pineapple casserole recipe
Discover the perfect pineapple casserole recipe! A sweet, savory dish that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Try it today!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Crushed Pineapple 2 cans, 20 oz each: Choose canned pineapple packed in juice for the best balance of sweetness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar 1 cup: Adds a touch of sweetness to elevate the natural pineapple flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour 6 tablespoons: Helps thicken the casserole’s filling, creating that perfect texture.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese 2 cups: Use sharp cheddar for a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet pineapple.
Topping Ingredients
- Ritz Crackers 1 sleeve, about 30 crackers: Crushed into crumbs, these add a buttery, crunchy topping.
- Unsalted Butter ½ cup, melted: Combines with the crackers to create a golden, flavorful crust.
Optional Additions
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg a pinch: For a hint of warm spice.
- Chopped Pecans ¼ cup: For an extra crunch and nutty flavor in the topping.
Ingredient Notes
- Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but shredding fresh cheddar ensures maximum meltiness.
- Pineapple: Drain the canned pineapple thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole while preserving the pineapple’s natural sweetness.
Instructions
Instructions:
Preheat Your Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the casserole. This ensures even cooking and a golden-brown topping.
Prepare the Casserole Dish:
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray. This step prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
Combine the Filling:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together 2 cans (20 ounces each) of pineapple chunks (drained) and 1/4 cup of reserved pineapple juice for added flavor.
- Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, mixing well to coat the pineapple evenly. This mixture thickens as it bakes, creating a luscious filling.
Transfer to the Baking Dish:
- Pour the pineapple mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out to ensure consistent baking.
Prepare the Topping:
- In another bowl, combine 1 sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Stir until the crackers are fully coated in the butter.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the pineapple filling. This topping adds a crunchy, savory layer that balances the sweetness.
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Cool Before Serving:
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 10% of Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 15% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% of Daily Value
- Iron: 4% of Daily Value