Classic cheesy Pineapple Casserole is truly a Southern potluck favorite ~ that graces the table of many Thanksgiving and Christmas day dinners in the South, too!
I'm generally not a fan of hot pineapple. Like on pizza. Nope ... to me, pineapple is something that's just supposed to be eaten cold.
So the first time I encountered this pineapple casserole ... probably needless to say, ... I was very skeptical.
I remember that first time well.
I had just moved from Vermont to North Carolina, had just started my first 'real' job, and ... it was my first Thanksgiving away from my Mom's cooking. I was super blessed, though, and was invited by my brother's mother-in-law to have Thanksgiving dinner with their family. So sweet!
I won't go into all the Northern vs. Southern Thanksgiving-food-culture-shock I experienced that day. Perhaps we'll save that for another day ... But one thing that was on the table that I wasn't used to was this classic Pineapple Casserole.
I had never ... ever ... seen this dish before.
Not only was it hot pineapple ... which I didn't like ... it had cheddar cheese mixed with the pineapple! Cheddar cheese and pineapple?? I remember thinking, as not to be rude ~ I took a scoop, "Oh, my, this is not going to go down easy."
And turns out a lot of other people do, too.
This easy-to-whip up, quick-to-fix dish just so happens to be a true Southern potluck favorite, turning up at almost every bring-a-dish-to-share function. And it's always a crowd-pleaser. Always.
And when paired with a simple ham steak, or baked pork chop, or grilled chicken breast, this casserole helps get a delicious meal on the table at home in no time flat.
Then make a crumb topping with crackers and melted butter, and sprinkle it evenly over the pineapple mixture.
... and you've got yourself crowd-favorite classic Pineapple Casserole, ready to pair beautifully alongside baked ham or turkey. Or pork. Or chicken.
Skeptical, like me? Don't be afraid! I encourage you ... give pineapple and cheese a chance. Also like me, you may just be pleasantly surprised by this quick-fix favorite.
Check out these other classic Southern sides:
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Yield: 8-10 Servings
Classic Pineapple Casserole
Classic cheesy Pineapple Casserole is truly a Southern potluck favorite ~ that graces the table of many Thanksgiving and Christmas day dinners in the South, too!
prep time: 10 Mcook time: 30 Mtotal time: 40 M
ingredients:
- 2 (20 oz.) cans chunk pineapple in juice (no sugar added), well drained
- 3/4 c. granulated sugar
- 6 T. self-rising flour
- 2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 c. crumbled Ritz crackers (approximately 1 sleeve)
- 1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted
instructions:
How to cook Classic Pineapple Casserole
- Mix together drained pineapple, sugar, flour, and cheese. Pour into an 8x8" baking dish lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine Ritz cracker crumbs and melted margarine, tossing with a fork to moisten all the crumbs. Top the pineapple mixture evenly with the cracker crumb mixture.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
You might also like these other tasty side dishes:
Mmmm .... lots of good grub. No piggie for us though.
ReplyDeleteGrits and green beans are definite faves in this fam. Who wouldn't like them. I suppose w/seafood is delicious also.
As for pineapple on pizza .... very-very yummy. Honest. We often order X-thin crust, topped with honey grilled chicken, fresh garlic and sometimes caramelized onions. All very unique flavors w/ bits of sweetness! Gotta try before you say no!
Love pineapple on pizza. My favorite combo is pineapple and anchovies. Sounds awful I know but it is the perfect balance of salty and sweet. I have never had anyone try it that didn't like it.
DeleteGood Grub for eating and very easy to make. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWOW! I have never seen anything like this either. I do like hot pineapple...but with the cheese. I am so intrigued that I might have to try. I'm pinning so I don't forget about this dish when I am looking for something adventurous!
ReplyDeletethis recipe shows up a lot at church potlucks. There are never leftovers. It is very good.
DeleteGreat pics! Makes me want some right now! Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #29.
ReplyDelete~Amber @ DessertNowDinnerLater.com
I think I would have the same reaction, actually, I am--Pineapple and Cheese??? But, the pictures look amazing. Pinning this for later when I have the nerve to cook it up myself!! Great post!
ReplyDeleteCindy @ Crazylou
This pineapple casserole looks tasty! I love how simple it is to put together too!
ReplyDeleteI make this Pineapple dish more like a desert. I use white cheddar and brown sugar, the flour and crackers. I am going to try it with white sugar and yellow cheddar. It is so good
ReplyDeleteI love this Pineapple casserole! The first time I tried it, I was hooked! :)
ReplyDeleteHow many does the pineapple casserole serve or did I miss it. Looking forward to your response.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Gee
I live in the south and have never heard of this but I think several members of my family might enjoy it! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete