Quick & Easy Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Paula Deen’s pineapple casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure that blends sweet and savory sensations.

Southern comfort cooking rarely gets more intriguing than this unexpected dish that challenges traditional dessert boundaries.

Creamy cheese mingles with tropical fruit in a surprising dance of flavors that catches everyone off guard.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate the delightful contrast between tangy pineapple and rich, melted dairy elements.

Buttery cracker crumbs add a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire sensory experience to new heights.

Warm and inviting, this casserole promises to become a conversation starter at any gathering.

Guests will be curious about the magical combination of ingredients that seems impossible yet tastes incredible: Get ready for a taste sensation that defies expectations.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole

• Crumble Crackers Strategically: Break crackers into a blend of fine dust and small chunks for an irresistibly crunchy, textured topping that adds delightful contrast.
• Avoid Excess Liquid Drama: Drain pineapple chunks completely, leaving just enough juice to keep the casserole moist without turning into a soggy mess.
• Select Cheese with Attitude: Sharp cheddar brings a bold, tangy punch that perfectly cuts through the pineapple's sweetness, creating a flavor explosion.
• Handle Pineapple with Care: Fold chunks gently into the mixture, preserving their juicy integrity and preventing a mushy texture.
• Bake Until Perfectly Bronzed: Monitor the casserole's top, pulling it out when it reaches a stunning golden-brown color that promises crispy, delectable bites.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole

• Freeze: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months, preserving its delicious texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion: Divide leftovers into individual serving-sized containers for easy grab-and-go meals. This strategy prevents unnecessary reheating and maintains the dish's quality, preventing moisture loss and texture breakdown.
• Counter Storage: Never leave the pineapple casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria multiply quickly in warm conditions, potentially causing foodborne illness. Always prioritize food safety by refrigerating promptly after serving.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole

• Tropical Treasure: Replace cheddar cheese with cream cheese for a smoother, tangier flavor profile that highlights the pineapple's sweetness.
• Nutty Pineapple Delight: Sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts or toasted coconut flakes over the cracker crumb topping for added crunch and tropical essence.
• Spiced Island Fusion: Mix ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the sugar and flour mixture to create a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the pineapple's natural sweetness.
• Berry Pineapple Blend: Incorporate fresh or frozen raspberries or blueberries into the pineapple mixture for a vibrant color and additional fruity complexity.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole

Southern comfort reaches new heights with Paula Deen’s pineapple casserole, a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that whisks you straight to grandmother’s kitchen.

Southern charm shines through each creamy, crumbly bite of this unexpected dessert-meets-side dish sensation.

Cheese and pineapple create a magical culinary harmony that defies traditional recipe boundaries.

Buttery cracker crumbs crown this masterpiece with irresistible crunch and golden-brown elegance.

Crisp edges and melted cheese promise a memorable dining experience that lingers long after the last forkful.

Culinary adventurers and comfort food enthusiasts: dive fork-first into this Southern classic, share its deliciousness across social platforms, spark conversations with fellow food explorers, and spread the love of this extraordinary recipe.

Why Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole Will Delight Your Taste Buds

• Savor Unexpected Flavor Fusion: This recipe brilliantly combines sweet pineapple with tangy cheddar cheese, creating a surprising and delightful taste experience that challenges traditional side dish expectations.
• Whip Up Effortless Comfort: With just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, anyone can create this deliciously crowd-pleasing casserole in under an hour, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking minimal kitchen stress.
• Enjoy Textural Delight: The crispy cracker crumb topping provides a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts with the soft, melted cheese and tender pineapple chunks, delivering a multi-layered sensory experience in every single bite.
• Serve Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as a unique side dish at family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals, this pineapple casserole offers a memorable addition that sparks conversation and delights taste buds with its unexpected combination of flavors.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and create a smooth texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, tangy flavor to balance the sweetness.

• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned fruit that gives a tropical sweetness and juicy texture.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

• Buttery Crackers: Provides a crispy, golden-brown crust with a rich buttery flavor.
• Butter: Helps create a crisp topping and adds richness to the dish.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Pineapple Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 175°C / 350°F, getting ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Prep The Baking Vessel

Generously grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter, creating a smooth surface.

Step 3: Create Sweet Foundation

• Sugar
• All-purpose flour

Stir these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 4: Introduce Cheesy Goodness

Gradually fold in grated cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the sugar-flour mixture.

Step 5: Add Tropical Treasures

Gently incorporate 2 cans (each) of drained pineapple chunks, mixing until all ingredients dance together harmoniously.

Step 6: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the vibrant mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Craft Crispy Topping

• Buttery cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Reserved pineapple juice

Mix until the ingredients form a delightful crumbly texture.

Step 8: Crown The Casserole

Sprinkle the crumb mixture generously over the pineapple and cheese base, creating a golden promise of crunch.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown top that signals deliciousness is moments away.

Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole Recipe

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

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Description

Pineapple casserole brings Southern comfort to any dinner table with its irresistible blend of sweet pineapple, buttery crackers, and rich cheese. Comfort meets indulgence in this classic recipe that promises to delight guests and family alike with its creamy, crispy perfection.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 (20 ounces/567 grams) cans drained pineapple chunks
• 1 cup buttery crackers (made into crumbs)

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice

Preparation Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for greasing pan)

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven temperature precisely to 175°C / 350°F, positioning the rack in the center for uniform heat distribution.
2. Select a medium-sized ceramic casserole dish and thoroughly coat the interior with unsalted butter, ensuring complete surface coverage to prevent sticking.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, carefully combine granulated sugar and all-purpose flour, whisking until the textures are seamlessly integrated.
4. Incorporate freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese into the sugar-flour mixture, stirring methodically to create a uniform coating and prevent clumping.
5. Delicately introduce drained pineapple chunks into the cheese mixture, gently folding to distribute the fruit evenly without crushing the tender pieces.
6. Smoothly transfer the complete mixture into the prepared casserole dish, using a silicone spatula to create an even, leveled surface.
7. Craft the crumb topping by blending buttery cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter and reserved pineapple juice, mixing until the ingredients form a cohesive, slightly moistened texture.
8. Distribute the crumb topping uniformly across the pineapple-cheese base, using light, sweeping motions to achieve consistent coverage.
9. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, monitoring until the surface transforms into a golden-brown, crispy landscape.

Notes

• Sharp cheddar cheese delivers a bold, tangy punch that perfectly complements the sweet pineapple chunks in this casserole.
• Thorough pineapple draining prevents unwanted sogginess, ensuring a crisp and flavorful final dish.
• Cracker crushing technique matters – mix fine crumbs with small chunks to create an irresistibly crunchy topping that adds texture and excitement.
• Gentle mixing preserves delicate pineapple pieces, maintaining their juicy integrity throughout the cooking process.
• Golden brown topping signals the casserole’s perfect doneness, promising a crispy, appetizing finish that’ll make mouths water.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 46 g
• Sodium: 254 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg