Description
This Southern Pineapple Casserole is a sweet and savory side dish featuring juicy pineapple chunks baked with sharp cheddar cheese and a buttery crushed cracker topping. Perfect for gatherings, it balances tangy fruit with rich cheese and a crunchy golden crust.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (20 oz) cans Pineapple Chunks in 100% Juice, drained (reserve juice)
- ⅓ cup Pineapple Juice
- ½ - ¾ cup Sugar (use ¾ cup for sweeter)
- 5 Tablespoons Flour
- 1 ½ cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Topping
- ¼ cup Butter, melted
- 1 (3.8 oz) sleeve Crushed Butter Crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350° F to ensure it reaches the correct baking temperature.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease or spray an 8"x8" baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Pineapple Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, pineapple juice, sugar, and flour until smooth to create a thickened base.
- Add Pineapple Chunks: Stir the drained pineapple chunks into the juice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated, then pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Evenly sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the pineapple mixture, creating a flavorful, creamy layer.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In another bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter, mixing well to form a crumbly topping.
- Top Casserole: Sprinkle the cracker and butter mixture evenly over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Enjoy the casserole hot or warm as a delicious side dish with your meal.
Notes
- For a sweeter casserole, use ¾ cup sugar as suggested.
- Ensure the pineapple juice is reserved from the cans as it is used to mix the base.
- This dish pairs well with ham or BBQ for a classic Southern meal.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best balance of tang and creaminess.
- Do not cover the casserole while baking, so the topping gets crisp and golden.
