I often find myself reaching for this easy scalloped pineapple recipe Sweet Casserole when I need a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Its inviting aroma of warm pineapple and buttery crumbs filling my kitchen is pure comfort. This family-friendly side dish, with its tender fruit and sweet, golden top, is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or a welcome addition to holiday meals. Get ready to discover how simple it is to create this sweet casserole alongside my best pro tips.
Ingredient Spotlight and Smart Choices
Our scalloped pineapple recipe Sweet Casserole relies on a few simple pantry staples for maximum flavor and ease, perfect for any family-friendly meal. Understanding these ingredients helps you perfect this easy, hearty side.
Core Ingredients
- Crushed Pineapple (canned): 2 cans (20 oz/567g each), well-drained. Forms the sweet, juicy base.
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (150g). Balances tartness; creates sweet glaze. (Reduce by 1/4 cup for less sweetness).
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (18g). Thickens pineapple mixture and binds. (Gluten-free flour blend works here).
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g), softened. Adds richness; creates crust. (Or plant-based butter for dairy-free).
- Cracker Crumbs (like Ritz): 1.5 cups (approx. 1.5 sleeves, 110g). Signature buttery, salty topping.
Upgraded & Dietary Swaps
- Organic crushed pineapple for cleaner taste.
- Grass-fed butter for richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF flour and GF buttery crackers.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup or use erythritol.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for a plant-based alternative.
Freshness Tips & Flavor Boosters
- Always drain your crushed pineapple thoroughly; I find this prevents a watery scalloped pineapple recipe Sweet Casserole, ensuring perfect consistency.
- Use high-quality, fresh crackers for the best texture.
- A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg adds a subtle, warm aroma.
- Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing, not melted.
Clear Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this delightful scalloped pineapple recipe Sweet Casserole is a breeze with our easy-to-follow steps, ideal for quick meals and busy home cooks. Follow these clear instructions for a perfect result every time.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking dish. The oven will feel warm.
- Prepare Pineapple Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the thoroughly drained crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons (18g) all-purpose flour. Mix well until evenly coated and slightly thickened.
- Melt Butter & Crumble Crackers: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter (about 30 secs). Crush 1.5 sleeves Ritz-style crackers (approx. 1.5 cups/110g) into fine crumbs. Mix 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup crumbs, and 1/4 cup (50g) sugar. Crumbs should feel moist.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the pineapple mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumb mixture evenly over the top, covering completely.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake 30-40 minutes, until golden brown and visibly bubbly around edges. Your kitchen will smell wonderfully sweet. If the topping browns quickly, loosely tent with foil for the final 10 minutes.
Quick Prep Hacks & Troubleshooting
- Shortcut: Use a food processor for quick, even cracker crumbs, making this scalloped pineapple recipe Sweet Casserole a true time-saver.
- Too Watery? Ensure pineapple is very well-drained; squeeze out excess liquid.
- Topping Not Crispy? Distribute melted butter evenly in cracker crumbs.
- Prevent Burning: If topping browns quickly, adjust oven rack or tent with foil.
Perfect Occasions & Serving Inspiration
This scalloped pineapple sweet casserole recipe is versatile for any table, bringing a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
When to Enjoy
- Holiday Feasts: A classic festive side for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
- Family Dinners: A sweet addition to roasted chicken or any savory protein.
- Potlucks & BBQs: Easy to transport and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Delicious Pairings
- Main Courses: Excellent with roasted chicken, savory roasts, or grilled fish.
- Vegetable Sides: Complements green bean casserole or roasted carrots.
- Drinks: Pair with iced tea or sparkling lemonade.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours ahead; refrigerate. Add topping just before baking.
- Storage & Freezing: Refrigerate leftovers 3-4 days in an airtight container; freeze baked portions up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Advantages of Scalloped Pineapple Sweet Casserole
This scalloped pineapple recipe Sweet Casserole can fit various healthy lifestyle goals with simple tweaks, making it great for family-friendly meals.
- Packed with Fruit: Pineapple provides natural sweetness, vitamins, and fiber.
- Customizable: Easily adjust for lower sugar (using substitutes), gluten-free, or dairy-free preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead of time for less stress on busy weeknights, aligning with quick meal prep.
Everyday Practical Benefits
This scalloped pineapple recipe Sweet Casserole offers significant practical advantages for the home cook.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common, inexpensive pantry staples.
- Time-Saver: Minimal prep time for a comforting dish; my kids love helping with the cracker crushing.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapts to meals and is universally loved.
Expert Tips, Variations & Adjustments
Take your scalloped pineapple sweet casserole to the next level with these insights for a perfect outcome.
- Pro Chef Trick: Brown a portion of your butter slightly for extra depth of flavor.
- Texture Boost: Add toasted pecans or shredded coconut to the topping.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the pineapple mixture enhances warmth.
- Sweetness Control: Taste your pineapple mixture before baking; adjust sugar to your preference.
- Allergy-Friendly Reminders: Use gluten-free crackers and plant-based butter for specific dietary needs.
Common Questions Answered
Q: Is this scalloped pineapple recipe Sweet Casserole good for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking, making it perfect for quick meal prep when you need easy dinner ideas.
Q: What are the healthiest substitutes for this scalloped pineapple recipe?
To make this scalloped pineapple recipe healthier, use drained canned pineapple in its own juice. Substitute some sugar with erythritol (e.g., 1/2 cup for 1/2 cup sugar), and opt for whole-grain or gluten-free crackers.
Q: Can I order ingredients for this scalloped pineapple recipe online?
Yes, all the core ingredients like crushed pineapple, butter, sugar, flour, and crackers are widely available from major online grocery retailers for convenient home delivery. This makes preparing the scalloped pineapple recipe incredibly easy.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for scalloped pineapple?
While canned crushed pineapple is traditional for its consistent texture and sweetness in this scalloped pineapple recipe, you can use fresh if finely diced and well-drained. Fresh pineapple has more moisture; I find canned more reliable.
Q: What size baking dish is best for this sweet casserole?
An 8×8 inch square baking dish is ideal for a thicker casserole, or a 9×13 inch rectangular dish for a slightly thinner version. Adjust baking time accordingly for the larger dish, as it might cook faster.
Q: How do I ensure the topping on my scalloped pineapple recipe is extra crispy?
For extra crispy topping, ensure cracker crumbs are fine and evenly coated with melted butter. A little extra sugar on top helps caramelization, and avoid over-crowding the oven. Baking until deeply golden brown helps too.
Conclusion
This comforting sweet casserole recipe is truly a simple pleasure, perfect for quick meals or special gatherings. Save this delightful recipe to your Pinterest board for future family dinners!
scalloped pineapple recipe Sweet Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 servings
- Diet: General
Description
This easy scalloped pineapple casserole is a family-friendly side dish featuring tender pineapple, a sweet glaze, and a buttery, crispy cracker topping, perfect for weeknights or holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz/567g each) crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 0.75 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (18g) all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups (approx. 110g) cracker crumbs (like Ritz)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Pineapple Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the thoroughly drained crushed pineapple, 0.5 cup (100g) granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons (18g) all-purpose flour. Mix well until evenly coated and slightly thickened.
- Make Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, melt 0.5 cup (113g) unsalted butter. Crush 1.5 cups (approx. 110g) Ritz-style crackers into fine crumbs. Mix the melted butter with 1 cup of crumbs and 0.25 cup (50g) sugar until moist.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the pineapple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumb mixture evenly over the top, covering completely.
- Bake Casserole: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and visibly bubbly around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Notes
Always drain pineapple well to prevent a watery casserole. Use fresh, high-quality crackers and softened butter. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth. For quicker crumbs, use a food processor. If topping browns fast, tent with foil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx 110g)
- Calories: 251 calories
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18.4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg