This Pineapple Casserole is a timeless, comforting dish that beautifully blends sweet and savory flavors. The tropical pineapple provides sweetness, while the sharp cheddar cheese adds a savory depth, creating a perfect balance. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, it offers a satisfying crunch. Whether you serve it as a side for a holiday meal, a potluck dish, or even a light dessert, this casserole is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
  • The pineapple chunks bring a fresh, tangy flavor to the casserole. Draining the pineapple removes excess moisture and prevents the casserole from becoming too soggy. Reserving some juice helps to maintain the pineapple flavor in the dish.
• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • The crushed pineapple adds extra moisture and helps to create a rich, cohesive base. It spreads out well throughout the casserole, ensuring every bite has a bit of pineapple.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • The sugar sweetens the casserole and balances the tartness of the pineapple. You can adjust this depending on how sweet you want the dish. For a more dessert-like version, feel free to add a bit more sugar.
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • The flour thickens the pineapple mixture, helping it hold together and ensuring the casserole has a nice, cohesive texture once baked. It prevents the filling from becoming too runny.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • The sharp cheddar cheese adds a delicious savory component to the dish. Its rich, tangy flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple. The cheese melts into the casserole, giving it a creamy, indulgent texture.
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 cup)
  • The Ritz crackers create a buttery, crunchy topping that complements the soft, cheesy filling. The buttery flavor of the crackers enhances the overall richness of the dish and adds a satisfying texture to every bite.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • The melted butter is combined with the crushed Ritz crackers to bind the topping together and give it that signature golden-brown color and crunchy texture. It adds a rich flavor to the cracker topping.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly once it’s assembled. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or another similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking. You could also use cooking spray or line the dish with parchment paper.
2. Combine Pineapple Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, and 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice. The juice will add moisture and intensify the pineapple flavor in the dish.
   • Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3 tbsp all-purpose flour to the bowl. Stir well until everything is fully combined and the flour has dissolved. The sugar helps to balance the tartness of the pineapple, and the flour will help thicken the mixture as it bakes.
3. Layer the Casserole:
   • Spread the pineapple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to smooth the surface so it bakes evenly.
   • Sprinkle the 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pineapple mixture. The cheese melts and becomes golden brown, giving the casserole a beautiful, savory layer.
4. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir until the crackers are completely coated with butter. This mixture creates a crispy, buttery topping that becomes wonderfully golden as it bakes.
5. Assemble and Bake:
   • Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker topping evenly over the cheese layer. Make sure the crackers cover the entire surface to ensure an even crust.
   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You want the topping to turn golden brown and the casserole to be bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s fully heated and ready to serve.
6. Serve:
   • Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to set and makes it easier to scoop out portions. Enjoy this dish warm as a comforting side or dessert.

Tips for Success:

• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to increase the sugar by 1 tablespoon. Pineapple can vary in sweetness depending on whether you use fresh or canned pineapple.
• For Extra Tropical Flavor: If you prefer using fresh pineapple, cut it into small pieces and ensure it’s properly drained. You might need to adjust the sugar, as fresh pineapple can sometimes be sweeter than canned.
• Make it Gluten-Free: You can substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this casserole.
• Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with ham, roasted chicken, or any holiday spread. It also makes a great addition to brunch or a potluck.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or microwave individual servings.

This Pineapple Casserole is an incredibly versatile dish that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious. The combination of tangy pineapple, creamy cheese, and a crunchy buttery topping makes it an irresistible dish that will quickly become a family favorite!