Zesty Pineapple Cheese Casserole Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement over this unexpected pineapple cheese casserole recipe that blends sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Crispy crackers crown a luscious mixture of tangy pineapple chunks and melted cheddar cheese.

The dish brings an irresistible combination of textures that surprises even seasoned cooks.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this simple yet impressive side that complements grilled meats beautifully.

A staple at potlucks and family gatherings, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Creamy, crunchy, and utterly delicious, you’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing recipe again and again.

Prepare to fall in love with a side dish that steals the show at every meal.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, cheddar works best, but you can substitute with mild or sharp cheddar varieties for similar results.

• Is this a sweet or savory dish?

It’s a unique side dish that balances sweet and savory flavors, often served with ham or as a holiday side.

• What crackers work best for the topping?

Ritz crackers are traditional, but any buttery, crisp cracker like Club or Townhouse crackers will create a delicious crunchy topping.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate before baking, but add the cracker topping just before putting it in the oven to keep it crisp.

Pineapple Cheese Casserole Flavor Highlights

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This pineapple cheese casserole brings everyone together with its irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors that appeal to all ages.
• Breeze Through Preparation: With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, even novice cooks can create this delicious dish without feeling overwhelmed.
• Perfect Party Companion: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals, this casserole offers a unique twist that stands out from traditional side dishes.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for quick ingredient swaps or adjustments, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Pineapple Cheese Casserole

• Pineapple: A sweet and tangy tropical fruit that provides the primary flavor and moisture for the casserole.
• Cheese: A creamy and rich ingredient that adds depth and a savory component to the dish.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors of the casserole.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the mixture and provide structure to the dish.

• Crackers, Butter: Create a crunchy and golden-brown topping that adds texture and richness to the casserole.

• Pineapple Juice, Butter: Provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together while adding extra flavor.

Preparing Pineapple Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Take a casserole dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Pineapple Blend

In a mixing bowl, toss together your crumbly cheese, soft flour, and sweet sugar.

Gently fold in those juicy pineapple chunks after draining them thoroughly.

Step 3: Craft Crispy Cracker Topping

Grab your favorite crackers and crush them into delightful crumbs.

Melt some butter and drizzle it over the cracker pieces.

Add a splash of the reserved pineapple juice for extra flavor and mix until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 4: Layer Your Delicious Masterpiece

Pour the pineapple and cheese mixture into your prepared casserole dish.

Spread it out evenly to create a smooth base.

Then sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the entire surface, making sure to cover every inch.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown top that signals your casserole is ready to be devoured.

The edges should be bubbling and the cracker topping crisp and inviting.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Pineapple Casserole

• Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture, preventing a soggy casserole.
• Choose a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for deeper, more robust flavor that complements the sweet pineapple.
• Crush Ritz crackers coarsely for added texture and crunch, ensuring a golden, crispy topping.
• Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Enjoy warm as a side dish or cool as a unique dessert, perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Casserole Variations to Try

• Tropical Coconut Swap: Replace crackers with toasted coconut flakes and add shredded coconut to the cheese mixture for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free crackers or almond flour instead of regular flour, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly casserole.
• Savory Herb Variation: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary into the cheese mixture and use parmesan cheese for a more sophisticated, herbal profile.

Serving Pineapple Cheese Casserole

• Tropical Sidekick Delight: Serve alongside grilled ham or roasted chicken for a sweet and tangy complement that elevates the main course with bursts of pineapple flavor.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Perfect as a unique breakfast casserole when paired with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs, adding a surprising dessert-like twist to morning meals.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this dish to gatherings where guests love unexpected flavor combinations, as its creamy texture and crunchy topping will spark conversation and delight.
• Dessert Transformation: Scoop vanilla ice cream on top right after baking for a warm, gooey dessert that blends hot and cold textures in a mouthwatering way.

Storage Tips for Pineapple Cheese Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent odors from seeping in.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat entire casserole in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add fresh cracker topping if desired to restore crispness.

Pineapple Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets sweet-savory charm in this classic Pineapple Cheese Casserole that combines tropical fruit, cheddar, and buttery cracker crumbs. Rich, creamy layers promise a delightful side dish sure to become your family’s new favorite recipe companion.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 2 cans (20 ounces/567 grams each) pineapple chunks, drained
• 6 tablespoons pineapple juice (reserved)

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup crushed butter crackers

Finishing Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, blend sugar, flour, and grated cheese until evenly combined, then gently fold in well-drained pineapple chunks to create a smooth base mixture.
3. Prepare the cracker topping by crushing crackers into fine crumbs and mixing with melted butter and a splash of reserved pineapple juice to achieve a moist, cohesive texture.
4. Transfer the pineapple and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to ensure consistent flavor distribution.
5. Sprinkle the prepared cracker crumb mixture uniformly over the pineapple layer, creating a golden, crunchy topping that will provide textural contrast.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is perfectly cooked.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet pineapple for the best flavor and natural sweetness in the casserole.
• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the dish soggy and ensure a perfect texture.
• Try different cracker types like butter crackers or whole wheat for varied crunch and flavor profiles.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free crackers to make the dish accessible to more dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 356
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 348 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg