Description
Pineapple Casserole is a comforting side dish that perfectly balances the sweet tang of pineapple with a creamy filling and a crunchy, buttery cracker topping. Easy to prepare in just 5 simple steps, this versatile casserole is a crowd-pleaser for holiday meals, family dinners, and potlucks. Its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and satisfying crunch make it an irresistible addition to any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained well
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers or cheese crackers
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple Mixture: Drain the canned pineapple chunks thoroughly to remove excess juice. In a mixing bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, sour cream, granulated sugar, and the egg. Mix well to create the creamy, sweet base for the casserole.
- Add the Cheese: Fold the shredded cheddar cheese into the pineapple mixture evenly, so the cheese will melt and introduce a savory depth to balance the sweetness.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a casserole dish and pour in the pineapple and cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly to ensure balanced flavors in every portion.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pineapple base to form a golden, crunchy topping during baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Drain the pineapple chunks very well to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Use fresh crackers for a better, more even crunch in the topping.
- Butter is essential in the topping to achieve a rich, crispy finish.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking for easier slicing and serving.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your taste for a milder or stronger cheese flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: pineapple casserole, sweet and savory casserole, holiday side dish, creamy pineapple bake, cheesy casserole