Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Paula Deen’s pineapple casserole! This dish is like a warm hug from the South, bursting with sweet pineapple and a crunchy topping that just sings comfort food. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to family gatherings where it was the star of the table. I can still hear my Aunt Betty raving about it while we all dive in, forks clinking and laughter filling the air. It’s one of those classic recipes that brings everyone together, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my home!
Ingredients for Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your very own delicious pineapple casserole. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist this delightful combination!
- 2 cans of crushed pineapple (20 oz each)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
Make sure to grab everything on this list before you start, so you can dive right into the cooking fun! Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that sweet and savory magic that makes this casserole such a hit.
How to Prepare Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this mouthwatering pineapple casserole! I promise it’s as easy as pie—well, easier actually! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to impress your family and friends.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your casserole bakes evenly and gets that gorgeous golden brown top! So, set that temperature and let it warm up while you get everything else ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Mixture
Next, grab those cans of crushed pineapple and drain them well, but don’t toss out that juice just yet! In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple with the sugar and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it all together until everything is nicely blended. The sweetness of the pineapple and the sharpness of the cheese is pure magic!
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Now for the fun part—assembly! Spread the pineapple mixture evenly into a baking dish. Don’t be shy; get every last bit in there! Then, in a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until they’re all coated. Sprinkle this buttery goodness generously over the pineapple mixture. It’s what makes the topping so crunchy and irresistible!
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Pop that casserole in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you want to check for doneness, just take a peek! The smell wafting from your oven will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Paula Deen pineapple casserole is a total game-changer, and here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick prep time means you can whip it up in no time!
- Deliciously sweet and savory flavors that complement any meal.
- Perfectly versatile—great as a side dish for holidays or just a cozy dinner.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your family asking for seconds!
With all these amazing perks, how can you resist giving it a try?
Tips for Success with Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole
To truly make this pineapple casserole shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, if you like it sweeter, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste; the pineapple can vary in sweetness, so just taste as you go! For a little extra flavor, try swapping out the sharp cheddar for a mild or even pepper jack cheese for a kick. Also, don’t skip the butter on those Ritz crackers—it’s what gives that topping its irresistible crunch! And remember, letting it sit for a few minutes after baking lets the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy the process!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you seal it up! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheat, but I find the oven helps maintain that lovely crunch on top. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information for Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each serving of this delightful pineapple casserole contains approximately 250 calories, 12g of fat, 4g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It also has about 15g of sugar and 300mg of sodium. Always a good idea to check your labels for the most accurate information!
FAQ about Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole
Got questions about this delightful Paula Deen pineapple casserole? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to chop it finely and drain any excess juice to keep the casserole from getting too soggy.
What can I serve with pineapple casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with ham, roasted chicken, or even grilled veggies for a balanced meal!
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
Is Paula Deen pineapple casserole gluten-free?
Unfortunately, it’s not gluten-free due to the Ritz crackers. But you can use gluten-free crackers for a similar crunch!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Baked Mac and Cheese. If you’re interested in the nutritional benefits of pineapple, you can read more about it here.
Print
Paula Deen Pineapple Casserole: 4 Sweet Comforts to Savor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Southern dish featuring sweet pineapple and a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of crushed pineapple (20 oz each)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drain the crushed pineapple, reserving the juice.
- In a bowl, mix the pineapple with sugar and cheese.
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the pineapple.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm as a side dish.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Adjust sugar based on sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: paula deen pineapple casserole
