Description
A delightful Southern Pineapple Casserole combining sweet pineapple custard with a crunchy Ritz cracker topping and sharp cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole recipe balances fruity sweetness with a savory crust, perfect as a unique side dish or dessert.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons pineapple Jell-O
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 20 ounce can pineapple tidbits or chunks (in 100% juice, not in heavy syrup)
- 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- 1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 1/2 sleeves (45 crackers) Ritz crackers (crushed finely)
- 1/2 stick salted butter (1/4 cup), melted
- 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Custard Ingredients: In a medium pot over medium heat, whisk together 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons pineapple Jell-O, and 3 tablespoons corn starch until fully combined and no lumps remain.
- Thicken Mixture: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the liquid thickens, then remove from heat.
- Add Pineapple: Drain the canned pineapple tidbits/chunks thoroughly, reserving 1/2 cup of the juice. Stir the drained pineapple pieces into the thickened custard mixture in the pot.
- Crush Crackers: Place the Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush finely until they resemble coarse crumbs.
- Prepare Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, melted salted butter (1/4 cup), and the reserved 1/2 cup pineapple juice until combined.
- Add Cheese to Custard: Allow the pineapple custard mixture to cool slightly, then stir in 1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the pineapple custard and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping: Spread the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the pineapple mixture to form the crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor contrast against the sweetness.
- The Ritz cracker topping adds a buttery crunch that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
