Sunshine Southern Pineapple Casserole

Recipe Introduction: Sunshine in a Dish

Ever wonder what pure Southern comfort tastes like? Let me tell ya, it's this southern pineapple casserole . It's sweet, it's savory, and it's guaranteed to disappear faster than sweet tea on a hot summer day.

Sweet and Savory Delight

This pineapple casserole recipe is a star in the Southern culinary repertoire. Believed to have originated as a way to use canned pineapple, it's now a classic.

It combines the tang of pineapple, the richness of cheddar, and the crunch of crackers. This easy casserole recipe takes about 45 minutes, including 15 minutes prep time and 30 minutes to bake, and feeds about 8-10 folks.

Why You'll Love This Casserole

Besides being downright delicious, this pineapple cheese bake is perfect for any occasion. It could be a simple weeknight dinner to your next potluck recipes southern .

The pineapple adds a dose of vitamin C, making it a slightly healthy choice! Honestly, what makes it special is that addictive sweet and-salty combo.

It's unexpected, comforting, and pure Southern charm.

Time to Gather Your Ingredients

Ready to get started? You'll need crushed pineapple, sugar, flour, cheddar cheese, sour cream, butter, and Ritz crackers. Oh my gosh, this Ritz cracker casserole is about to become your new favorite southern side dish !

Sunshine Southern Pineapple Casserole: Ingredients and Gear

Alright, y'all, let's talk about what you need to whip up this amazing southern pineapple casserole . Honestly, it's easier than finding a parking spot at Walmart on a Saturday! This is the perfect Southern side dish for any gathering.

Main Ingredients: The Pineapple Dream Team

You will need the following:

• 20 ounces ( 567g ) crushed pineapple, undrained. Don't you dare drain it! We need that juice for the perfect Pineapple cheese bake .
• 1/2 cup ( 100g ) granulated sugar. This is your sweet sunshine element.
• 1/4 cup ( 30g ) all-purpose flour. This will keep it all together.
• 1 cup ( 113g ) shredded cheddar cheese. I love using sharp cheddar for that extra tang.
• 1/2 cup ( 113g ) sour cream. This adds a creamy texture.
• 1/2 cup ( 113g ) butter, melted. You know we need this.
• 1 sleeve ( approx. 1 1/2 cups / 113g ) Ritz crackers, crushed. These buttery little crackers are what make this casserole so addictive .

Quality Check: For the cheddar, go for a good block of cheese. Pre-shredded is fine, but freshly grated is always better.

Seasoning Notes: Sweet Meets Savory

This recipe is all about that sweet and savory magic. And this Ritz cracker casserole has got it going on.

• The key is the combination of the pineapple's sweetness and the cheddar's savory tang.
• Don't be afraid to add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
• For a little extra somethin' somethin', add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon. You know?
• Quick sub: If you don't have Ritz, use Keebler Club crackers. It's an easy casserole recipe .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this sweet and savory casserole .

• 9x13 inch baking dish . This is crucial.
• Mixing bowls. I use a big one for the main mixture and a smaller one for the topping.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta be precise!
• Potato masher or food processor. For crushing those Ritz crackers.
• Essential tools only .

Honestly, this holiday side dish is a guaranteed hit. I made a southern pineapple casserole for my family reunion. Everyone loved it.

It's a great potluck recipes Southern. You won't be sorry!. Now, go get cookin'!

Let's Talk Southern Pineapple Casserole, Y'all!

Oh my gosh, have you ever had southern pineapple casserole ? If not, you are missing out on a slice of heaven.

This isn't just a casserole; it's a southern side dish staple. It is a perfect holiday side dish that brings a little sunshine to your table.

Trust me, your guests will thank you.

Prep Steps: Getting Ready to Bake

First, we have to get our ducks in a row. This means essential mise en place . Roughly, that's French. But seriously, it’s just a fancy way of saying, let's get organized.

Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease that 9x13 inch baking dish like you mean it! For time saving organization tips , measure out all your ingredients beforehand.

This way, you don't have to scramble when your hands are covered in sour cream.

step-by-step: Casserole Magic

Here is your game plan on how to make the best sweet and savory casserole.

1. In a large bowl, toss together 20 ounces crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and 1/2 cup sour cream. Mix until everything is well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup melted butter with 1 sleeve crushed Ritz crackers until evenly coated. I tend to get excited and use my hands for this, but a fork works great too!
3. Pour that pineapple mixture into your prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the top. We want a nice, even, crunchy topping.
5. Bake for about 30 minutes , or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Visual cues are your best friend here.
6. Let cool slightly, this is so you don't burn your tounge.

Pro Tips: Elevating Your Casserole Game

Want to make a pineapple cheese bake that will have everyone begging for the recipe? Honestly? Use sharp cheddar for that extra kick.

Avoid soggy casseroles by not draining your pineapple. The juice is part of the magic!

If you want to save time, you can mix the wet ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge.

Be aware you need fresh ritz crackers for the crumble before baking. Also, if you overbake this comfort food casserole , it could be dry.

If you are looking for potluck recipes Southern , this is a guaranteed winner. It is an easy casserole recipe that will impress.

You know? Southern cooking is all about sharing and caring. This ritz cracker casserole recipe is perfect for that. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Best Sunshine Southern Pineapple Casserole

Alright, so you are about to make this amazing Pineapple casserole recipe . Here are a few notes to make it even better! Honestly, these tips are from my own kitchen adventures.

They will help you nail this easy casserole recipe . I have been making southern pineapple casserole for my family for years.

It’s always a hit!.

Serving Southern Pineapple Casserole: Plating & Pairings

This southern side dish is perfect as is! But, let's jazz it up a bit. For plating, a simple scoop in a pretty bowl works.

Garnish with a sprig of mint for a fancy touch. This comfort food casserole is awesome with some baked ham or grilled chicken.

It's also an amazing holiday side dish , trust me. Try it with sweet tea or lemonade. A crisp Pinot Grigio would be great too!

Storage Secrets: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop the pineapple cheese bake in the fridge. It will be good for about 3-4 days .

Make sure it is in an airtight container. Freezing? It is not ideal. The texture might change. Reheating is easy! Just microwave it or bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for a few minutes.

Variations: Tailor it to Your Taste

Want to change things up? No problem. For a lighter version, use a sugar substitute. You can also use dairy-free cheese and sour cream.

It also works as a sweet and savory casserole , experiment and find out your favorite version! For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the topping.

They complement the Ritz cracker casserole perfectly. These potluck recipes Southern are easily adaptable!

Nutrition Lowdown: A Balanced Bite

Each serving is around 250 calories. It contains about 4g of protein, 15g of fat, and 25g of carbs. The sugar content is about 15g.

Remember, these are just estimates. The pineapple cheese bake also gives you a little bit of fiber and some vitamins.

So, go ahead and enjoy this cheddar cheese casserole ! It is not only delicious, it also offers some nutrition.

So, there you have it. My tips to make the best southern pineapple casserole . Don't be afraid to experiment! Now go bake that pineapple casserole recipe , and make some memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make southern pineapple casserole ahead of time?

You sure can! As my grandma always said, "A little planning never hurt nobody!" You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and make sure the topping doesn't get too brown you might need to tent it with foil towards the end.

How do I store leftover southern pineapple casserole?

Leftovers are a blessing! Store any leftover southern pineapple casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick and easy treat.

What can I substitute for the Ritz crackers in this southern pineapple casserole recipe?

Ritz crackers give it that classic buttery crunch, but don't fret if you don't have them on hand. You can use other buttery crackers like Keebler Club crackers, or even saltines in a pinch just add a bit more melted butter to compensate for their less buttery flavor.

Some folks even use crushed cornflakes for a sweeter topping!

Can I reduce the sweetness in this southern pineapple casserole?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Splenda. Also, make sure you are using crushed pineapples in juice and not in syrup to reduce any of the added sugar contents.

A touch of lemon juice or zest can also balance the sweetness with a bit of tang.

Is southern pineapple casserole really supposed to have cheese in it?

That's the Southern charm, darlin'! The cheddar cheese might sound a little unexpected, but it adds a wonderful savory element that balances the sweetness of the pineapple perfectly. Don't knock it 'til you try it!

Some folks use sharp cheddar for an extra kick, while others prefer mild cheddar for a more subtle flavor.

Can I add nuts to my Southern Pineapple Casserole?

Adding nuts to your Southern Pineapple Casserole is a fantastic idea for extra flavor and texture! Pecans are a popular choice in the South, offering a buttery and slightly sweet taste that complements the pineapple.

Simply chop about 1/2 cup of pecans and add them to either the topping or mix them into the pineapple filling before baking.