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Sweet Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 80 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Pineapple Casserole is a delightful sweet and savory side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday meals. Combining juicy crushed and chunked pineapple with tangy shredded cheddar cheese, sugar, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, this casserole bakes to a bubbly golden perfection. It’s easy to prepare and offers a unique twist on traditional casseroles, balancing sweet fruitiness with cheesy richness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 20 ounce can crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 20 ounce can pineapple chunks (drained, reserve 1/4 cup juice)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed, about 1 cup)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a dish of similar size to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine pineapple: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained crushed pineapple, drained pineapple chunks, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice for added moisture and flavor.
  3. Add dry ingredients: Stir in the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour until the mixture is well blended and slightly thickened.
  4. Incorporate cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese evenly to combine the savory element throughout the pineapple mixture.
  5. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the pineapple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer for even cooking.
  6. Prepare cracker topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Toss until the cracker crumbs are fully coated and buttery.
  7. Add topping: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the pineapple mixture in the baking dish to create a crispy topping.
  8. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the pineapple cans are well drained to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.
  • The cheddar cheese adds a tangy contrast; sharp cheddar works best for flavor balance.
  • Crushing the Ritz crackers finely ensures a crisp and even topping.
  • Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set and improves serving texture.
  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.