Description
Pineapple casserole brings Southern comfort to any dinner table with its irresistible blend of sweet pineapple, buttery crackers, and rich cheese. Comfort meets indulgence in this classic recipe that promises to delight guests and family alike with its creamy, crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 (20 ounces/567 grams) cans drained pineapple chunks
- 1 cup buttery crackers (made into crumbs)
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice
Preparation Ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for greasing pan)
Instructions
- Calibrate the oven temperature precisely to 175°C / 350°F, positioning the rack in the center for uniform heat distribution.
- Select a medium-sized ceramic casserole dish and thoroughly coat the interior with unsalted butter, ensuring complete surface coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, carefully combine granulated sugar and all-purpose flour, whisking until the textures are seamlessly integrated.
- Incorporate freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese into the sugar-flour mixture, stirring methodically to create a uniform coating and prevent clumping.
- Delicately introduce drained pineapple chunks into the cheese mixture, gently folding to distribute the fruit evenly without crushing the tender pieces.
- Smoothly transfer the complete mixture into the prepared casserole dish, using a silicone spatula to create an even, leveled surface.
- Craft the crumb topping by blending buttery cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter and reserved pineapple juice, mixing until the ingredients form a cohesive, slightly moistened texture.
- Distribute the crumb topping uniformly across the pineapple-cheese base, using light, sweeping motions to achieve consistent coverage.
- Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, monitoring until the surface transforms into a golden-brown, crispy landscape.
Notes
- Sharp cheddar cheese delivers a bold, tangy punch that perfectly complements the sweet pineapple chunks in this casserole.
- Thorough pineapple draining prevents unwanted sogginess, ensuring a crisp and flavorful final dish.
- Cracker crushing technique matters – mix fine crumbs with small chunks to create an irresistibly crunchy topping that adds texture and excitement.
- Gentle mixing preserves delicate pineapple pieces, maintaining their juicy integrity throughout the cooking process.
- Golden brown topping signals the casserole’s perfect doneness, promising a crispy, appetizing finish that’ll make mouths water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 355 kcal
- Sugar: 46 g
- Sodium: 254 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg