Southern Pineapple Casserole

If you’ve never had Southern Pineapple Casserole, let me just tell you—it’s one of those dishes that might make you raise an eyebrow at first, but after one bite, you’ll understand why it’s a staple at every Southern gathering. Imagine this: a warm, sweet pineapple filling, topped with a buttery, golden breadcrumb crust. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and I promise you’ll be scooping seconds (maybe even thirds). It’s comfort food at its finest, and it pairs wonderfully with just about any main dish, from fried chicken to ham or even grilled meats. Trust me, this casserole is a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Southern Pineapple Casserole

This casserole isn’t just delicious—it’s a crowd-pleaser through and through. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, attending a potluck, or just craving something sweet and savory, this dish is sure to stand out. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:

Versatile

It works as a side dish for almost anything. Serve it with ham, turkey, or pork, or pair it with your favorite comfort foods for a complete meal. It’s also a hit at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter gatherings.

Budget-Friendly

Made with simple, affordable ingredients like canned pineapple, butter, and breadcrumbs, this dish won’t break the bank. It’s the perfect option for when you need something delicious without spending a lot.

Quick and Easy

No complicated steps here! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole comes together quickly and easily. It’s perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned pros looking for a low-stress recipe.

Crowd-Pleasing

There’s something about the mix of pineapple’s natural sweetness with the buttery, slightly crunchy topping that makes this casserole irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Comforting

Warm, buttery, and sweet—this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It has that homey, nostalgic feeling that just makes you want to dig in and savor every bite.

Ingredients in Southern Pineapple Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Southern delight:

Canned Pineapple

This is the star of the dish! The pineapple provides that juicy, sweet base for the casserole, and the syrup helps give it that rich flavor.

Sugar

A little sugar helps enhance the natural sweetness of the pineapple and gives the casserole that dessert-like feel.

Flour

Flour is what helps thicken the casserole and gives it a more structured, cohesive texture.

Eggs

Eggs add richness and help hold everything together, creating that perfect consistency.

Butter

Butter adds that golden, melt-in-your-mouth quality and gives the casserole a rich flavor. It also works wonderfully in the breadcrumb topping.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese might seem like an unusual ingredient, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. It adds a savory, slightly tangy element that balances the sweetness of the pineapple.

Bread Crumbs

The bread crumbs, mixed with butter, create a golden, crispy topping that’s just the right amount of crunch.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Let’s dive in:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden crust.

Prepare the Pineapple

Drain the pineapple and set the juice aside. You’ll want to keep some of that syrupy goodness for extra flavor in the casserole. Then, add the pineapple to a medium mixing bowl.

Mix the Ingredients

In the same bowl, add the sugar, flour, and eggs. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and the mixture is nice and smooth.

Add the Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. This will melt perfectly into the casserole, giving it that savory flavor we’re going for.

Prepare the Topping

Melt the butter in a small bowl, then mix it with the bread crumbs. Stir until the bread crumbs are evenly coated in the butter.

Assemble the Casserole

Pour the pineapple mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then sprinkle the buttery bread crumb topping over the top. The bread crumbs should cover the entire casserole.

Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks perfectly crisp and the aroma fills your kitchen.

Let It Cool

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set just a bit and make it easier to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrate: 29g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 23g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin D: 15mcg
Calcium: 125mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 150mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: 45-55 minutes

How to Serve Southern Pineapple Casserole

Southern Pineapple Casserole is best served warm, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

With Holiday Feasts

This casserole is perfect for a holiday spread, especially alongside roasted meats like ham or turkey. Its sweet and savory balance complements rich, savory dishes beautifully.

As a Side Dish for BBQ

Whether you’re grilling up ribs, chicken, or burgers, this casserole adds a touch of sweetness and a bit of Southern charm to your BBQ feast.

With a Simple Salad

Pair it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the casserole’s richness.

Enjoyed on Its Own

Sometimes, you don’t need a fancy meal to enjoy this casserole. It’s so good on its own that it makes a great snack or light lunch too.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your casserole turns out perfectly:

Don’t Skip the Pineapple Juice

Save the juice from the canned pineapple—it’s packed with flavor and can be added to the casserole mixture to boost the pineapple taste. If you like your casserole extra moist, you can even add a little more juice.

Use Fresh Pineapple

If you want to take it up a notch, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Just chop it up and use it the same way you would canned pineapple, but keep in mind that you might need to add a little extra sugar or syrup to get that same sweet flavor.

Make It Ahead of Time

This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven! It’s a great option if you’re preparing a large meal or hosting a get-together.

Store Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the oven to keep the topping nice and crispy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

A1: Yes! You can use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Just be sure to chop it into small pieces and adjust the sugar and syrup to match the sweetness of canned pineapple.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. Just cover it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’ll be just as delicious!

Q3: Can I freeze this casserole?

A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A4: Yes! While cheddar is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor.

Q5: How do I make the casserole less sweet?

A5: If you want to reduce the sweetness, simply cut back on the sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia. You can also add a bit more cheese to balance out the sweetness.

Q6: How do I know when the casserole is done?

A6: The casserole should be golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges. If you’re unsure, insert a knife or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when it’s done.

Q7: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

A7: Yes! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Just make sure the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Q8: Can I make this without cheese?

A8: You can! If you prefer a dairy-free version, simply leave out the cheese. The casserole will still be delicious, though it will lack the savory cheese flavor.

Q9: What should I serve this casserole with?

A9: This casserole pairs perfectly with ham, turkey, or even grilled meats. It also works well alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

Q10: Can I add other fruits to the casserole?

A10: Absolutely! You can experiment with adding other fruits like peaches or even a bit of diced mango to give the casserole a tropical twist.

Conclusion

Southern Pineapple Casserole is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into something truly memorable. With its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, a crispy topping, and a comforting, homey vibe, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering—or even just a cozy weeknight dinner. The best part? It’s so easy to make! Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite!

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