Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole is a unique and delicious side dish that perfectly combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory flavors of cheese and buttery crackers. This Southern classic is a wonderful addition to holiday meals, potlucks, or any special occasion. With its irresistible blend of flavors and textures, this pineapple casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
What is Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole?
Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole is a Southern dish that features a delightful combination of sweet pineapple chunks, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crispy topping made from buttery crackers. The casserole is baked to golden perfection, creating a unique side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: Sweet and savory flavors blend perfectly.
- Simple to Prepare: Easy steps and common ingredients.
- Versatile Side Dish: Great for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with both kids and adults.
- Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
Other Pioneer Woman Recipes
- Pioneer Woman Squash Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Cheeseburger Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole
- 2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Pineapple Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, sugar, and flour. Mix well to coat the pineapple evenly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pineapple mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crackers are well-coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole
- Ham: The sweetness of the casserole pairs perfectly with savory, salty ham.
- Roast Chicken: Complements the flavors of a classic roast chicken dinner.
- Grilled Pork Chops: Adds a delightful contrast to grilled meats.
- Green Beans: A fresh, crisp side to balance the rich casserole.
- Mashed Potatoes: Classic comfort food that pairs well with the sweet and savory casserole.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole
- Drain Pineapple Well: Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid a watery casserole.
- Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar provides a nice contrast to the sweet pineapple.
- Crush Crackers Finely: Finely crushed crackers create a more uniform topping.
- Mix Well: Combine the pineapple, sugar, and flour thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake until the top is golden brown for the best texture.
- Serve Warm: The casserole is best enjoyed warm in the oven.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole
- Add Pecans: Mix chopped pecans into the cracker topping for added crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pineapple mixture for a spicy twist.
- Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan Version: Substitute vegan cheese and butter for a vegan-friendly dish.
Storing Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole: Best Practices
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Label and Date: Always label and date your storage containers for easy identification.
- Separate Portions: Store in individual portions for quick and easy reheating.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole: Best Practices
- Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave Option: Use the microwave for 2-3 minutes, but note the topping might not be as crispy.
- Avoid Dryness: Cover with foil while reheating in the oven to retain moisture.
- Check Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating.
- Add Fresh Topping: Sprinkle a little fresh cracker topping before reheating for added crunch.
- Reheat Gradually: Avoid high heat to prevent drying out the casserole.
How can I make Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole healthier?
To make Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Use Fresh Pineapple: Substitute canned pineapple with fresh pineapple to reduce added sugars.
- Reduce Sugar: Cut the amount of sugar in half or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Choose Whole Grain Crackers: Use whole grain crackers for the topping to add fiber and nutrients.
- Low-Fat Cheese: Replace regular cheddar cheese with low-fat or reduced-fat cheese options.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the topping for healthy fats and extra crunch.
- Control Portions: Serve smaller portions and pair them with a healthy main dish and vegetables to create a balanced meal.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
FAQs
How can I make Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free crackers for the topping. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I prepare Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pineapple mixture and the cracker topping separately, then store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole just before baking to ensure the topping stays crispy. This makes it convenient for holiday meals and busy schedules.
What cheese is best for Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole?
Sharp cheddar cheese is the best choice for Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole. It provides a strong, savory flavor that balances the sweetness of the pineapple. For a different twist, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
How do I prevent my Pineapple Casserole from being watery?
To prevent a watery casserole, ensure the pineapple chunks are thoroughly drained. You can also pat them dry with a paper towel. Using a thickener like flour helps absorb any excess moisture during baking.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole is a delightful and unique side dish that will add a touch of sweetness to any meal. With its simple preparation and delicious blend of flavors, it’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday dinners. Enjoy this Southern classic and savor the wonderful combination of pineapple, cheese, and buttery crackers!
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole
- Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Corn Casserole
- Mike’s Farm Mac And Cheese
Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole is a Southern dish that features a delightful combination of sweet pineapple chunks, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crispy topping made from buttery crackers. The casserole is baked to golden perfection, creating a unique side dish that complements a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Pineapple Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, sugar, and flour. Mix well to coat the pineapple evenly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pineapple mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crackers are well-coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
