Description
This Southern Pineapple Casserole is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining juicy pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. Perfect as a side dish for holiday dinners or potlucks, it offers a unique twist on traditional casseroles with its creamy, cheesy pineapple filling and golden, crunchy crust.
Ingredients
Cracker Topping
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups lightly crushed Ritz crackers (about 50 whole crackers before crushing)
Filling
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple tidbits or chunks, drained
- 1 cup sugar (adjust for less sweetness if desired)
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (8 ounces) grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Make Cracker Topping: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers until the crumbs are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside for topping the casserole later.
- Drain Pineapple: Drain both cans of crushed pineapple and pineapple tidbits over a bowl to catch and reserve the juice, ensuring the filling isn’t too watery.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, all-purpose flour, and 6 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and the drained pineapple pieces to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pineapple and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top, forming a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the filling is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is toasted to a golden brown, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
Notes
- For a less sweet casserole, reduce the sugar in the filling to 3/4 cup or to taste.
- Be sure to reserve some pineapple juice to help thicken the filling and enhance flavor.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar cheese with mild cheddar for a less intense cheese flavor.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with Southern-style mains like ham or fried chicken.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to maintain crispness of the topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
