Okay, friends, let me tell you about something truly magical: Pineapple Cheese Casserole. This isn’t your average side dish; it’s a sweet, tangy, cheesy dream that’s unbelievably easy to whip up. Honestly, I get asked to bring this everywhere. It’s like the sweet cousin of macaroni and cheese, but instead of savory, it’s delightfully dessert-like. If you’re looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to disappear at your next potluck, this Pineapple Cheese Casserole Recipe –What is your secret weapon? Is it sweet, savory, and totally delicious?
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What is a Pineapple Cheese Casserole?
So, what exactly *is* Pineapple Cheese Casserole? Think of it as a Baked Custard, but with a tropical twist. It’s essentially a creamy mixture of crushed pineapple, cheddar cheese (yes, cheese!), eggs, butter, and a touch of flour and sugar, all baked together until golden and bubbly. It might sound a little strange at first, but trust me, the sweet and savory combination is absolutely addictive. It’s a Southern classic, and every family has their own slight variation. Some people add bread crumbs on top for a bit of crunch, others use different cheeses, but the basic concept remains the same: pineapple + cheese = deliciousness.
It’s so good because the sweetness of the pineapple gets cut by the sharp cheddar, and that results in a perfect balance of flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why you’re going to fall in love with this recipe. First, the flavor is just incredible. You get the bright, tropical sweetness of the pineapple combined with the salty tang of cheddar cheese. It’s a flavor combination that shouldn’t work, but it absolutely does. My kids even love it!
Second, it’s so easy to make! Seriously, you can throw this together in about 10 minutes and then just let the oven do its thing. It’s a lifesaver when you need a quick and easy dish to bring to a party or potluck.
Third, the ingredients are super budget-friendly. You probably already have most of them in your pantry and fridge. Pineapple, cheese, butter, eggs – nothing too fancy or expensive.
And finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish, a dessert, or even as part of a brunch spread. It goes well with ham, chicken, pork, or even just on its own. What I love most about this Pineapple Cheese Casserole Recipe.Is that it’s always a hit? Is it a crowd pleaser that never fails to impress?
How do I make Pineapple Cheese Casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Pineapple Cheese Casserole is a breeze! You’ll start by mixing together the crushed pineapple, cheddar cheese, eggs, flour, and sugar. Then, you’ll pour the mixture into a baking dish, dot it with butter, and bake it until it’s golden brown and bubbly. That’s it! It’s so simple, even a beginner cook can make it. The key is not to overbake it – you want it to be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. I have to admit, I’ve burned it a few times but got it down to a science!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained: Make sure you *don’t* drain it! The juice is essential for the creamy texture. Canned pineapple is perfectly fine, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can use fresh pineapple, just make sure it’s finely crushed.
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for that extra tang, but you can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a milder flavor. Pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly grated cheese melts better.
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps to balance the tanginess of the pineapple and cheese. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the casserole a nice texture. You can use gluten-free flour if needed.
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter adds richness and flavor. You can use salted butter if you prefer, just omit any extra salt from the recipe.
What are the Step by
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. I always use glass, but metal works great too! How do you keep a casserole from sticking? Make sure to grease the entire dish, including the sides.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar. Set aside. How do you prevent lumps from forming in a casserole? Make sure to use a whisk, not sift, to get the best results. This ensures that the flour is evenly distributed and won’t clump together when you add the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the crushed pineapple (with its juice!), cheddar cheese, and melted butter to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the casserole tough. You just want to make sure that all of the ingredients are evenly distributed. If the butter isn’t fully melted, that is okay!
The temperature shouldn’t be too hot because you’re adding eggs.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Dot the top with a few extra pats of butter, if desired. This will help to give the casserole a nice golden-brown crust. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the topping – you can also sprinkle on some bread crumbs or chopped nuts for added texture. I once made this with coconut flakes for some extra crunch but everyone prefered it without the coconut.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. When a toothpick comes out clean, the casserole is done. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to make sure it doesn’t burn. Is it a good idea to check oven doneness before using it? If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with foil.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will give it a chance to set up a bit and make it easier to slice. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. I personally love it best when it’s still slightly warm. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of Whipped Cream, if desired. I usually skip this because the flavors are intense enough on their own.
What should I serve it with?
This Pineapple Cheese Casserole Recipe.What are some of my favorite pairings?For Breakfast:What are some of the best ways to serve bacon and eggs at brunch? What goes great with a hot cup of coffee or ice-cold water? For a morning presentation, try serving individual portions in ramekins.For Brunch: Elevate your brunch spread by adding a scoop of Pineapple Cheese Casserole to a waffle or pancake. It also goes well with a fruit salad and a glass of sparkling wine. Try garnishing it with a sprig of mint for an elegant touch.
As Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good side dishes to serve with caramel sauce? For an after-dinner styling, serve it in small bowls with a side of fresh berries.For Cozy Snacks:What are some comforting snacks to have on a chilly evening? Is it good to drink hot tea with milk? For a casual serving, simply slice it into squares and serve it on the plate.
How do you make a Pineapple Cheese Casserole?
What are some tips to make Pineapple Cheese Casserole?Cheese Choice:While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. What are some of the best cheeses to serve with Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a mix of both?Pineapple PrepMake sure to use crushed pineapple, not pineapple chunks or slices. The crushed pineapple will distribute more evenly throughout the casserole and give it a better taste.Mixing Advice:Do not over mix the ingredients, as this can make the casserole tough. Just mix until everything is combined. If you are mixing until just combined, don’t feel pressured to combine everything together.Baking Tips:Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time to make sure it doesn’t burn. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with foil.Ingredient Swaps:If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute the sugar with natural sweetener like glycerine or hyaluronic acid. What is the difference between stevia Can you use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? I tried to swap some ingredients and ended up burning the mixture. *Serving Temperature:This casserole can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold. Is it delicious?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store Pineapple Cheese Casserole?Room Temperature: 20Can you leave the casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours? After that, it should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. The time varies depending on the climate you live in.Refrigerator Storage: How Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. I usually have a whole container to spare to save it.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Pineapple Cheese Casserole Recipe! It’s sweet, savory, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a new side dish to bring to a potluck or a unique dessert to impress your friends and family, this casserole is sure to be a hit. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more delicious and easy meal ideas. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out! Happy baking!
Tropical Breeze Mango Delight: A Savory Sweet Sensation
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups mango chunks fresh or canned, drained
- 1.5 cups cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sugar granulated
- 0.5 cup cornstarch for thickening
- 1.5 cups crushed vanilla wafers about 30 wafers
- 0.5 cup slivered almonds toasted
- 0.75 cup butter melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the mango chunks, cream cheese, and sugar. Mix until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Gradually add the cornstarch, stirring continuously until well blended.
- Pour the mango mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In another bowl, mix the crushed wafers and slivered almonds with the melted butter until well combined.
- Evenly spread the wafer-almond mixture over the top of the mango filling.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and set.
