Description
This easy Southern Pineapple Casserole combines sweet pineapple chunks with sharp cheddar cheese and a buttery cracker topping, creating a warm, comforting side dish with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Filling
- 40 ounces pineapple chunks (canned, drained, reserve 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1 cup sugar (or brown sugar)
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Topping
- 1 cup crackers (preferably Ritz, crushed)
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 3-quart baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, reserved pineapple juice, sugar, and flour. Toss to coat the pineapple evenly, which helps thicken the filling while baking.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined, blending the sweet pineapple with the savory sharpness of the cheese.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly using a spatula for consistent cooking.
- Make Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix together the crushed crackers, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Toss gently until the mixture resembles wet sand for a crumbly topping.
- Apply Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the pineapple mixture in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping turns a nice golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving. The dish can be served warm or at room temperature as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy topping, use crushed Ritz crackers fresh from the bag.
- You can substitute brown sugar for white sugar to add a deeper flavor.
- Reserve the pineapple juice to help bind the filling and enhance flavor.
- This casserole pairs well with ham or poultry for a classic Southern meal.
- Allow the casserole to rest before serving to let the filling set slightly for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
