Description
This Pineapple Cheese Casserole is a delightful blend of sweet pineapple chunks, sharp cheddar cheese, and buttery cracker topping baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a unique casserole for any family meal, it combines creamy textures with a crispy topping for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Mixture
- 2 (20-ounce) cans pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved)
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
Topping
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (about 1 3/4 cups crushed, such as Ritz)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pineapple Base: Drain the pineapple thoroughly and reserve 6 tablespoons of the juice. In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, and the reserved pineapple juice, stirring until smooth. Fold in the pineapple chunks to coat evenly. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Evenly sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the pineapple mixture in the dish, creating a flavorful cheesy layer.
- Prepare and Add Cracker Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer to form a crunchy top crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the casserole to thicken and set, making it easier to serve. Enjoy warm as a comforting side dish or unique casserole treat.
Notes
- Ensure pineapple is drained well to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
- Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for a nice balance of flavor but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby or Monterey Jack.
- Crushing crackers finely helps achieve an even crispy topping.
- Allow resting time after baking to let the casserole thicken properly before serving.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
