**Pineapple Casserole Recipe: A Sweet and Savoury Comfort Dish
The sweet, savory, and creamy combine to make an utterly divine pineapple casserole that will actually impress at any party. A dish best suited for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy dinner with the family, this brings together a mix of pineapple, cheese, and buttery crackers in nice textural contrast: crunchy on top, cheesy and soft inside. Let’s roll!
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (20 oz each) crushed pineapple, drained or 4 cups of fresh pineapple, chopped
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to your taste)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or any buttery cracker
- 1/2 cup melted butter divided into two portions
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract *optional, but recommended as it adds to the sweetness
Salt to taste optional-it enhances balance of flavors
How to Make Pineapple Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the casserole bakes well and that when it’s done, you have a nice golden-brown crust.
Step 2: Drain the Pineapple
If you are using canned pineapple, be sure and drain the pineapple THOROUGHLY. You don’t want extra water inside of your casserole, to make it soggy. If using fresh pineapple, go ahead and chop into small, bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, **1/2 cup of melted butter, and *2 large beaten eggs*. *Whisk together* till it gets smooth and well-combined. This is your base mixture, which is going to help bind the casserole and give it that rich texture.
**Step 4: Add Pineapple and Cheese
Fold in the drained or chopped pineapple into the wet ingredients, followed by adding 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The cheese will melt into the casserole while it’s baking, creating a gooey, savory layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Mix well until all the crackers are coated. This buttery cracker mixture will give a nice crunchy topping and add a satisfying textural dimension to the casserole.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly butter or spray with cooking spray a 9 x 9-inch or 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Place the pineapple and cheese mixture in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the casserole with the buttery cracker topping, sprinkling it to cover evenly. findViewById
#### Step 7: Bake the Pineapple Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. This is done when the top is golden brown and crispy, and it’s bubbly around the edges. The cheese is melted, and the cracker topping is a pretty golden color.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Bake it in the oven until done, then take the casserole out and let it be for about 5-10 minutes to just set slightly, hence cutting easily. Goes great as a side dish with ham, roast chicken, or pork and is also great as a standalone dish for brunch.
Tips for Perfect Pineapple Casserole:
Use Fresh Pineapple: Although canned pineapple works well, fresh pineapple lends the casserole an extra bright and natural sweetness. Using fresh pineapple requires you to cut the pieces small in order to blend well with the other ingredients.
Adjusting for Sweetness: You can add sugar according to your preference. For a sweeter casserole, you will add more sugar, and for a less sweet one, you will reduce the sugar.
Cheese Varieties: Although sharp cheddar cheese is traditionally the basis, you will notice options in the recipe like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar-mozzarella blend. These are different in flavor and texture, as they can add a rather mild or creamy taste to your casserole.
Add Some Crunch: You can also add in chopped pecans or walnuts in addition to the crackers to give a more textured topping. This adds that extra crunch with subtle nutty flavor that goes so well with the pineapple.
Do-Ahead Tip: This casserole may be prepared one day in advance. Assemble the casserole and cover tightly with either foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed below, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Serving Ideas for Pineapple Casserole:
- With Ham: Salty, savory ham combines incredibly well with sweet pineapple. That’s probably why pineapple casserole tends to be the go-to side dish during big holidays like Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.
- With Roast Chicken or Pork: This casserole will go well with a juicy roast chicken or pork in order to make a complete meal. The sweetness and creaminess in the casserole cut through the heaviness of the meat.
- As Brunch Standalone Dish: You can serve pineapple casserole itself as a comforting brunch dish with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a complete meal.
- For Potlucks and Family Gatherings: If you’re taking a dish to a potluck or a family gathering, pineapple casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s just familiar enough yet has a peculiar enough flavor combination to have folks going back for seconds!
Where to Buy Ingredients for Pineapple Casserole
You can find everything you might need for pineapple casserole at the grocery store. Normally, canned pineapple is displayed with other canned fruits, whereas fresh pineapples are placed with other products of this category. Ripe pineapple is what you want, if you’re using fresh fruit. In addition, you can find Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese in the snack and dairy sections of stores, correspondingly.
If you want more creative and delicious pineapple recipes, then go to FreshCookRecipes.com for more information. From succulent dessert delights to savory dishes using pineapple in a surprisingly different manner, this website has an amalgamation of recipes that are easy to learn yet creative.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Pineapple Casserole
Wherever the occasion, pineapple casserole plays an all-rounder: ease in preparation anytime. Be it festive and along with meals on holidays or as a savory treat at a family gathering-the instant favorite will be this one. Creamy cheesy goodness with a sweet pineapple filling and buttery, crispy topping makes every bite irresistible.
Give this pineapple casserole recipe a try for some sweet and savory flavors coming to your table. Simple, comforting, full of flavor-just about everything one could want in a great dish.
Below is the complete pineapple casserole recipe with detailed instructions perfect for any occasion. Please let me know if you need further adjustment!