Southern Pineapple Casserole: A Cherished Family Recipe

There’s something magical about those recipes that have been lovingly passed down through generations, and this Southern Pineapple Casserole is one of those treasured dishes. Every time I prepare this family recipe, handed down from my grandmother, I’m transported back to sun-drenched Sunday afternoons in the South, where this unique dish graced every family gathering and holiday table. The combination might sound unusual to the uninitiated – pineapple, cheese, and buttery crackers – but trust me, this casserole has been converting skeptics into devoted fans for decades.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Yield: 1½-quart casserole

This delightful casserole brings together sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements in perfect harmony. The star of the show is undoubtedly the golden-brown, buttery cracker topping that crowns the warm, sweet pineapple filling. When the sharp cheddar cheese melts into the sweet pineapple, it creates an unexpectedly delicious combination that’s become a Southern staple.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 (20 oz) cans pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
• 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 2 sleeves buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 1½-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This size ensures the perfect ratio of filling to topping.
2. Drain and Reserve Carefully drain all three cans of pineapple, making sure to reserve the juice – you’ll need some for the topping. The reserved juice adds an extra layer of flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
3. Mix the Filling In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks and crushed pineapple. Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese, flour, sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. The flour will help thicken the juices as the casserole bakes.
4. Prepare the Topping In a separate bowl, crush the buttery round crackers into coarse crumbs – you want some texture, not powder. Mix the cracker crumbs with melted butter and ¼ cup of the reserved pineapple juice until well combined.
5. Assemble and Bake Transfer the pineapple mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the buttery cracker mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.

Pro Tips and Variations

This beloved recipe has been perfected over generations, and I’ve picked up some valuable tips along the way:

Make-Ahead Magic
While you can prepare the pineapple mixture ahead of time, wait to add the cracker topping until just before baking. This ensures the topping stays perfectly crispy. If you’re preparing in advance, store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Storage Solutions
Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, I don’t recommend freezing this casserole – the texture of both the pineapple and the topping can become compromised during thawing.

Clever Variations
Many home cooks in our community have shared their own twists on this classic:

• Try using pineapple tidbits instead of chunks for a more uniform texture
• Experiment with different cheese varieties – some swear by mild cheddar or even a mixture of cheeses
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for a warm, spicy note
• Include chopped pecans in the topping for extra crunch

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: 385
• Total Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 48mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 10g

Community Love

The comments section of our family recipe blog lights up whenever we share this casserole. Sarah from Atlanta writes, “I was skeptical about the cheese and pineapple combination, but this is now my go-to potluck dish!” Meanwhile, Robert from Charleston shares, “My grandmother made something similar, but this version with the crushed pineapple addition is even better!”

Perfect Pairings

This versatile casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Glazed Easter Ham
• Southern Fried Chicken
• Smoked Pork Shoulder
• Traditional Holiday Turkey

The sweet and savory profile makes it an excellent side dish for any protein-centered meal, though many enjoy it as a dessert as well.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Pineapple Casserole is more than just a recipe – it’s a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Southern cooking. It’s a dish that proves sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most memorable flavors. Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or starting a new one, this casserole is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.

Remember, the key to this recipe’s success lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for the best melting quality, and don’t skip the step of reserving the pineapple juice – it’s these little details that make this casserole truly special.