Description
Creamy southern pineapple casserole brings sweet and savory comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Cheese-topped goodness melts hearts with southern hospitality, inviting friends and family to savor this irresistible side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pineapple:
- 2 (20 ounces/567 grams) cans pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) reserved pineapple juice
Cheese and Flour:
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (48 grams) all-purpose flour
Topping:
- 1 sleeve (about 30 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour and sugar using a whisk, creating a smooth base.
- Introduce pineapple chunks and reserved juice to the flour-sugar mixture, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, folding carefully to maintain a uniform texture throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the pineapple and cheese blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter in a separate container, ensuring complete moistening.
- Distribute the buttery cracker topping uniformly over the pineapple filling, creating a golden, crisp layer.
- Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a rich golden brown and the filling becomes effervescent.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling the filling to set before serving warm.
Notes
- Enhance the cheese’s flavor by using sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a more intense taste profile.
- Customize the cracker topping by experimenting with different types like butter crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs for varied textures.
- Reduce sugar content by using fresh pineapple instead of canned or opting for a sugar-free alternative to make the dish more diet-friendly.
- Transform this side dish into a dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg