Savory Pineapple Casserole with Cheddar and Cracker Crumb Topping Recipe
This Pineapple Casserole is a delightful sweet and savory dish combining juicy pineapple, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a unique blend of tangy fruitiness and rich, crispy texture, perfect as a comforting side or a tasty treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Topping
- 1¾ cups crushed Ritz crackers
- ½ cup regular salted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Whisk Sugar and Flour: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour until fully combined.
- Mix Pineapple and Cheese: Add the drained pineapple tidbits, crushed pineapple, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the reserved pineapple juice into the sugar and flour mixture. Stir until the mixture is uniform with no visible white patches.
- Assemble Base Layer: Pour the combined pineapple mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly to form a uniform layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, blend the crushed Ritz crackers with melted salted butter until well combined to create the topping mixture.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the cracker and butter mixture evenly over the pineapple base in the casserole dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Stand and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes to set and thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the pineapple is well drained to avoid excess liquid making the casserole soggy.
- Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best balance of flavor, but mild cheddar can be used for a less intense taste.
- This casserole can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For a crunchier topping, you can lightly toast the cracker mixture before sprinkling.
- If preferred, substitute salted butter with unsalted and add a pinch of salt for better control over seasoning.
Keywords: pineapple casserole, baked pineapple, cheesy pineapple dish, Ritz cracker topping, sweet and savory casserole
