Name: Savory Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar and Cracker Crumb Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 20 oz. can pineapple tidbits (drained, reserve 6 tbsp pineapple juice); 20 oz. can crushed pineapple (fully drained); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1¾ cups crushed Ritz crackers; ½ cup regular salted butter (melted)

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Introduction

Pineapple casserole is a delightful blend of sweet pineapple and sharp cheddar cheese topped with a buttery cracker crust. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a beloved side or comfort food for any occasion.

A white rectangular dish holds a layered creamy casserole with a golden brown, crumbly cracker crust on top, broken into irregular pieces. Beneath the crust is a soft, gooey mix of melted cheese and thin, pale yellow potato slices, with some of the creamy filling visible along the edges where portions have been scooped out. A silver spoon inside the dish is lifting a scoop of the warm, cheesy potato mixture, showing its rich and slightly chunky texture. Nearby, white plates with small servings of the casserole are placed on a white marbled surface, creating a cozy, homemade meal scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup granulated sugar*
⅓ cup all-purpose flour

20 oz. can pineapple tidbits (drained, reserve 6 tbsp pineapple juice)
20 oz. can crushed pineapple (fully drained)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese**
1¾ cups crushed Ritz crackers

½ cup regular salted butter (melted)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour until combined.

Step 3: Add the drained pineapple tidbits, crushed pineapple, shredded cheddar cheese, and the reserved 6 tablespoons of pineapple juice. Stir until the mixture is well combined and there are no white flour patches.
Step 4: Pour the pineapple mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out to form a smooth layer.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are fully coated.

Step 6: Sprinkle the cracker and butter mixture evenly over the pineapple layer in the casserole dish.
Step 7: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and crisp.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 10 minutes to firm up before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of cayenne to the pineapple mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
Use crushed saltine crackers instead of Ritz for a less buttery, crispier topping.
Sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese works best to balance the sweetness of the pineapple.

If you prefer a sweeter casserole, increase the sugar by 1–2 tablespoons.

Storage

Store any leftover pineapple casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover with foil and bake at 325°F for about 15 minutes to retain the topping’s crispness.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a single thick layer of a creamy mixture that includes chopped pale yellow pineapples and shredded orange cheddar cheese, all combined evenly, creating a textured and slightly glossy surface. The filling shows small pieces of pineapple scattered throughout with a soft, moist consistency. The dish sits on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh pineapple chopped into small pieces. Drain any excess juice well and reserve 6 tablespoons of the juice to keep the recipe balanced.

Is pineapple casserole gluten-free?

This recipe, as written, contains flour and crackers with gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free crackers.