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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour until the mixture is well blended and slightly thickened.
- Incorporate cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese evenly to combine the savory element throughout the pineapple mixture.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the pineapple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer for even cooking.
- 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.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the pineapple mixture in the baking dish to create a crispy topping.
- 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.
