Okay, friends, let’s talk about something truly special. This Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole Recipe? It’s not just a dish; it’s a hug in a baking dish. Seriously! I remember the first time I had it – Aunt Carol brought it to our family Thanksgiving, and it was gone faster than the pumpkin pie! It’s sweet, it’s savory, it’s bubbly, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. If you love a good sweet casserole, think of this as the cooler, more tropical cousin of scalloped corn. Get ready to transport yourself to a sunshine-filled Southern kitchen with every bite! I bet you will love this Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole.
What is Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole?
So, what exactly IS a Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole? Well, imagine a creamy, dreamy base, studded with juicy pineapple chunks, and topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker topping. It’s essentially a baked side dish (or dessert, depending on who you ask!) that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the richness of cheese and butter. Don’t let the cheese part scare you if you’re new to this kind of casserole – it adds a fantastic savory element that balances everything perfectly. It’s not your typical casserole, and that’s what makes it so memorable. It’s that sweet and salty combo we all secretly crave!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? The flavor of this **Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole** is just *amazing*. You get the bright, tropical sweetness from the pineapple, the creamy tang from the cheddar cheese (yes, cheese!), and a buttery, crunchy topping that adds the perfect texture. It’s a symphony in your mouth, I swear!
The simplicity is also a huge win. This isn’t some fussy, complicated recipe. You pretty much mix everything together, dump it in a baking dish, and let the oven do its magic. It’s seriously one of those recipes that makes you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort.
Cost-efficiency is another reason to love this recipe. Canned pineapple is super affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that most of us usually have on hand. It’s a great way to impress your guests without breaking the bank.
And the versatility is fantastic! You can serve this as a side dish with ham or chicken, or you can serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream. Honestly, I’ve even been known to sneak a spoonful straight from the fridge when I’m craving something sweet! What I love most about this recipe is the unexpected twist of the cheese. It sounds weird, I know, but trust me on this one – it totally works! It’s what sets this casserole apart from all the other sweet casseroles out there. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory that keeps you coming back for more. It’s right up there with my favorite creamed corn casserole recipe, but with a tropical twist!
How to Make Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole
Quick Overview
Making this **Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole** is seriously a breeze. You’re basically mixing pineapple, cheese, a creamy base, and topping it with buttery crackers. It’s so simple, even a beginner baker can nail it. The best part? The oven does most of the work, leaving you free to do, well, anything else! It’s one of those recipes that you can whip up in minutes, making it perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a random Tuesday night when you’re craving something a little bit special.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained: Don’t drain it! The juice adds to the creaminess. I always go for pineapple packed in 100% juice, rather than syrup.
* 1 cup granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet casserole. I’ve tested it with ¾ cup and it works great.
* ½ cup all-purpose flour: This helps to bind everything together. You can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but the texture might be slightly different.
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works. I personally prefer sharp for that extra zing! Is it safe to eat pre-shredded meat?
* 12 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Use real butter for the best flavor! I always melt mine in the microwave in 30-second intervals to prevent splattering.
For the Topping:
* 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed: These crackers give the casserole the perfect buttery, salty crunch. You can use other buttery crackers, but Ritz are my go-to.
* ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted: Again, real butter is best! You can also add a pinch of salt to the melted butter for extra flavor.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve. I like to use a glass baking dish because it heats evenly, but a metal one will work too. Make sure you grease it well, especially the corners!
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the undrained crushed pineapple, sugar, flour, melted butter, and cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of flour. Don’t be afraid of the cheese! It seems weird, but it will melt into the casserole and add a great savory flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers. I usually put them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin, but you can also use a food processor if you prefer. Add the melted butter to the crushed crackers and mix until they are evenly coated. This buttery cracker topping is what gives the casserole that amazing crunch!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the pineapple mixture. Make sure the topping is evenly distributed so that every bite has that perfect crunch. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and prevent you from burning your mouth! I usually let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. I’ve even had it cold straight from the fridge – it’s delicious any way you slice it!
What should I serve it with?
What is a Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it?For a Holiday Feast: This is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It pairs perfectly with ham, turkey, or roast chicken. It adds a touch of sweetness to the savory spread and is always a crowd-pleaser.
As a Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream for a satisfying dessert. What is better, ice cream and casserole?For a Potluck:What is a great casserole to serve at supper? Is it ever a hit?What is a good weeknight meal? Serve it alongside grilled chicken or pork chops for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It adds a touch of sweetness and makes the meal feel a little bit more special.
My family has a tradition of serving this with our Easter ham. It’s the perfect balance to the salty ham and everyone always looks forward to it. I’ve even been known to make a smaller version just for myself when I’m craving something sweet and comforting!
How do I make a Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole?
Okay, listen up! What are some of the best recipes for Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole?Don’t drain the pineapples: Don’t I know it sounds counterintuitive, but trust me on this one. The juice from the pineapple adds to the creaminess of the casserole and keeps it from drying out.
How do you use real butter?Is this the time to skimp on butter? What is the best way to use real butter in a casserole? What’s the difference between a good and bad meal?Don’t overbakKeep a close eye on the casserole while it’s baking. You want the topping to be golden brown and the casserole to have bubbly, but you don’t want to overdo it. So make sure you make it a little extra crispy. If you overbake it, or it will dry out. Is it safe to do soAdd a pinch of salt: Add 1 tsp ofWhat is the best way to add salt to a casserole? I like to add a pinch of pineapple mixture and melted butter to the cracker topping.Get Creative with the Topping: What is a good toppingWhat are some good buttery crackers to serve as a topping? What are some examples of crushed cornflakes?Let It Cool Slightly: What is it likeI know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you get the flavors to meld and not burn your mouth? How do I avoid overbaking a casserole? The first time I made this, I got distracted and left it in the oven for too long. The topping was burnt and the casserole was dry. I always set a timer and keep an eye on it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made this amazing **Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole**, and now you have leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: You can leave the casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will still taste great, but the topping might lose some of its crunch.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat the casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping might not be as crunchy.
I usually store my leftovers in individual containers so I can grab a quick and easy serving whenever I want. And if I know I’m not going to eat it within a few days, I always freeze it to prevent it from going to waste!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This **Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole** is truly a gem. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. The sweet and savory combination is unexpected but absolutely delicious! It’s a great way to add a touch of sunshine to any meal. If you’re looking for other classic Southern recipes, be sure to check out my sweet potato casserole or my pecan Pie Recipe! I promise, you won’t be disappointed!
Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it, and what you thought. And if you made any fun variations, definitely share them with me! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family. Enjoy!
Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz crushed pineapple drained
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup flour all-purpose
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup butter melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine crushed pineapple, sugar, and eggs in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, pecans, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Pour pineapple mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the pineapple mixture.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
