Pineapple Cheddar Casserole
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This classic Southern pineapple casserole is a must-have side dish for your holiday table. Our version is a treasured family recipe that’s been perfected over generations.
I have to admit when I first encountered this pineapple casserole with cheese, I had my doubts. Cheddar cheese and pineapple seemed an unlikely pair for a casserole, but curiosity got the better of me. With one delectable bite, my skepticism vanished, replaced by pure admiration. The harmonious blend of the lusciously sweet filling, a subtle hint of cheese’s saltiness, and that irresistible crispy cracker topping proved to be a delicious side dish we can’t live without.
We love this Recipe for Pineapple Casserole
Another one of my favorite things about this casserole is how versatile it is. It can be served warm, room temperature or even cold. It can be served as an easy side dish or a dessert.
This unique casserole has become one of my favorite dishes for potlucks or family gatherings. It always gets rave reviews from even some of the pickiest eaters. After you taste it, you will completely understand why!
You’ll also love our pineapple bread casserole.
Ingredients for Pineapple and Cheese Casserole
- 2- 7 oz. cans crushed pineapple
- 1 ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated (grate from a block)
- 6 tablespoons flour ( I use all purpose flour)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 package Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 stick melted butter, unsalted
How to make Pineapple Cheese Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Drain pineapple in a small bowl, reserving the juice
- In a large bowl mix together the flour and sugar, add the juice and stir
- Heat the flour mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thick
- Next, place pineapple in prepared casserole dish in a even layer
- Using a rubber spatula, spread the cooked mixture over pineapple
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over pineapple mixture
- Melt butter and pour it into a medium bowl and mix in the crushed Ritz crackers
- Sprinkle salty crackers mixture on top of pineapple and cheese mixture
- Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until the top is nice and golden brown
Can I make Pineapple Cheddar Casserole in advance?
This casserole is best when it is served freshly baked because you want to have that crispy topping from the buttery crackers. If you’re looking for a time saving tip, you can make the filling the night before and place it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the topping.
When ready to bake, place the casserole dish in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it’s heated through. Remove it from the oven, add the topping and finish baking until the top is a nice golden brown.
Pineapple Casserole with Ritz Crackers tips
- Prepared baking dish: To keep the pineapple and sugar mixture from sticking to the side of your casserole dish, be sure to butter or use non-stick cooking spray to prepare the bottom and sides of the casserole dish. (I use a 1 1/2-quart or a 2-quart casserole dish)
- Pineapple: The recipe calls for crushed pineapple, but you can use pineapple tidbits or drained pineapple chunks. Because the juice in canned pineapple helps make the sticky filling, fresh pineapple isn’t recommended.
- Ritz crackers: Buttery cracker crumbs is what makes the topping so good. If you can’t find Ritz crackers, you can also use Original Club Crackers.
- Brown sugar version: Brown sugar always gives an extra depth of flavor. To make this version, use 1/2 cup sugar with 1/4 cup brown sugar, in place of the 3/4 cup white sugar this recipe calls for.
How to serve Pineapple and Cheese Casserole
This southern classic started out being served at Easter with the traditional baked ham dinner, but because it has gained so much popularity, people are making this quick and easy side any time of the year.
It’s a decadent dish that can be served as a dessert. However, as a side, this pineapple casserole pairs really well with simple main dishes. It’s the perfect side dish for Sunday pot roast and Christmas or Thanksgiving turkey.
Because it’s such an easy casserole to put together, its wonderful with just about any weeknight meal. We also love it in the summer time when we are grilling chicken or pork tenderloin.
Want More Side Dishes?
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- Scalloped Potatoes
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- Easy Broccoli Salad
- Funeral Potatoes
- Grape Salad
- Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Pineapple and Cheese Casserole
Equipment
- 9 x 13 casserole dish
Ingredients
- 14 ounces cans crushed pineapple 2- 7 oz. cans
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 package Ritz crackers crushed
- 8 Tablespoons melted butter unsalted (1 stick)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish and set aside.
- Drain pineapple in a small bowl, reserving the juice14 ounces cans crushed pineapple
- In a large bowl mix together the flour and sugar, add the juice and stir6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¾ cup sugar
- Heat the flour mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thick
- Next, place pineapple in prepared casserole dish in a even layer
- Using a rubber spatula, spread the cooked mixture over pineapple Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over pineapple mixture1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese
- Melt butter and pour it into a medium bowl and mix in the crushed Ritz crackers8 Tablespoons melted butter, 1 package Ritz crackers
- Sprinkle salty crackers mixture on top of pineapple and cheese mixture
- Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until the top is nice and golden brown
Nutrition
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Categories:
American, Casserole, Christmas, Easter, Food, Sides, Southern, Thanksgiving, Vegetarian,
What size casserole dish do I need! I am doubling this recipe
We used a 9 x 13 pan for this recipe. I’m not sure if you double it that it will still fit and bake correctly in the same size pan.