Classic Pineapple Casserole

September 4, 2013
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!

Classic Pineapple Casserole image


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."

Southern Pineapple Casserole image

But much to my shock and dismay, it was actually good!  I mean seriously, I didn't think there was any way in the world I would like a casserole based around cheesy hot pineapple.  But I do!

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.

To create this quick-and-easy pineapple concoction, simply combine chunk pineapple with some self-rising flour, sugar, and grated cheese ...

Making pineapple casserole image

Then make a crumb topping with crackers and melted butter, and sprinkle it evenly over the pineapple mixture.

Bake it until it's golden ...

Making pineapple casserole photo

... 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.

Southern pineapple casserole photo
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Side Dishes
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

  1. Mix together drained pineapple, sugar, flour, and cheese. Pour into an 8x8" baking dish lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. 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.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
Created using The Recipes Generator

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12 comments

  1. Mmmm .... lots of good grub. No piggie for us though.

    Grits 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!

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    Replies
    1. 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.

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  2. Good Grub for eating and very easy to make. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. WOW! 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!

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    Replies
    1. this recipe shows up a lot at church potlucks. There are never leftovers. It is very good.

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  4. Great pics! Makes me want some right now! Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #29.

    ~Amber @ DessertNowDinnerLater.com

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  5. 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!
    Cindy @ Crazylou

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  6. This pineapple casserole looks tasty! I love how simple it is to put together too!

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  7. I 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

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  8. I love this Pineapple casserole! The first time I tried it, I was hooked! :)

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  9. How many does the pineapple casserole serve or did I miss it. Looking forward to your response.
    Thanks,
    Gee

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  10. 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!

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