Pineapple Bake Recipe

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Pineapple Bake (Southern Pineapple Casserole)

A beloved Southern side dish that walks the delicious line between savory and sweet. This classic “pineapple bake” or “pineapple casserole” is a staple at church potlucks, holiday dinners, and family gatherings. It’s buttery, cheesy, crunchy, and the pineapple transforms into something warm and magical.

Classic Southern Pineapple Bake

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

· 2 (20 oz) cans pineapple chunks in juice (do not use syrup), drained but RESERVE 6 tablespoons of the juice
· 1 cup granulated sugar
· 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (a must for the authentic flavor)
· 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Buttery Cracker Topping:

· 1 sleeve (about 35) Ritz crackers (or similar buttery round crackers), crushed
· 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
· 1/4 cup light brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)

Equipment:

· 9×13 inch baking dish
· Mixing bowls
· Colander (for draining pineapple)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  1. Drain the pineapple chunks over a bowl or measuring cup. Save 6 tablespoons of the pineapple juice. This is key for flavor and moisture.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour.
  3. Gradually whisk in the reserved 6 tablespoons of pineapple juice until you have a smooth, thick paste.
  4. Add the drained pineapple chunks and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold everything together until evenly combined. The mixture will be clumpy and cheesy—this is perfect.
  5. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 3: Create the Crunchy Topping

  1. Crush the Ritz crackers. You want a mix of fine crumbs and some small pea-sized pieces for texture. Place them in a bowl.
  2. Pour the 1/4 cup melted butter (and the optional brown sugar, if using) over the crushed crackers. Toss with a fork until every crumb is lightly coated and the mixture looks like wet sand.
  3. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the pineapple filling.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Place the dish in the preheated oven.
  2. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the top is a deep, golden brown.
  3. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. It will be molten-hot straight from the oven, and resting allows it to set slightly.

Pro Tips & Secrets:

· Cheese is Key: Use a good, sharp cheddar for the best flavor contrast. Mild cheddar can get lost. Some families swear by extra-sharp white cheddar.
· Drain Well: Make sure your pineapple is well-drained, or the bake can be soupy.
· Texture Variations: For a creamier base, some recipes add 1/2 cup of sour cream to the filling mixture.
· Topping Twists: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the cracker topping for extra crunch and Southern authenticity.
· Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if starting cold.

What to Serve With It (It’s a Side Dish!):

This is a quintessential side, not a dessert. It pairs unbelievably well with:

· Baked Ham (the classic and perfect partner)
· Holiday Turkey or Roast Chicken
· Pork Chops or Pulled Pork
· A baked potato and green beans for a simple supper

Troubleshooting & FAQs:

· Too Sweet? Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup. The sharp cheese should balance it.
· Too Soupy? You didn’t drain the pineapple well enough, or you added too much juice. Use exactly 6 tablespoons of juice. Flour can also vary; you can increase it by 1-2 tbsp next time.
· Soggy Topping? Make sure your topping is buttery enough, and don’t cover the dish while baking.
· Can I use fresh pineapple? Yes, but you’ll need to gently cook it first to soften it and create the needed juice. Simmer 4 cups of fresh chunks with 1/2 cup water and 2 tbsp sugar for 10 minutes, then drain and reserve the liquid.

The Flavor Profile:

Don’t be skeptical of the cheese and pineapple combo! The bake transforms in the oven. The sugar, juice, and butter create a rich, caramelized sauce. The cheese melts into the background, providing a savory, salty depth that makes the pineapple taste more like pineapple, not like a dessert. The buttery, salty cracker topping is the perfect crunchy contrast.

Enjoy this warm, comforting, and uniquely Southern tradition! It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish.

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