Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole Recipe

If you’re ready to try something unique and fruity, the Pioneer Woman’s Pineapple Casserole recipe is a must-try dessert!

This sweet and savory dish combines pineapple, cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Preheat your oven to 350F and get ready to enjoy a new taste sensation.

One key trick for success is to make sure you thoroughly drain the pineapple juice before adding it to the mixture.

I love how this dish pairs perfectly with ham or chicken, making it versatile for any meal.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 cans Pineapple chunks (20 oz. each)
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
• 1 stick Butter (melted)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 2:

Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving 1 1/2 cups of the juice.

Step 3:

In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and flour. Whisk in the reserved pineapple juice until smooth.

Step 4:

Spread the drained pineapple chunks evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the juice mixture over the pineapple chunks.

Step 5:

Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the pineapple and juice mixture.

Step 6:

Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until fully combined. Sprinkle this cracker mixture evenly over the cheese layer.

Step 7:

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Using Fresh Pineapple

If you prefer fresh pineapple, chop it into small chunks and use about 3 cups, but keep in mind you’ll need to make or buy pineapple juice.

Adding Extra Crunch

For extra texture, you can add crushed pretzels to the Ritz cracker mixture before sprinkling it over the top.

Making it Sweeter

If you have a sweet tooth, you can add a bit more sugar to the juice mixture. Give it a taste test before pouring it over the pineapple chunks!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back the crispy topping.

Cheese Choices

Try using a mix of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor twist. Both melt beautifully and add a wonderful creaminess!

Enjoy making this delightful pineapple casserole!

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole.

The savory flavors of the chicken balance nicely with the sweet and tangy pineapple.

Try seasoning your chicken with a bit of garlic and herbs for a delightful combination.

Steamed Asparagus

Steamed asparagus offers a fresh, green note that complements the richness of the casserole.

Lightly season with salt and a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.

This side dish is both simple and elegant.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes bring an extra layer of sweetness and warmth to your meal.

Cut them into cubes, toss with olive oil, and roast until they’re caramelized and tender.

They make a cozy and colorful addition to your plate.

Quiche Lorraine

Quiche Lorraine is a unique yet delightful pairing with pineapple casserole.

The creamy, savory flavors of the quiche contrast beautifully with the sweet casserole.

It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something a little different.

Spinach Salad with Strawberries

A spinach salad with strawberries, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette can be a fresh and light side.

The strawberries echo the fruitiness of the pineapple, while the spinach adds a nice, earthy tone.

This salad brings a vibrant, refreshing element to your table.

Variations and Substitutions

Fruit Options

You can substitute fresh pineapple for canned pineapple chunks to add a firmer texture.

If you want to add a bit of tartness, mix in some fresh or canned mango chunks.

Cheese Choices

If cheddar is too sharp for your liking, try mozzarella for a milder flavor.

Swiss cheese can also be an exciting twist on the original recipe.

Cracker Topping

Instead of Ritz crackers, use pretzel crumbs for an extra salty crunch.

Panko breadcrumbs can be a lighter, yet crispy alternative for the topping.

Sweeteners

Try using maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.

Coconut sugar offers a mildly different flavor that pairs well with pineapple.

Add-ins

Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cracker topping adds a delightful crunch.

For a savory twist, mix in some cooked, crumbled bacon with the pineapple layer.

Texture Options

Incorporate shredded coconut into the pineapple mixture for a tropical flair.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole

Proper storage will help keep your leftover Pioneer Woman Pineapple Casserole fresh and delicious!

Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing it.

Use an Airtight Container

Place the casserole in an airtight container to prevent any air from getting in.

This will help maintain the freshness and flavor of the casserole.

Refrigerator Storage

Store the airtight container in the refrigerator.

You can keep the leftover casserole in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezer Option

If you have a larger quantity, consider freezing the casserole.

Use a freezer-safe container to store it.

The casserole can be frozen for up to three months.

Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Pineapple in Syrup

Always use pineapple that comes in juice, not syrup.

The syrup can make the dish overly sweet and change the intended flavor profile.

Pineapple in its own juice gives a balanced sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.

Incorrectly Mixing Cornstarch and Sugar

Mix the cornstarch and sugar thoroughly into the pineapple juice until the mixture is completely smooth.

Failing to do this can cause lumps to form in your casserole, which affects both texture and taste.

Taking this extra step ensures a consistent, delicious filling.

Not Crushing Crackers Properly

Make sure to break the Ritz crackers into small, rough pieces.

Uniformly crushing the crackers helps them form a crunchy, even topping.

Large chunks can lead to uneven baking and texture differences across your casserole.