Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole Recipe: A Sunny Southern Treat

Pineapple casserole bursts with unexpected flavor combinations that will electrify your taste buds in ways you never imagined.

Southern kitchens have long cherished this magical dish that transforms simple ingredients into culinary poetry.

Tangy pineapple chunks nestle perfectly with creamy cheese, creating a harmonious blend that dances across your palate.

Buttery cracker crumbs add a delightful crunch that elevates this comfort food from ordinary to extraordinary.

Layers of sweetness and richness intertwine in a symphony of taste that challenges traditional dessert norms.

Each forkful promises a delectable surprise that blends tropical zest with comforting warmth.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe has become a beloved Southern classic that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 355 kcal

Servings: 8

Serving Ideas for Paula Deen’s Sweet-Savory Dish

• Pair with Tropical Treat: Serve alongside coconut rice or grilled tropical fruits for a vibrant, island-inspired meal experience.
• Brunch Brilliance: Create a stunning weekend brunch centerpiece by adding this casserole to your spread with scrambled eggs and fresh mimosas.
• Cool Companion Suggestion: Top with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the warm, sweet-savory flavors and add creamy contrast.
• Potluck Power Move: Transport this dish in a portable carrier for gatherings, as it travels well and offers a unique twist on traditional side dishes.

Storage Tips for Paula’s Casserole Leftovers

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping its delightful flavors intact.
• Freeze with Ease: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, preserving its delectable taste for 2-3 months in the freezer.
• Reheat Wisely: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 175°C / 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore its original crispy texture and mouthwatering appeal.
• Serve Smart: Allow the casserole to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes after reheating, ensuring each bite remains tender and packed with tropical cheese goodness.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole

• Sugar: Select fine-granulated for smooth texture and even sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Opt for fresh, sifted flour to prevent lumps in mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Choose sharp, aged cheese for robust flavor profile.

• Pineapple Chunks: Select ripe, golden canned chunks with minimal syrup.

• Buttery Cracker Crumbs, Melted Butter: Select crisp crackers like Ritz for rich, golden crunch.
• Pineapple Juice: Utilize reserved liquid from canned fruit for extra tropical essence.

Tools for Making Paula’s Southern Pineapple Casserole

• Oven: Standard kitchen oven for baking the casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Casserole dish: Medium-sized baking vessel for preparing and cooking the dessert.
• Spatula: Handy tool for spreading mixture evenly in the dish.
• Grater: Essential for shredding cheddar cheese smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Can opener: Needed to open pineapple cans easily.
• Separate mixing bowl: Extra container for creating the crumbly topping.
• Wooden spoon or whisk: Perfect for stirring and blending ingredients.

Step-by-Step for Paula Deen’s Pineapple Bake

• Prepare Oven Warmth

Fire up your oven to a cozy 175°C, creating the perfect baking environment for a mouthwatering adventure.

• Craft Buttery Canvas

Grab a casserole dish and lovingly coat its surface with butter, ensuring nothing sticks during baking.

• Blend Base Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and flour until they become best friends, creating a smooth foundation for your culinary magic.

• Introduce Cheese Magic

Sprinkle in grated cheddar, gently folding it through the mixture until every morsel is beautifully coated and promising deliciousness.

• Welcome Tropical Burst

Drain those pineapple chunks and tenderly fold them into the mixture, letting their sweet essence mingle with the cheesy goodness.

• Create Crispy Crown

Mix cracker crumbs with melted butter and a splash of pineapple juice, transforming these simple ingredients into a crunchy, golden topping that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Assemble And Bake

Pour the vibrant mixture into your buttered dish, crown it with the crumbly topping, and slide it into the waiting oven for 25-30 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden-brown.

Tips to Enhance Paula’s Pineapple Casserole

• Boost Cheese Texture: Experiment with different cheese varieties like gouda, monterey jack, or pepper jack to add depth and complexity to the casserole's flavor profile.
• Customize Cracker Crunch: Try graham crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed cornflakes instead of traditional buttery crackers for a unique crispy topping that adds unexpected texture and taste.
• Fruit Flavor Fusion: Swap pineapple chunks with other tropical fruits like mango, papaya, or a mix of berries to create a personalized sweet and tangy sensation that keeps the dish exciting and fresh.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage a day in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed for a stress-free meal preparation.

Mouthwatering Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets sweet indulgence in this paula deen pineapple casserole, blending tropical fruit with buttery cracker topping. Cheese and pineapple create a delightful harmony you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 (20 oz/567 g) cans pineapple chunks, drained
• 8 tbsps butter, melted (plus extra for greasing pan)
• 1 cup buttery cracker crumbs
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 6 tbsps pineapple juice, reserved

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Precisely calibrate the oven to 175°C / 350°F, positioning the rack centrally for optimal heat circulation.
2. Dish Preparation: Thoroughly butter a medium ceramic casserole dish, ensuring complete interior coverage to prevent adherence.
3. Mixture Creation: In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk granulated sugar and all-purpose flour until seamlessly integrated, then fold in sharp cheddar cheese with methodical precision to avoid clumping.
4. Fruit Incorporation: Gently introduce drained pineapple chunks into the cheese mixture, delicately folding to distribute evenly without damaging the fruit’s delicate structure.
5. Topping Development: Combine buttery cracker crumbs with melted butter and reserved pineapple juice, creating a cohesive, slightly moistened crumb mixture.
6. Assembly and Baking: Transfer the pineapple-cheese mixture to the prepared dish, level the surface, then generously sprinkle the crumb topping using light, sweeping motions for uniform coverage.
7. Final Cooking: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a transformative golden-brown crust that signals perfect doneness and caramelized flavor development.

Notes

• Precise Oven Placement: Center rack ensures even heat distribution, preventing uneven cooking or burnt edges.
• Butter Coating Technique: Thoroughly greasing the dish prevents sticking and helps create a smooth, easy-to-serve casserole surface.
• Cheese Mixing Strategy: Gently fold cheese to avoid clumping and ensure a uniform flavor throughout the dish.
• Crumb Topping Perfection: Blend cracker crumbs carefully to create a crispy, golden-brown top that adds delightful texture and flavor contrast.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 355
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 564 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 51 mg