Description
Sweet Southern pineapple casserole blends creamy cheddar cheese with tropical fruit for an unexpected comfort dish. Crisp buttery cracker topping and sugary pineapple chunks create delicious harmony that welcomes you to savor each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
- 2 (20 oz/567 g) cans pineapple chunks, juice reserved
- 2 cups buttery crackers, roughly crushed (about 45 crackers or 1 ½ sleeves of Ritz)
- 1 stick (8 tbsps/113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 350°F (177°C), creating an ideal thermal environment for the casserole’s transformation.
- Liquid Fusion: Whisk pineapple juice with sugar and cornstarch until a smooth, lump-free liquid emerges, blending tropical essence with silky precision.
- Fruit Foundation: Spread pineapple chunks evenly in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, then gently drench with the sweetened juice mixture, ensuring complete fruit coverage.
- Crispy Topping Craft: Combine crushed crackers, grated cheese, and melted butter in a mixing bowl, working the ingredients into a rustic, textured blend that promises a golden crunch.
- Final Assembly and Baking: Generously crown the pineapple base with the cracker-cheese mixture, then transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a beautifully bronzed topping, melted cheese, and bubbling fruit edges.
- Serving Ritual: Allow the casserole a brief 5-minute cooling moment before presenting this warm, inviting delicacy to the table.
Notes
- Precise Pineapple Draining: Thoroughly drain canned pineapple to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole soggy, ensuring a perfect texture and consistency.
- Temperature Timing: Watch the casserole closely during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning of the cracker topping, maintaining a golden-brown perfection.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use a sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor impact, as it provides a tangy contrast to the sweet pineapple and creates a more complex taste profile.
- Serving Strategy: Let the casserole rest for exactly 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to set and the topping to crisp up, guaranteeing an ideal serving temperature and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg