Brenda Gantt Pineapple Dip Recipe

Pineapple dip is a sweet and creamy snack that many people in the South love. This Brenda Gantt Pineapple Dip Recipe is one of those simple treats I always enjoy making at home.

One evening, my grandchild came over and played beauty shop with my hair. I just sat there and let her fix it any way she liked.

It made me think about my mama. She loved when I played with her hair too. After all that laughing, I tied my hair up and went to the kitchen to mix up this dip.

Brenda Gantt Pineapple Dip has always been one of my favorite snacks. It has that old-fashioned Alabama grandmother feel.

Brenda Gantt became a viral cooking favorite because she shares simple, real Southern recipes. This dip is different because it blends sweet pineapple with rich cheese. It went viral online since it is easy and quick.

Home cooks love it because it uses basic ingredients. I’m sharing this Brenda Gantt Pineapple Dip Recipe today because I think you’ll love it!

Why This Pineapple Dip Is So Popular

1. Sweet and Salty Combo : This dip mixes sweet pineapple with sharp cheddar cheese. That mix of flavors is a classic Southern trick. It keeps you coming back for more on your cracker.
2. Only a Few Simple Items : You do not need a long grocery list. Just cream cheese, pineapple, cheese, and a little sugar. Most of these are probably in your kitchen right now.
3. Great for Game Day : It’s a sweet snack for watching football or having friends over. It stands out on a table full of salty chips and savory dips. Everyone will ask you for the recipe.
4. Budget-Friendly Ingredients : Uses common grocery items you probably have at home already.

Brenda Gantt Pineapple Dip Ingredients

• Cream Cheese (16 oz or two 8 oz packages): This makes the base creamy and smooth. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. Low-fat cream cheese works too, but the dip won’t be as thick.
• Crushed Pineapple (8 oz or half of a 20 oz can): Always drain the juice out. Squeeze it really well through a strainer so the dip doesn’t turn runny. You can use tidbits if you can’t find crushed—just chop them smaller. Fresh pineapple works too, but it takes more prep.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (8 oz or 2 cups): Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. Mild cheddar tastes too plain in this dip. You can shred a block yourself or use pre-shredded cheese if that’s easier.
• Powdered Sugar (2 to 3 tablespoons): This adds a light touch of sweetness. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste first. Add more if you want it sweeter. Powdered sugar blends smoothly and keeps the dip creamy. You can use a little honey, but it will change the texture a bit.

Kitchen Items You May Need

1. Mixing bowl – medium size
2. Hand mixer – smoother texture
3. Rubber spatula – easy scraping
4. Measuring cups – exact amounts
5. Measuring spoons – sugar control
6. Strainer – drain pineapple
7. Knife – optional chopping
8. Serving bowl – presentation ready

How to Make Brenda Gantt Pineapple Dip

Step 1 | Soften the Cream Cheese

Take the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start. It needs to be soft so it mixes smooth. Cold cream cheese stays lumpy no matter how much you mix it.

Step 2 | Drain the Pineapple

Open the can of pineapple and pour it into a fine mesh strainer over a bowl.

Press the pineapple with the back of a spoon for at least two minutes to remove as much juice as possible. Extra juice makes the dip runny.

Step 3 | Beat the Cream Cheese

Put the softened cream cheese into a medium bowl. Break it up slightly with a spatula, then beat it with an electric mixer on medium speed for about one minute until fluffy and smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 4 | Add Pineapple

Measure 8 ounces (about half the can) of drained pineapple and add it to the cream cheese. Mix on medium speed for 30 seconds until fully blended.

Step 5 | Sweeten the Dip

Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and mix for 30 seconds. Taste and add an extra tablespoon if you want it slightly sweeter.

Step 6 | Add Cheddar Cheese

Pour in 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix on medium speed for 45 seconds until the dip is a uniform orange color with no white streaks.

Step 7 | Serve

Scoop the dip into a serving bowl. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge. Pair it with crackers, pretzels, or apple slices and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 30–60 minutes. Soft cheese blends smoothly and prevents lumps, making your dip silky without extra effort.
• Press Pineapple Twice: Drain pineapple well to avoid extra liquid. Pressing twice removes moisture that can thin the dip and keeps texture firm.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate at least one hour. This enhances flavors and makes the dip easier to spread or scoop without falling apart.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Shred cheese just before mixing. Freshly grated cheddar blends better and melts more evenly, giving consistent flavor in every bite.
• Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Add powdered sugar slowly. This helps control sweetness while keeping the natural pineapple flavor balanced.
• Stir Gently at End: Fold cheese in carefully. Overmixing can break the cream texture and make the dip slightly runny.

Variations & Customization

1. Cream Cheese-Free Version – Whipped coconut cream can replace cream cheese to create a smooth, rich base. Chill before mixing so the texture stays thick and creamy.
2. Low-Fat or Lighter Options – Low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar lower calories while keeping the dip soft, mild, and full of flavor.
3. Keto-Friendly – A keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol replaces powdered sugar and keeps sweetness without added carbs.
4. Dairy-Free Substitutions – Plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free shredded cheese work well for those avoiding dairy, while still giving a creamy and balanced texture.

What to Serve With Pineapple Dip

This dip pairs well with simple snacks that let the sweet and creamy flavors come through naturally. You can spread it on round butter crackers, plain snack crackers, or soft bread slices.

Fresh apple slices, pear wedges, and banana rounds also work well.

When serving guests, place the dip in a bowl and let everyone scoop their own. This keeps crackers crisp and fresh. You may also serve it with plain graham crackers or soft pretzels.

The mix of fruit, bread, and light crunch gives balance and keeps each bite smooth and gentle.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Tips – You can make this dip up to two days before you need it. Mix everything up, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving.

Storage Process – Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing with the lid to prevent drying out and absorbing fridge odors.

Do not heat this dip, and freezing is not recommended, as the cream cheese causes the texture to become grainy after thawing.

Brenda Gantt Pineapple Dip Recipe FAQs

1. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, the powdered sugar can be reduced based on taste. Start with two tablespoons and slowly increase. The natural sweetness from pineapple still gives a pleasant flavor even with less sugar.

2. Can I add nuts or fruit to this dip?

Chopped pecans, walnuts, or small fruit pieces can add texture. Add small amounts to avoid changing the smooth consistency. Mix gently to keep balance.

3. Can this dip be served warm?

This recipe works best chilled. Warming may cause separation and change texture. Serving cold keeps the dip smooth, thick, and balanced in flavor.

4. Why did my dip turn out runny?

Runny dip usually means the pineapple wasn’t drained enough. Canned pineapple holds lots of juice. You have to press it in a strainer until no more liquid comes out.

Another reason could be warm cream cheese that didn’t firm up in the fridge long enough.

5. Can I make this dip spicier?

You sure can. Add a minced jalapeno pepper with the seeds taken out. Or mix in ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Some folks like a dash of hot sauce stirred in. The sweet pineapple handles heat really well. Start small and add more to taste.

6. What crackers go best with this dip?

Buttery crackers like Ritz taste best with this dip. Brenda calls them hi ho crackers in her videos. The buttery flavor mixes perfect with the sweet pineapple and sharp cheese. Plain snack crackers work too.

Continue to Content

Brenda Gantt Pineapple Dip Recipe

Yield: 8 servings (about ¼ cup per serving)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Brenda Gantt Pineapple Dip Recipe is a sweet, creamy Southern snack ready in 1 hour 10 minutes. Perfect for parties, crackers, and quick make-ahead treats.

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Ingredients

• Cream Cheese – 16 oz (two 8-oz packages), softened
• Crushed Pineapple – 8 oz, well drained
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 8 oz (about 2 cups)
• Powdered Sugar – 2 to 3 tablespoons (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Take the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start. It needs to be soft so it mixes smooth. Cold cream cheese stays lumpy no matter how much you mix it.
2. Open the can of pineapple and pour it into a fine mesh strainer over a bowl. Press the pineapple with the back of a spoon for at least two minutes to remove as much juice as possible. Extra juice makes the dip runny.
3. Put the softened cream cheese into a medium bowl. Break it up slightly with a spatula, then beat it with an electric mixer on medium speed for about one minute until fluffy and smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Measure 8 ounces (about half the can) of drained pineapple and add it to the cream cheese. Mix on medium speed for 30 seconds until fully blended.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and mix for 30 seconds. Taste and add an extra tablespoon if you want it slightly sweeter.
6. Pour in 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix on medium speed for 45 seconds until the dip is a uniform orange color with no white streaks.
7. Scoop the dip into a serving bowl. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge. Pair it with crackers, pretzels, or apple slices and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: (Per Serving)
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 245Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: .3gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 210mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: .4gSugar: 10gProtein: 7g

This Brenda Gantt Pineapple Dip Recipe stays special with its simple Southern roots.

It honors old Alabama ways while going viral for good reason. Perfect for any time you want a quick sweet treat.