Buy Now → Southern Pineapple Casserole
Southern pineapple casserole pairs juicy pineapple chunks with cheddar and brown sugar under a buttery Ritz topping with cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve warm alongside ham.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rest Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Units
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Pineapple Filling
- 2 cans (20 ounces each) pineapple chunks
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray, for the baking dish
Cracker Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 cup crumbs)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Set the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Drain the pineapple thoroughly, saving 2 tablespoons of the juice for the filling.
- Stir the cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a small bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Whisk the brown sugar and flour together in a large bowl, breaking apart any sugar clumps.
- Add the pineapple and reserved juice. Fold until no dry flour remains, then mix in the cheddar.
- Spoon the filling into the baking dish and level the surface. Distribute the cracker topping evenly over the filling.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. The filling should bubble around the edges, and the topping should be golden brown.
- Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
Substitutions: Well-drained canned pineapple tidbits can replace the chunks. Use mild cheddar for a softer cheese flavor or sharp cheddar for a more pronounced contrast. Light or dark brown sugar will work.
Cracker quantity: Sleeve sizes vary; measure about 1 cup of crumbs if needed.
Serving suggestions: Serve alongside baked ham, roast chicken, or pork tenderloin. Green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad round out the meal.
Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Use within 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Freezing: Cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The cracker topping will soften after freezing; reheat uncovered in the oven to help restore some crispness.
Total time is 45–50 minutes including a 5-minute rest.
Find it online: https://jennifercooks.com/southern-pineapple-casserole/