Description
Pineapple Casserole is a classic Southern dish that masterfully combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory richness of sharp cheddar cheese, all topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. This unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a delightful side dish, especially popular during holiday gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 ounces each) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup of juice)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 40 buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish. -
Prepare the Pineapple Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, granulated sugar, flour, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined. -
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. -
Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. -
Add the Topping
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the pineapple mixture. -
Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. -
Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: Pineapple Casserole pairs exceptionally well with savory meats like ham or roasted turkey, making it a popular choice for holiday meals.
Variations: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in a handful of chopped pecans or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon into the topping.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 423
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Pineapple casserole, Southern side dish, sweet and savory casserole, holiday side dish, pineapple and cheese recipe