Description
Pineapple Casserole is a beloved Southern dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. This easy-to-make recipe combines juicy pineapple chunks, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping for an irresistible side dish or dessert. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or family dinners!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (20 oz) cans pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 6 tablespoons juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread drained pineapple chunks evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pineapple layer.
- In a bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and reserved pineapple juice until smooth. Pour over cheese layer.
- Combine crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Let cool 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra texture, use fresh pineapple instead of canned (about 4 cups chopped)
- Try different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Colby for flavor variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping for extra warmth
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and crackers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 Kcal
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pineapple casserole, southern pineapple casserole, easy pineapple recipe, sweet and savory casserole, holiday side dish, potluck recipes