Description
Southern pineapple casserole delights taste buds with sweet and savory comfort. Cheesy cracker topping and juicy pineapple chunks create a classic side dish that Southern gatherings simply cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (20 ounces/567 grams) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
- 1 (20 ounces/567 grams) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Dry Ingredients:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
Preparation Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating an 8-inch or 9-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- Create a smooth base by whisking together sugar, flour, and the reserved tropical fruit juice in a spacious mixing bowl until no lumps remain, ensuring a silky consistency.
- Enhance the mixture by gently folding in the drained pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring carefully to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the tropical fruit and cheese blend into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread the contents uniformly across the surface, creating an even layer.
- Craft a crispy topping by combining crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, thoroughly coating the cracker crumbs to ensure a consistent texture.
- Generously scatter the buttered cracker mixture over the pineapple layer, creating a golden, crunchy blanket that will transform during baking.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is perfectly cooked.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld and the temperature settle before serving either warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Select ripe, juicy pineapples for the most vibrant and sweet flavor in your casserole.
- Drain pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dish soggy.
- Choose full-fat cheddar cheese for maximum richness and a creamy texture that melts beautifully.
- Crush Ritz crackers into uniform small pieces to ensure an even, crispy golden topping that covers the entire casserole surface.
- Customize the recipe by adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon to the cracker topping for extra warmth and depth.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the Ritz crackers.
- Reduce sugar for a less sweet version by using half the recommended amount or replacing sugar with a light honey.
- Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier and refrigerating, then bake just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg