The Greatest Pineapple Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting, and sweet casserole to serve at family gatherings or special events, this pineapple casserole is the ultimate treat. Combining the juicy sweetness of pineapple with a buttery, crumbly topping, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Casserole

Sweet and Savory: The pineapple brings a sweet, juicy contrast to the buttery topping.
Versatile: Perfect for brunch, dinner, or as a dessert, this casserole fits any occasion.
Quick to Make: In under an hour, you’ll have a warm, bubbling dish ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

2 cups crushed pineapple (in juice, drained)
1 cup sugar
½ cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup brown sugar (for topping)
¼ cup melted butter (for topping)
½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
Optional: ¼ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (for extra flavor in the topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole pan with a light coat of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Base

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple with the sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk everything together until smooth. The pineapple’s natural sweetness will shine through, and the eggs help create a creamy texture.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the wet pineapple mixture. Gently fold the flour in using a spatula until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the casserole dense instead of light and fluffy.

Step 4: Flavor Boost

Add the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth that complements the pineapple perfectly. You can also mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you want to enhance the flavor even more. The spices provide a subtle depth to the dish.

Step 5: Pour and Spread

Pour the pineapple mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula to ensure that it bakes evenly.

Step 6: Create the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, melted butter, and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs until they form a crumbly consistency. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the pineapple base. This creates the classic sweet, crispy topping that everyone loves.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Keep an eye on it after the 25-minute mark. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This rest period helps the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier. The casserole can be served warm, or you can store it in the refrigerator and serve it chilled, depending on your preference.

How to Serve Pineapple Casserole

Side Dish: Serve it as a sweet complement to savory mains like ham, roast chicken, or pork chops.
Dessert: Top a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Brunch: This casserole pairs well with other brunch favorites like bacon, eggs, or a fresh fruit salad.

Tips for Making the Best Pineapple Casserole:

Drain the Pineapple: Make sure you thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple before mixing it with the other ingredients. Too much liquid can make the casserole soggy.
Make it Cheesier: If you’re a fan of savory-sweet combinations, add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese under the crumb topping. The sharpness of the cheese contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple.
Use Fresh Pineapple: If you want to take things to the next level, try using fresh pineapple instead of canned. Simply chop the fruit into small pieces and cook it down slightly before using it in the recipe.
Switch Up the Topping: While crushed crackers are traditional, you can use panko breadcrumbs or even granola for a unique twist. For a sweeter variation, consider using crumbled shortbread cookies or graham crackers.

Storage and Reheating

Storing: Leftover pineapple casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the entire casserole (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: To reheat, simply pop it in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power for about 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready, simply add the topping and bake it.

2. What can I substitute for butter?
If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter. This will alter the flavor slightly but still yield delicious results.

3. Can I use pineapple chunks instead of crushed pineapple?
While crushed pineapple is recommended for the texture, you can use pineapple chunks. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the mixture.

4. Is it gluten-free?
This particular recipe is not gluten-free because it uses all-purpose flour and crackers in the topping. However, you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping.

Conclusion

This greatest pineapple casserole is a delightful dish that’s sure to win over friends and family. With its simple ingredients and mouth-watering taste, it’s a versatile recipe that you can make for almost any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a sweet dessert, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.

Enjoy this delicious treat, and don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and flavors to make it your own!