Description
A delightful and surprising Southern classic, this Pineapple Casserole perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spiced flavors. Juicy pineapple and sharp cheddar cheese are baked into a warm, bubbly filling, all finished with a rich, buttery cracker crust infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s an unforgettable side dish perfect for holidays and large gatherings.
Ingredients
40 ounces canned pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons of juice)
1 cup sugar or brown sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cracker Crumb Topping:
1 cup crushed crackers, preferably Ritz
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Prepare the Pineapple Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 3-quart or 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, the reserved 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice, sugar, and all-purpose flour. Stir until everything is well combined, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Add the Savory Cheese Layer
Sprinkle the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese in an even layer directly over the pineapple base, covering it completely.
Prepare the Spiced Cracker Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed crackers, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Gently toss with a fork until all the crumbs are evenly coated and fragrant.
Assemble and Bake Your Casserole
Sprinkle the spiced buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the cheese layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the cheesy filling is bubbling around the edges.
Notes
Let It Rest: For the best texture, allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set, making it easier to serve.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly and provides a creamier texture than pre-shredded varieties.
Serving Suggestion: This casserole is a fantastic side dish for holiday meals, especially alongside baked ham, roasted turkey, or pork chops.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the pineapple and cheese layers up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add the fresh cracker topping just before baking to ensure it stays crunchy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 27
- Sodium: 345
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 39
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 50
Keywords: pineapple casserole, southern pineapple casserole, sweet and savory, holiday side dish, baked pineapple, cheddar pineapple casserole, Ritz cracker casserole, cinnamon, brown sugar