The Pineapple Casserole is a unique dish that marries the sunny sweetness of pineapple with the rich savoriness of cheese—a true testament to the creativity found in American Southern cooking. Its somewhat unexpected combination of sweet and savory notes creates a juxtaposition that's akin to a culinary hug. The use of Ritz crackers adds a buttery crunch that contrasts delightfully with the softness of the pineapple, making this casserole a standout. Perfect for potlucks or as a novel side during the holiday seasons, this dish is a conversation starter, providing a snapshot of regional cuisine that has the power to pique your taste buds' curiosity.
This casserole serves beautifully alongside a variety of dishes. It shines when paired with glazed ham or roasted poultry, offering a perfect balance with the rich, savory flavors of the meats. If serving in a more casual setting, it can also complement pulled pork sandwiches or a juicy burger, adding an unconventional but irresistibly delicious twist.
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Pineapple Casserole
Servings: 6 to 8
Servings: 6 to 8
Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 ounces each) of pineapple tidbits, drained with juice reserved
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. Gradually stir in 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice to create a smooth mixture.
3. Add the drained pineapple tidbits to the mixture and fold in until well-coated with the sugar and flour mixture.
4. Next, blend in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the pineapple pieces are evenly mixed with the cheese.
5. Transfer the pineapple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand.
7. Sprinkle this crumbly topping over the pineapple mixture in the baking dish.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving hot.
Variations & Tips
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- For a touch of extra richness, drizzle a little heavy cream over the pineapple before adding the cheese.
- Those who prefer a little less sweetness can reduce the sugar by a quarter cup.
- Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cracker crumb topping for a warm-spiced version of the recipe.
- If you fancy nuts, adding a handful of chopped pecans to the cracker topping can introduce a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
- While this recipe calls for sharp cheddar, exploring other cheeses like Gruyère or a smoky cheddar can offer an interesting twist on the traditional taste.
- Always ensure the casserole is baked until the top is suitably crunchy—it's the textural contrast that truly makes this dish stand out.
- Those who prefer a little less sweetness can reduce the sugar by a quarter cup.
- Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cracker crumb topping for a warm-spiced version of the recipe.
- If you fancy nuts, adding a handful of chopped pecans to the cracker topping can introduce a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
- While this recipe calls for sharp cheddar, exploring other cheeses like Gruyère or a smoky cheddar can offer an interesting twist on the traditional taste.
- Always ensure the casserole is baked until the top is suitably crunchy—it's the textural contrast that truly makes this dish stand out.