When it comes to finding the perfect side dish that combines the sweetness of pineapples with the savory goodness of a casserole, look no further than Pioneer Woman's pineapple casserole recipe. Trust me, this dish will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
I stumbled upon this recipe and couldn't resist giving it a try. The blend of juicy pineapples, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttery Ritz crackers is simply divine. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast.
Ingredients
- Canned crushed pineapples — 2 cans (20 ounces each)
- Granulated sugar — 1 cup
- All-purpose flour — ½ cup
- Sharp cheddar cheese — 2 cups, grated
- Ritz crackers — 1 sleeve (about 36 crackers), crushed
- Butter — 1 stick (½ cup), melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapples (including the juice), sugar, flour, and grated cheddar cheese. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Pour the pineapple mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until the crackers are fully coated.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the pineapple layer, covering it completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Substitutions
- Canned crushed pineapples — If you can't find canned crushed pineapples, you can use canned pineapple tidbits or chunks instead. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
- Sharp cheddar cheese — Although sharp cheddar cheese adds a fantastic tang to the casserole, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Monterey Jack or Colby cheese would work well too, providing a milder flavor to the dish.
- Ritz crackers — If you don't have Ritz crackers on hand, you can substitute them with buttery crackers like Club crackers or even crushed butter crackers.
Variations
- Spicy kick — If you enjoy a hint of spice, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the pineapple mixture. This will give your casserole a subtle kick that will surely impress your guests.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spreading spatula
Storage
- If there are any leftovers of this delightful casserole, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- The pineapple casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Pro Tips
- Browning the topping — For an even more golden and crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serving suggestion — Pioneer Woman's pineapple casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with both sweet and savory main courses. Serve it alongside baked ham, roasted chicken, or even as a side dish for brunch. The contrasting flavors work wonderfully together.
- A touch of heat — If you prefer your casserole on the spicier side, add a sprinkle of hot sauce or a few dashes of Tabasco before serving. The heat will complement the tangy sweetness of the pineapples.
