving: Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together a bit more. Plus, it prevents you from burning your tongue!

Experiment with the topping: While Ritz crackers are the classic choice, you can also use other types of crackers or even breadcrumbs. I’ve tried using crushed cornflakes before, and it added a nice, crunchy sweetness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover pineapple casserole (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating it:

Room Temperature: You can leave the casserole at room temperature for up to two hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The topping may soften a bit, but it will still taste delicious.

Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the casserole for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping will lose its crunch.

I often make this the day before a dinner or potluck. Storing it in the fridge seems to almost enhance the flavor! Just make sure you let it come closer to room temperature before putting it in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, y’all! Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole is a dish that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a dessert, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other Southern comfort food recipes. I would love to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think!