Pioneer Woman ‘s Sweet Pineapple Casserole Recipe to Love

Pioneer Woman’s pineapple casserole bursts with unexpected flavor combinations that dance across your palate.

Southern charm radiates through this unconventional side dish, blending tropical sweetness with creamy decadence.

Layers of juicy pineapple nestled between golden cracker crumbs create a sensational texture that challenges traditional recipe norms.

Buttery, rich, and surprisingly complex, this dish transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Comfort food lovers will instantly fall in love with its unique profile and mouthwatering appeal.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey of taste and texture that surprises and satisfies.

Get ready to elevate your meal with this irresistible, crowd-pleasing sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s Used in Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

• Pineapple Chunks: Select ripe, golden chunks with vibrant yellow color and sweet aroma.
• Pineapple Juice: Opt for pure, no-added-sugar juice for natural sweetness.

• Crackers, Cheese, Butter: Choose buttery crackers like Ritz for rich, crispy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Select sharp variety for bold, tangy flavor profile.

• Sugar: Use granulated white sugar for smooth, even sweetening.
• Cornstarch: Pick fresh, clump-free cornstarch for perfect sauce consistency.

Equipment for Baking Pineapple Casserole

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cracker crumbs, cheese, and butter.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sugar and cornstarch smoothly.
• 13×9-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for creating the pineapple base and casserole.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise sugar and cornstarch amounts.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.
• Can Opener: Needed to open pineapple cans.
• Cheese Grater: For creating fresh, grated cheese.

How to Put Together Pineapple Bake

• Fire Up the Oven

Blast the oven to a sizzling 350°F, prepping it for the delicious adventure ahead.

• Whip Up Pineapple Magic

Drain the pineapple and capture its sweet juice. Create a silky smooth sauce by mixing sugar and cornstarch until perfectly blended with zero lumps.

• Build the Fruity Foundation

Spread pineapple chunks across the baking dish, then drench them with the glossy juice mixture, ensuring every morsel gets a delectable coating.

• Craft Crunchy Cheesy Topping

Combine crushed crackers, grated cheese, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until the mixture transforms into a crispy, crumbly texture that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Bake and Devour

Shower the pineapple base with the irresistible topping. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust, melted cheese, and bubbling pineapple that signals pure culinary magic. Let the casserole rest briefly, then serve up this crowd-pleasing masterpiece while it’s warm and inviting.

Sweet-Savory Notes and Add-Ons

• Customize Crunch Levels: Experiment with different crackers like Ritz, saltines, or panko breadcrumbs to create unique texture variations in your topping.
• Tropical Flavor Boost: Swap some white sugar with brown sugar or add a splash of rum for a deeper, richer Caribbean-inspired twist.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes hosting dinner parties a breeze.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without sacrificing delicious flavor.

Plating Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

• Pair with Creamy Comfort: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the pineapple's tangy sweetness and add a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, crunchy casserole.
• Create Brunch Bliss: Offer this dish as a delightful side for weekend brunch, complementing ham, scrambled eggs, or bacon for a crowd-pleasing morning meal.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: Drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle chopped nuts on top to add extra texture and depth of flavor, transforming this simple casserole into an indulgent treat.
• Perfect Party Portion: Portion into individual ramekins for an elegant twist, making it easier to serve at potlucks or dinner parties with a personalized touch.

Storing Tips for Leftover Pineapple Mix

• Store Smartly: Transfer any leftover casserole into airtight containers, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Cool the dish completely before refrigerating. Stored properly, this pineapple casserole will keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving its delicious flavor and texture for future enjoyment.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore the entire casserole's crispy topping by baking in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Tantalizing Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern pineapple casserole blends creamy cheddar cheese with tropical fruit for an unexpected comfort dish. Crisp buttery cracker topping and sugary pineapple chunks create delicious harmony that welcomes you to savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
• 2 (20 oz/567 g) cans pineapple chunks, juice reserved
• 2 cups buttery crackers, roughly crushed (about 45 crackers or 1 ½ sleeves of Ritz)
• 1 stick (8 tbsps/113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 350°F (177°C), creating an ideal thermal environment for the casserole’s transformation.
2. Liquid Fusion: Whisk pineapple juice with sugar and cornstarch until a smooth, lump-free liquid emerges, blending tropical essence with silky precision.
3. Fruit Foundation: Spread pineapple chunks evenly in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, then gently drench with the sweetened juice mixture, ensuring complete fruit coverage.
4. Crispy Topping Craft: Combine crushed crackers, grated cheese, and melted butter in a mixing bowl, working the ingredients into a rustic, textured blend that promises a golden crunch.
5. Final Assembly and Baking: Generously crown the pineapple base with the cracker-cheese mixture, then transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a beautifully bronzed topping, melted cheese, and bubbling fruit edges.
6. Serving Ritual: Allow the casserole a brief 5-minute cooling moment before presenting this warm, inviting delicacy to the table.

Notes

• Precise Pineapple Draining: Thoroughly drain canned pineapple to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and consistency.
• Temperature Timing: Watch the casserole closely during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning of the cracker topping, maintaining a golden-brown perfection.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use a sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor impact, as it provides a tangy contrast to the sweet pineapple and creates a more complex taste profile.
• Serving Strategy: Let the casserole rest for exactly 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to set and the topping to crisp up, guaranteeing an ideal serving temperature and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg