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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Precisely calibrate the oven to 175°C / 350°F, positioning the rack centrally for optimal heat circulation.
- Dish Preparation: Thoroughly butter a medium ceramic casserole dish, ensuring complete interior coverage to prevent adherence.
- 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.
- Fruit Incorporation: Gently introduce drained pineapple chunks into the cheese mixture, delicately folding to distribute evenly without damaging the fruit’s delicate structure.
- Topping Development: Combine buttery cracker crumbs with melted butter and reserved pineapple juice, creating a cohesive, slightly moistened crumb mixture.
- 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.
- 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