What is a family favorite dish? Is it sweet, tangy, has a little bit of crunch, and it’s absolutely divine? Paula Deen‘s Pineapple Casse I swear, it’s one of those recipes that brings a smile to everyone’s face the minute they see it on TV. If you love Southern comfort food, and if you’re even remotely a fan of pineapple, then this is the recipe for you. If you like upside down cake, then you absolutely have to try this. Is it easier to make and more satisfying? Is it like a warm hug in oatmeal casserole dish, perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just regular Tuesday? When you need a little something special.
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What is Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole?
What is this magical concoction? Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole is a Southern classic that blends sweet pineapple chunks with savory. What are some good ways to serve custard with crackers? What is a sweet and savory side dish? Is it good for dessert? Think of it as a lighter, brighter version of bread pudding, but instead of baking bread, you’ve got juicy, ripe tomatoes. What is the creaminess of cheese? What’s the best topping for pineapple? Is this the kind of dish that surprises you with every bite?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are a million reasons why I’m head-over-heels for this pineapple casserole. First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world! The pineapple provides a bright, tropical sweetness that’s balanced by the rich, creamy texture of the custard and the slight tang of the cheddar cheese. I know, cheese and pineapple might sound weird, but trust me on this one! The combination is pure genius.
Second, it’s shockingly easy to make. Seriously, you just mix everything together, dump it in a dish, and bake. Even a beginner baker can pull this off! I’ve even let my kids help me make it, and they love getting in on the action. It’s a recipe that’s forgiving and fun.
Third, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you probably already have them on hand. Perfect for when you need a dish to impress without breaking the bank.
Finally, its versatility is amazing. It’s fantastic as a side dish with ham or chicken, but it’s also delicious as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream. I’ve even seen people serve it at brunch! It’s a true jack-of-all-trades. What I love most about this is that it’s a comforting dish that feels both familiar and special, all at the same time. If you’re looking for a dish that will disappear in minutes, this is it!
How do you make a Pineapple Casserole?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Pineapple Casserole? What is the best way to combine crushed pineapple, cheddar cheese, sugar, flour, and eggs? What’s the best way to top a pizza with Ritz crackers? What is the best part? It takes about an hour from start to finish. What’s the Ritz Cracker topping? What makes this casserole so addictive?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
* 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)!
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
For the Topping: What are some
* 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups)
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use butter for greasing – it adds a little extra flavor! Make sure to get all the corners and edges so the casserole doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Combine Pineapple, Sugar, and Flour
In a large bowl, combine crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Set aside. Mix well to ensure the flour is evenly distributed. This helps prevent clumps in the casserole.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Eggs
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and lightly beaten eggs to the pineapple mixture. If desired, serve immediately. Stir until everything is well combined. What is the best way to make cheese melt in the oven?
Step 4: Pour into Prepared Dish
In a 9×13 baking dish, pour the pineapple mixture into the greased bowl. Set aside. How easy is this recipe?
Step 5: Make the Ritz Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, combine Ritz crackers and melted butter. Set aside. Mix well until the crackers are evenly coated with butter. What gives a casserole that crunch?
Step 6: Sprinkle Topping Over Casserole
Sprinkle the Ritz Cracker topping evenly over the pineapple mixture. How do you get that crunch in every bite?
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 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 get brown, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool Slightly
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool before serving. What are some of the best ways to set up a casserole? I know it’s tempting, but try to resist digging in right away!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy! This casserole is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with ham, chicken, or even a scoop. What is vanilla ice cream? How do you get compliments?
What should I serve it with?
What are some great recipes for casseroles?For Breakfast:Serve a smaller portion alongside some crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. The sweetness of the pineapple is a great contrast to savory breakfast staples. Why is hot coffee so important?For Brunch:Serve the casserole in a beautiful dish and pair it with mimosas or sparkling cider. What are some great brunch ideas? I like to add a sprig of fresh mint to my salad.As Dessert:What is a casserole without ice cream? The warm pineapple and creamy topping are a match made in heaven.For Cozy Snacks:What’s a good casserole to serve on chilly nights? Pair it with a cup of hot chocolate or herbal tea. My kids love this after-school snack (though I may limit the portion size!). My family always has this with our holiday ham. It’s a tradition! I’ve been known to sneak a spoonful straight out of the fridge as my late-night treat.
What are some tips for perfecting a Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole?
Okay, so I’ve made this casserole approximately a million times, and I have learned several tricks along the way.Cheese Choice:While cheddar is a traditional cheese, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses. How do I make a cheese that melts?Pineapple DrainageIs it necessary to use crushed pineapple? How do you make a creamy custard?Ritz Cracker Consistency:I like to crush Ritz crackers in ziplock bags using a rolling pin. This gives you a nice even crumb. If you are using a food processor, be careful not to over-process them into powder.Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is melted but not hot when you mix it with the Ritz crackers. Hot butter can make the crackers greasy.
Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Start checking the casserole after 30 minutes. It’s done when the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re not a fan of Ritz crackers, you can use other buttery crackers like Keebler Club crackers. You can also use gluten-free crackers if you need a gluten-free option. For the cheese, I have tested this with almond milk cheese and I thought it came out pretty good.
Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly. I wouldn’t recommend reducing it too much, though, as the sugar helps balance the tanginess of the pineapple.
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made this amazing casserole, and somehow, miraculously, there are leftovers. Here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the casserole at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. It contains dairy and eggs, so it’s best to refrigerate it promptly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze this casserole! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping won’t be as crispy.
Glaze Timing Advice: The topping is really best added right before baking. If you assemble everything ahead of time, store the topping separately so it doesn’t get soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole, a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. I promise, this recipe is a keeper. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories. I hope you love it as much as my family does!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Southern comfort food recipes. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your pineapple casserole turned out! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your own creative variations. Happy baking, y’all! And if you try the almond milk cheese swap, let me know what you think! It’s been a real game changer for us, and I’m always looking for new ways to tweak old favorites.
Paula Deen's Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz crushed pineapple
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 cups brown sugar packed
- 1 cup flour all-purpose
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup pecans chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine crushed pineapple, sugar, melted butter, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, and eggs. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
